TOPS in Lexington: May 2021

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MAY

VOL 15 NO. 5

50+ and Fabulous

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Must Read/Must Stream What’s New This Month?

Inspirations:

Enrique Gonzales

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Inspirations:

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Inspirations:

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Investing in Inclusivity Chenelle McGee Walk This Way! 10 Ways to be Unapologetically You! The Upside of an Empty Nest The Age of Unretirement 50+ and Fabulous!

Beauty:

Makeup by the Decade

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Fashion:

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Beauty:

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Ageless Dressing Don’t be a One-Trick Pony!

Fashion:

Men’s Spring Fashion

STAY CONNECTED

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Keep up with the Who’s Who, What’s New and What to Do by following us on social media, subscribing to our email newsletter and visiting our website!

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50+ and Fabulous

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Fashion:

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WOW Wedding:

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Wedding Insider:

116 130 138 142 147 152 156 162 164 174

Color Me Pretty The Mattinglys The Perfect Summer Wedding Venue Perfect Patios Tour of Homes:

C’est Manifique!

Tour of Homes:

Right-Sized Living Best Kept Secrets

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Decked Out Dining Gardening:

Let’s Get Vertical Dining: Seasonal Menu At Home DIY:

For the Mamas TOP of the Class Sports:

Women’s UK Volleyball

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Keep up with the Who’s Who, What’s New and What to Do by following us on social media, subscribing to our email newsletter and visiting our website!

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50+ and Fabulous 178 181

Local Summer Openings Local Spotlight:

Lexington VA

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Photos:

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Photos:

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Photos:

Out + About Noteables Keeneland Your Photos!

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TOP Shots

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Keep up with the Who’s Who, What’s New and What to Do by following us on social media, subscribing to our email newsletter and visiting our website!

Built on the South Broadway property, Lexington Clinic’s third home was completed in December 2020.

For 100 years, Lexington Clinic has been at the forefront of keeping your family healthy. Serving the Bluegrass region with more than 30 specialties, Lexington Clinic is here to offer you the best in personalized care for the next 100 years.

For more information or to schedule an appointment, call 859.258.4DOC (4362) or visit lexingtonclinic.com.

Lexington Clinic was originally located at Second and Upper Street in the Gratz Park District of Lexington, Kentucky in 1920.

Ground was broken for the seocnd home of Lexington Clinic on June 4, 1957.

In-Person and Telehealth Appointments Available

Your doctors for life.

TOPS TOPS 465 East High Street, Suite 201 Lexington, KY 40507 859.543.8677 100 Executive Park, Suite 101 Louisville, KY 40207 502.780.7825

JAYME JACKSON

KEITH YARBER Publisher keith@topsmarketing.com

FRAN ELSEN

Executive Vice President jayme@topsmarketing.com

Editor-in-Chief fran@topsmarketing.com

PICTURE THIS Book one of our talented photographers at topsinlex.com/book-a-photographer.php.

ADVERTISE TOP Marketing Group can get your message in front of Central Kentuckians everywhere through print, digital, email and social media.

Email us at advertising@topsinlex.com.

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Business Manager billing@topsmarketing.com

HALEY NORRIS Creative Director haley@topsmarketing.com

LETTER FROM THE PUBLISHER

KEITH YARBER

Hello again Dear Reader, It is so good to see you!

How great was it to hear “Call To The Post” at Keeneland? Those glorious, iconic sounds gave us a feeling that life is starting to get back to normal. It never sounded better!

We sent out our “TOPARAZZI” photographers to the races for the first time in a year. They captured the beauty of the spring in bloom, the excitement of world-class thoroughbreds and jockeys, and, of course, the splendor of spring fashions. All were spectacular.

And just for fun, mother nature gave us some snow! Crazy year, indeed.

How about the Women’s UK Volleyball team? First time to the big dance, and they win it all! Even those who don’t know much about the game became instant volleyball fans. After a year dealing with Covid-19, masks, and mandates, we needed this. Coach Skinner has built a powerhouse program that everyone can proudly get behind. It is a great story of determination, recruiting, skill, and putting together an elite team that beat the traditional powerhouse programs. I can’t wait till next year!

This month, we are spotlighting “50+ and Fabulous!” Many of us are in that 50+ demographic. We are working hard to hold on to our health and our youth.

You will meet some terrific examples of “How do they do that?”

Let’s face it- Getting older isn’t what it used to be just a few decades ago. It’s getting more challenging to guess someone’s age these days.

Need some inspiration? Here are some articles that may help. · Let’s Get Physical/Walk This Way to Good Health · 10 ways to be Unapologetically YOU · “Empty-Nesting” How do you do it with style · “Un-retirement.” · Makeup by the decade · Ageless dressing For even more inspiration, we are proud to feature local artist Enrique Gonzales, The Lexington Black Prosperity Initiative, and Shelby Co. Tourism CEO Chenelle McGee. Did someone say “Patios?” You’ll find some tempting local favorites to enjoy with your friends. Patios are back in a big way.

Our staff buzz is all about bringing back the highly popular social photos. We love to showcase the wonderful people and events of the Lexington area. It means that more and more events are starting to happen. When they do, you can bet the house that TOPS will be there bringing you the ‘Who’s Who. What’s New, and What To Do!”

r e b r a Y Keith

Until next month,

Editor’s Picks

Aahhh, May! Derby. Graduations. Weddings. Memorial Day. Mother’s Day. A month with the perfect temperatures; not too cold, not too hot (most of the time LOL!) We all begin to do more outdoors during this beautiful time of year. This month’s picks inspired me to celebrate all of the things we love from some local favorites. I hope you enjoy them as well!

Fran Elsen, Editor-in-Chief of TOPS

For Your Beach Day Necessities: Lilly Pulitzer Beach Day Pouch. Available at Peppermint Palm in Lexington. peppermintpalm.net

For Your Sweet Tooth: Locally Made Cookies from Insomnia Cookies. Available at Insomnia Cookies in Lexington. insomniacookies.com

For Your Summer Fashion: Island Cowrie Handmade Necklace. Available from Lee Milward Designs in Lexington. leemilwarddesigns.com

May 2021 | TOPSinLex.com

For Your Entertaining: Artisan Hostess Serving Trays. Available at Violets Boutique in Lexington. violetsboutiquelex.com

For Your Reading Pleasure: The Star Crossed Sisters of Tuscany.

Available Now Wherever You Buy Your Books or Audio.

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m la G en d ar G ry ia p A : er ov On the C

photo by Christopher Michael Images | gowns courtesy of Miss Priss and Bella Rose | special thanks to Apiary and Norwalk Furniture & Design

Dawn Walters

Debbie Jones

Dawn Walters is the Head Coach of the University of Kentucky Dance Team. She came to our shoot the day before Nationals, where they brought home 2nd in the nation for Div. 1A Hip Hop and Div. 1A Game Day! As thanks for being a part of our cover shoot, we gave Dawn a page to feature Bluegrass Care Navigators in this issue, a cause which is near and dear to her heart.

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Debbie Jones is a staple of the Lexington notfor-profit sector, supporting and championing several causes in the central Kentucky area.

One that she is very involved with is the New Life Day Center. Debbie chose to feature this organization to help raise awareness of the work it is doing in our city.

You may see Debbie around town with her husband, Larry, as they are avid foodies!

TOPS in Lexington | May 2021

Local News:

What’s New This Month?

TOPS Calendar? Hurray!!

INSPIRATIONS: We’re thrilled to announce that the TOPSinLex.com event calendar is coming back (because there are finally events to show you!) But to get it launched, we need your help: if you are hosting a large event that the community is invited to attend, please submit it: topsinlex.com/submit-event.php And remember that you can request a photographer for your event online anytime: topsinlex.com/book-a-photographer.php

Railbird Rides Again!

It seems like everyone has been holding their breath to hear if festival season will be kicking off again in 2021. With the announcement of Railbird’s lineup, there’s no doubt that music is officially coming out of quarantine!

Railbird will be held on The Grounds at Keeneland Saturday, August 28th and Sunday, August 29th. Tickets are on sale now.

Saturday’s headliners are My Morning Jacket and Leon Bridges with supporting acts like Billy Strings and Joy Oldaokun. Sunday features are Dave Matthews Band and Jason Isbell and the 400 Unit. Concert-goers can also see The Revivalists, Tanya Tucker, Zach Bryan and more.

But Railbird is more than just incredible music. The Rickhouse curated Bouron experience brings the flavor of Kentucky to this two-day event. An incredible lineup of chefs will offer upclose-and-personal culinary experiences. Local chefs include Jeremy Ashby, Cole Arimes, Ouita Michel, Samantha Fore and Kristin Smith.

From simulcast betting to activities for kids, Railbird offers something wonderful for just about everyone!

Martha Stewart stopped by BurgerFi in Lexington after an AppHarvest board meeting in Louisville. She enjoyed it so much, she Instagrammed her burger and onion rings!

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TOPS in Lexington | May 2021

Have a PICNIC

WITH GOATS

Food News Mi Pequeña Hacienda New food truck

Crumbl Cookies Hamburg

Rooster’s Wings and More Coming Soon: 2640 Richmond Road

El Cid Moved to: 701 National Avenue

Rosemont Station Coming Soon: 222 Rosemont Garden

Buzzed Bull Creamery Opening in The Summit this spring

Lean Feast Now Open: Ruccio Way

Texas Roadhouse Opening in Georgetown this spring

Cattywampus Station Now Open: Lexington Green

And lots new to eat and see in the Julietta Market!

Enjoy a privite picnic minutes from downtown Lexington catered by Lexington’s top restaurants.

Great spot for private gathering for girls lunch, family get togethers, or group dinners.

Highly rated on TripAdvisor®!

TOP Events Are Happening!

The TOPparazzi are so excited to get back out and snap your smiling faces! If you see a TOPS photographer, feel free to ask them to take your photo, then be sure to look for it on TOPSinLex.com (or just browse the galleries to see who was out and about!)

Outdoor Gatherings Birthday Parties Photo Shoots Mention this ad for a SPECIAL DISCOUNT Call today to schedule your Goat Picnic! www.PicnicwithGoats.com 859.559.1409

May 2021 | TOPSinLex.com

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Nonprofit Spotlight: New Life Day Center In exchange for graiously appearing on the cover of this month’s issue, we offered each of our cover girls the opportunity to highlight a nonprofit that is close to their hearts. Debbie Jones chose to highlight this incredible Lexington organization.

On any typical day at Lexington’s New Life Day Center (NLDC), upwards of 100 homeless who formerly walked the streets and loitered in public facilities, take the opportunity to be out of the weather and off the street in this place of peaceful refuge. There is no other regular source for breakfast for homeless in the Lexington area, so each day the team serves fruit and pastries, preventing most homeless from going hungry in the mornings. Once inside the facility, homeless clients are guided towards pursuits that can lead to a more constructive life. Their priority goal is to be a “connecting point” to jobs and housing that enables them to get permanently off the street. NLDC has helped over 600 homeless into housing and jobs since opening in 2011.

In the last 36 months, they have helped over 315 homeless from the streets into permanent housing using a highly successful program that provides free rent deposit assistance (RDA) to homeless who have verifiable income, but cannot afford to front the initial rent deposit typically required by landlords. Over 75% of those housed have not relapsed back to the street. The program has led several

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homeless to find and keep full time employment so that they would qualify for the deposit grant.

In 2016 New Life Day Center led the campaign for the City to reduce panhandling on the streets of Lexington. By providing them jobs, panhandlers on our streets have been reduced by over 80%. NLDC’s goal is to connect homeless panhandlers with other services that can help them move beyond these starter jobs and become permanently employed.

To help address spiritual needs, they hold two regular weekly Worship Services on-site for homeless clients. On average 20 homeless clients attend a free NLDC Medical Clinic on site twice weekly with physicians, nurses, and mental health professionals providing free diagnostics, preventive type treatment, and medications. Their total client base (5,500 registered since 2011), now have access to preventative type care rather than crises care as was the norm in years past.

New Life Day Center is committed to continually evolving its programs through continuous improvement to work in partnership with the Lexington community to improve living conditions for homeless citizens at the “bottom of the pile.” Please visit their website at newlifedaycenter.org to learn more or to donate.

TOPS in Lexington | May 2021

FROM JUNGLE TO BLUE GRASS

Enrique Gonzalez

PAINTS HIS INSPIRATIONS

by Peter Chawaga photos courtesy Enrique Gonzalez Inspiration is the genesis of every great creation. This is clear in the work of Lexington-based painter Enrique Gonzalez — whose modern impressionistic style elevates and accentuates Blue Grass subjects like racehorses and bourbon, as well as landscapes both local and exotic — but it’s also an axiom he wants us all to keep in mind.

“I would encourage people to follow what makes them feel creative,” Gonzalez told TOPS. “Connect more to more art and look around and see art everywhere — even when you look down the street, see it creatively. Focus on and pay attention to what makes you happy. Be original, don’t try to copy someone else. Pay attention to what speaks to you and work on it every day.”

Gonzalez knows a thing or two about finding art anywhere and everywhere.

He first discovered artistic inspiration in his hometown within Venezuela’s Amazon rainforest, where members of his large family all found ways to express themselves creatively.

“When I was a child, I knew I would paint and do art and music,” Gonzalez recalled.

“In my house, I had five brothers and five sisters. Everyone played music and everyone did something artistic. Even my mother sings opera. I figured out that I wanted to be an artist.”

He went on to study art and music in a larger city there, then began painting in Puerto Rico, then came to Miami and then, finally, settled in Lexington. At first, the language barrier and cultural differences in the U.S. were a challenge, Gonzalez explained, but he has found remarkable success in applying his jungle-derived sense of nature, color and light to the subjects that inspire him here.

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TOPS in Lexington | May 2021

“When I came here, I focused on exactly what I saw, because it’s much different than in the jungle,” Gonzalez said. “I saw the birds of Kentucky, the horses of Kentucky, the trees… My style is different, I bring the jungle and vibrant colors to the horses and landscapes. I think people like the colors and texture I put together with the Kentucky things.”

Gonzalez’s series of equine paintings, which often capture horses mid-race, are perfect examples of how his unique style meshes with the subjects that inspire him today. The jockey uniforms and horse hoods merge with the impressions of the crowd behind them, the skies and natural surroundings teeming with life and color, the horses appearing to race among themselves at top speed.

But Gonzalez is so moved by his daily inspirations that painting alone is not his only outlet for expression. He’s also the lead singer of the tropical jazz band Big Maracas, which plays in local venues around Lexington. It’s yet another artform that lets him translate his appreciation for nature (and some more materialistic inspirations) into joy for other people.

“When I first came here, I focused on exactly what I saw, because it’s much different than in the jungle...

I bring the jungle and vibrant colors to the horses and landscapes.”

“What inspires me every day is the moon, and the sun and the money,” he said. “I write songs every morning about the sun and its colors and every night about the colors of the moon. Maybe I will do this for the rest of my life.”

As an artist who can’t help but find inspiration no matter where he is, it was probably never a question if Lexington would inspire Gonzalez to create, but how it would do so.

On the whole, his paintings, music and creative life show that it has inspired him to see art everywhere.

May 2021 | TOPSinLex.com

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INVESTING IN INCLUSIVITY

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TOPS in Lexington | May 2021

by Donna Ison | photo (left) of Dr. Tiffany Daniels and Lisa Higgin-Hord by Shaun Ring | photo (below) of Stephen Overstreet by Honeysage Photo Co. On a sunny afternoon in 2013, after recently moving back to the West End, Stephen Overstreet took his daughter to Douglas Park.

He wondered why, on such a beautiful day, there weren’t more children playing. Upon discovering a shootout occurred in that same park just 24 hours later, he had his answer. Overstreet said, “My first thought was to get my family out of the neighborhood for their safety, then I thought about all the other kids and parents who did not have the option to up and move. That is when I decided to do something and that something was Our Park.”

Since founding Our Park, Overstreet has organized more than 100 events to transform the space, which was once a hub for drug activity and violence, into a place that the neighborhood can come together and enjoy.

For this work, Overstreet was among those awarded the Grassroots Black Leadership Award by the Lexington Black Prosperity Initiative. The Lexington Black Prosperity Initiative was created through the Blue Grass Community Foundation (BGCF) to advance racial equity and address anti-black racism within the Bluegrass through tangible actions and sustainable programming. At the helm of the Initiative committee are Co-Chairs Dr. Tiffany Daniels and Lisa Higgins-Hord.

According to the co-chairs, “The Grassroots Black Leadership Awards recognized individuals who are on the frontlines leading the work of addressing racial equity, disparities in the black community, and social justice across Lexington—but are doing so quietly and, most importantly, effectively. These unsung heroes matched their skillsets and passion with the challenges that oftentimes plagued our community.”

The Grassroots Black Leadership Award recipients received an unrestricted $2500 cash award to be used at their discretion.

Of the honor, Overstreet says, “All I ever wanted to do was help my community be better, and I never looked to receive credit, acclaim, or even recognition for it. The most rewarding thing is the current condition and safety of Douglass Park, but I will say being recognized by others outside the Westend and my community has made me more motivated and honestly feels wonderful.”

Through the leadership award and other initiatives, the Lexington Black Prosperity Initiative is bringing awareness to the most pressing issues within the community affecting black people and then funding innovative ideas to address those issues. The charitable fund has two components: one allowing donors to support immediate needs coupled with a permanent endowment that provide resources in perpetuity. According to the co-chairs, “With the generous donations we have thus far, we have created two funding sources: an endowment to assist the community in funding opportunities for the long term and also a non-endowed

fund to access funding for our current expenditures. We invite Lexingtonians to co-invest with us as we continue our goal of creating a healthy, financially viable, inclusive, and culturally diverse community.”

Both Daniels and Higgins-Hord relish their roles. Daniels said, “We are creating a footprint within the African American community that will benefit future generations. I am humbled that Blue Grass Community Foundation has placed its trust in me as a leader and co-chair with this initiative.”

Daniels is the owner/operator of Chiropractic Care of Lexington.

Professionally, she is a member of the Kentucky Chiropractic Society and the American Black Chiropractic Association. The South Carolina native is also immersed in many community organizations, including the Lexington Chamber of Commerce, United Way-Women United Council, Blue Grass Community Foundation, and Bluegrass Women’s Empowerment Network, where she functions as director.

On her involvement with the initiative, Higgins-Hord stated, “It’s an honor to be a founding member of the equity fund created by the Blue Grass Community Foundation.

The funds main focus is fixed on uplifting black families, and I am proud to be a cocreator of this sustainable effort.”

Higgins-Hord is currently serving as both the assistant vice president for community engagement for the University of Kentucky and as the strategic implementation coordinator for the city of Lexington. A former councilwoman for District 6, Higgins-Hord currently acts as Chair of the Carnegie Center for Literacy and Learning and sits on the boards of Bank of the Bluegrass & Trust Board and Town Branch Project (Town Branch Partner).

The co-chairs came together to answer how we could better understand racial equity: “Racial Equity is the condition achieved if racial identity no longer predicted how a person fares. In other words, a belief that all people, cultures, and identities are equally valued and recognized under the belief that strength comes through the diversity and expression of our shared humanity.”

They added, “To become more equitable Lexington Black Prosperity Initiative will do its part investing in programs and individuals that directly impact the needs of our community. It is our hope this will help enhance the quality of life of Lexingtonians, connecting us all to a healthier, more prosperous, and more fulfilling life, which is the balance we seek.”

To contribute to the Lexington Black Prosperity Initiative, visit bgcf.org/racialequity or call the Community Foundation at 859.225.3343.

The Lexington Black Prosperity Initiative provides funding to provide relevant solutions to current and future issues within our community which affect Black Lexingtonians.

May 2021 | TOPSinLex.com

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Taking Tourism to a New Level As the head of ShelbyKY Tourism, Chenelle McGee is welcoming the world to see all Shelby County has to offer.

by Donna Ison | photos courtesy of ShelbyKY Tourism Commission Less than an hour from Lexington, in Shelby County, you can find a slew of sites, shopping, and activities, all set against a beautiful, bucolic background. The county seat, Shelbyville, has a delightful downtown brimming with antique shops, coffee house, and boutiques just waiting to be browsed. Known as the “Saddlebred Capital of the World,” visitors can also explore the equestrian landscape. The county boasts two wineries, two distilleries, Guist Creek Lake and Marina, and the Outlet Shoppes of the Bluegrass in Simpsonville. With all these offerings, anyone can see why taking a trip up I-64 to sojourn in Shelby would be worthwhile.

But no one is more enthusiastic about the area than ShelbyKY Tourism CEO and president Chenelle McGee. In her new role, McGee is making certain folks, far and wide, become aware of Shelby County’s many fabulous features. McGee stated, “We might be a little biased, but we believe the most beautiful places and hidden gems are found right here in Shelby County. As you travel the backroads, you can experience the passing of the seasons as they paint the lands with spring flowers, autumn leaves, snowy winter scenery, and lush summers. Bourbon lovers can’t miss our truly distinct hands-on experiences at Bulleit or Jeptha Creed distilleries. Historians will be taken back by our U.S. Civil Rights trail stop and heritage sightseeing destinations.”

McGee’s path to ShelbyKY Tourism has been an intriguing one.

After graduating from The Art Institute of California, McGee forwent the traditional path of agency life and instead became an Intel Analyst with the United State Marine Corps. McGee served from 2008 to 2012, with day-to-day duties that included the interpretation and dissemination of information for forward operating units. One of the highlights of her military career was designing the patch her unit deployed under for many years.

Of her time in the USMC, she said, “The military, although uncomfortable at times, helps build resiliency. Failure, delays and hardships are not only expected, but deliberate in certain training situations. The ability to recover quickly from these situations gives us strength in all areas of our lives and the drive to embrace new experiences.”

After four years of service, she suffered a training accident that left her “medically separated” and soon after joined ShelbyKY Tourism Convention and Visitors Bureau as part of the marketing communications team. The position provided McGee a “new challenge to present analytical-based, visually appealing, and impact-conscious designs.”

Since stepping into the role of president and CEO last year, McGee has had the opportunity to focus more attention on partnerships, data, and innovation to assist with the economic growth and recovery of the community in the current COVID world. McGee explained, “I am responsible for the promotion of ShelbyKY as a destination for travel through sales missions, promotional campaigns, and evaluating how the previously mentioned strategies generate economic impact within our community. With the opening of the Shelbyville Conference and Welcome Center this summer, I have the pleasure of introducing a larger segment of business, leisure, and sports travelers to our community.”

Of her new position, McGee added, “There is never a dull moment and no caffeinated-infused day is ever the same. From strategizing and implementing marketing to jumping over culverts in order to get the perfect shot of horses meandering in the fields.”

Aside from her role as CEO, McGee is most passionate about bourbon. According to McGee, “Bourbon tourism is woven in the fabric of every Kentucky destination whether they have a distillery or not. We drink, eat, craft and even wear bourbon!”

McGee is a founding member of the Kentucky Black Bourbon Guild (KBBG) and holds the title of executive bourbon steward, which requires completion of a comprehensive program designed for industry professionals and bourbon enthusiasts. “I am enthusiastic about developing multicultural bourbon tourism in Kentucky and educational resources in order to build diverse relationships with distilleries both large and small,” McGee said.

Building relationships is at the core of McGee’s future plans for Shelby County. “As we plan for the coming years, it is my intention to focus more attention on partnerships, data, and innovation,” McGee stated, “One way we are looking to pursue this strategy is through our Community-Based Committees which will participate in the development of ShelbyKY. The committees are intentionally diverse and bring together a vast array of industries, ages, races, and experience.”

On why people around the state—and beyond—should hop in the car and head to Shelby County, McGee said, “There are so many benefits associated with taking the time to explore beyond your own backyard. Our unique tours, sculpture walk, shopping experiences, and dining scene provide guests a chance to take a break from mindless scrolling, to discover an off the beaten trail vacation spot.”

May 2021 | TOPSinLex.com

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Walk This Way! Taking Steps Towards Good Health

Fitness experts and doctors alike have been touting the many benefits of walking for years. As an avid walker myself, there is much more to this mood-boosting exercise than even I was aware of. According to leading health organizations, including the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM), adults need at least 2 ½ hours or 150 minutes per week of aerobic physical activity.

This activity should be at a moderate level, such as a fast-paced walk. Only 53% of Americans meet this physical activity guideline.

Fortunately, walking is a free and fun way to get there!

Evidence suggests that walking for exercise provides tangible benefits for many people. While running is often believed to be more effective than walking for weight loss, the following health benefits offer a strong incentive to make walking a part of your weekly exercise routine.

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by Fran Elsen

Improved Cardiovascular Health The American Heart Association suggests that a walking program is a smart starting point to improve heart health. A research review published in Current Opinions in Cardiology found that walking can play an important role in the primary and secondary prevention of cardiovascular disease in younger, middle, and older people. A scientific session from the American College of Cardiology suggests that walking for at least 40 minutes several times a week at an average to fast pace is associated with a near 25% drop in the risk of heart failure among postmenopausal women.

Better Bone Health Since walking is considered a “weight-bearing” exercise, it forces you to work against gravity while providing a good level of resistance for your bones. It may also slow the progression

TOPS in Lexington | May 2021

of bone loss. There have been many studies evaluating the effectiveness of walking on people with osteoporosis, and while this exercise alone doesn’t appear to improve bone mass, it has been found that walking does limit progressive loss.

According to the Arthritis Foundation, walking is especially helpful if you are overweight or living with arthritis.

Decreased Blood Pressure One way that walking may help to reduce cardiovascular disease risk is that it may also have a positive effect on blood pressure. We all know that high blood pressure is one of several risk factors that can increase one’s chances of developing heart disease, so walk to help lower that blood pressure!

Reduced Risk for Type 2 Diabetes A joint statement from the ACSM and the American Diabetes Association states that studies indicate moderate exercise such as brisk walking reduces the risk of Type 2 diabetes. Walking for at least 30 minutes per day reduced this risk by approximately 50%.

Increased Longevity Who doesn’t want to live longer? Some studies have linked regular walking programs to longevity, but it gets tricky when you have to eliminate lifestyle factors. If you choose to walk outdoors, as I do, you might also gain mental benefits. Being outside is considered restorative by mental health experts because it may help you reduce stress, replenish mental fatigue, improve your mood, boost selfesteem, and elevate your perceived health.

Getting There There are all kinds of gadgets, pedometers, and smartwatches on the market that can easily track the number of calories you burn while walking.

Estimates are based on your weight and the duration and intensity of the walk.

As with any exercise program, you should always check with your physician to ensure your walking plan is the right one for you. Speaking from experience, I can honestly say that walking, either solo or with friends (or my pooch!) has been something I have truly enjoyed, especially these last 12 months of crazy times with the pandemic restrictions.

Whether you enjoy it for the scenery, the conversation, the fresh outdoor air, or that feeling of doing something “good” for yourself, just do it and reap the health benefits along the way. It’s free and something almost all of us can take advantage of at any time!

Tips to Fit in Walking: Morning, Noon and Night from the American Heart Association Like to move as soon as your feet hit the floor?

Before you go to bed, get your walking clothes and shoes ready so it’s easy to put them on quickly and head out the door.

Eat a piece of fruit or a few spoonfuls of yogurt for a quick fuel-up.

Walking to your favorite jams may help get you moving. Just make sure you can still hear traffic.

If it’s still dark, wear reflective clothing or carry a light.

Be sure to stretch a bit at the end of your walk. Watch a morning news show or check your email while stretching.

Is lunchtime the only break in your busy day?

Schedule your lunchtime walk in your work calendar. Think of it as an important appointment.

Keep everything you need for walking at work. This way you won’t find yourself saying “I forgot my shoes. I can’t go.”

Recruit some coworkers to join you. You can keep each other on track.

Depending on your walking pace, the weather and how much you sweat, you may be able to wear your work clothes and just put on athletic shoes.

Or you may prefer to change into a t-shirt.

In cooler weather, you might need a jacket, hat or gloves. If you’re walking briskly, you’ll heat up in a few minutes, so don’t overdress.

Bring your lunch or pick a route where you can grab a quick healthy meal at the end of your walk.

Is working out after work your idea of happy hour?

Have a light snack about an hour or two before you leave so you don’t experience an energy dip and talk yourself out of walking. Try yogurt, a handful of almonds or a piece of fruit.

Pick a route without heavy traffic because rush hour can increase air pollutants.

Do some shoulder rolls and other warm-ups to release the stress of the day before heading out.

If it’s already dark, wear reflective clothing or carry a light.

For more heart-healthy tips like these, visit heart.org

May 2021 | TOPSinLex.com

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ways YOU! to be unapologetically You don’t need a red hat to wear with your purple pantsuit, and you don’t have to wait until you’re old (whatever that means). You can start living your unvarnished, no-sorrygiven truth right now. We’ve collected advice, ideas and tips for being your authentic, out-loud self right NOW. Please, use it responsibly.

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TOPS in Lexington | May 2021

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Listen to Betty White.

On manners: “I just make it my business to get along with people so I can have fun.

It’s that simple.”

On getting older: “It’s not a surprise, we knew it was coming—make the most of it.

So you may not be as fast on your feet, and the image in your mirror may be a little disappointing, but if you are still functioning and not in pain, gratitude should be the name of the game.”

On fitness: “I’m a health nut. My favorite food is hot dogs with French fries. And my exercise: I have a two-story house and a very bad memory, so I’m up and down those stairs.”

On making it count: “Everybody needs a passion. That’s what keeps life interesting.

If you live without passion, you can go though life without leaving any footprints.”

Etsy: drunkgirldesigns

On not giving a hoot: “I may be a senior, but so what? I’m still hot.”

Hats!

When did we all just stop wearing hats? They’re a fun fashion accessory that can take an outfit from basic to bold in two seconds flat. A leopard print beret, a red velvet fedora, an adorable straw boater hat… whatever you add to your wardrobe, it will surely cause people around you to stand up and take notice.

A little shy about committing to the hat life right out of the gate?

Padded headbands are very on-trend at the moment, and they’re a great stepping stone toward becoming a full-fledged hat person.

Stop Waiting This may sound like a “duh,” but your one, real, incredible life is happening RIGHT NOW.

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Of course you know that, but are you living like it? Ask yourself this question: how many things in your life are you waiting for “someday” to fully enjoy or start doing?

You probably have a set of “special” dishes, like wedding china or something you inherited. You’re waiting to pull them out of the cupboard for a dinner party, for an occasion, for a particular right moment in the universe that seems to call for the good plates. How much more joy could you get if you drank your morning coffee out of those dainty little cups, or ate your dessert on those darling plates?

How much more fun would you have if you stopped worrying about breaking the dishes and started actually using them?

There are so many things in our lives that we’re saving for a special occasion, a special spot, a special friend. But what if we looked at every day as a special occasion? What if we started celebrating everything as the unique, wonderful, one-of-a-kind person, place, thing or moment that it is?

May 2021 | TOPSinLex.com

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4

Sieze the GRAY! More and more people are choosing to embrace their hair exactly as it is, and that includes their gray.

After a certain age, it’s the lie that we’re all shelling out cash every other week to maintain. We’re not dissing hair dye – trust us, we’re fans – but if you’re already tired of the upkeep, why not let your inner silver fox out? You’ve earned every strand of your silver crown, so wear it with pride!

Need some inspiration? Check out the Instagram account @grombre!

Make a Statement

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We love big ol’ jewelry and bags. There’s magic in giant accessories; add ‘em to even the most basic outfit and suddenly you’re a conversation starter.

Think huge hoops, bold necklaces, bright purses, intricate cufflinks, larger-than-life rings.

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TOPS in Lexington | May 2021

May 2021 | TOPSinLex.com

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Even if – no, especially if – it’s “not your color.” Yellow is an incredibly joyful, mood-lifting hue. No one will doubt that you’re compltely committed to living your best life if you’re hitting the streets in an ensemble that features gold, mustard, dandelion or buttery yellow! If you truly believe you can’t pull it off, wear your yellow further from your face.

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TOPS in Lexington | May 2021

Wear Red Lipstick

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Yeah, it’s daunting. Do it anyway. Find the shade that fits you and wear it everywhere. Daytime, nighttime, anytime.

Universal: Maybelline New York Color Sensational Made for All Lipstick in Ruby for Me ($6) Fair: Chanel Rouge Allure Luminous Intense Lip Colour in Pirate ($38) Medium: Fenty Beauty Mattemoiselle Plush Matte Lipstick in Ma’Damn ($18)

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Deep: HUDA Beauty Power Bullet in Promotion Day ($25)

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Make Mistakes

The only thing I “ regret about my

past is the length of it. If I had to live my life again I’d make all the same mistakes – only sooner.

Date Yourself You deserve a night out on the town.

Why wait for someone special to pick up the phone? Take yourself out on a date!

Grab a table for one at a romantic restaurant, and eat lavishly. Enjoy live music without worrying about keeping up a conversation. Park yourself at the bar and people-watch.

“

- 1930s film star Tallulah Bankhead

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Mix Your Prints!

If you’ve lived in fear of “clashing” patterns, it’s time to let your inner maximalist roar! If you’ve ever picked up a copy of Vogue, you know mixed prints can be incredibly chic. Don’t worry: there are tried and true tips to help you steer clear of Clown School.

• Smaller, less high-contrast prints can effectively work as a “neutral” in your outfit: for instance, pinstripes, small polka dots and herringbone are so subtle, they can easily pair with a different pattern.

• Embrace the power of a monochrome, multi-print look.

• When combining mixed patterns, always have a solid piece to anchor the outfit, like a basic blazer or cardigan.

May 2021 | TOPSinLex.com

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THE UPSIDE of an EMPTY NEST

by Hallie Lee

DENIAL

ACCEPTANCE

It will be just like sending her off to Kindergarten: I’ll survive.

I’d survive. That’s what I’d do.

I remember my tiny, long-haired little girl prancing toward the school bus, looking unfazed as she lugged her absurdly large bookbag behind her. She didn’t even turn around to wave goodbye. I, on the other hand, fought the pressure behind my eyes and wondered how I’d ever get through the day. ‘Well,’ I eventually consoled myself, ‘at least she’s not driving yet.’

Naturally, my only child wanted to go to Baylor University, a school over 600 miles away. Soon we were shopping for bed sheets, towels, and scoping out bikes. She’d need a bike capable of zipping her from one end of the campus to the other. I pushed back the vision of the horrors that could occur from one end of the campus to the other. Added a helmet to my shopping list.

Fast forward ten years later, and all those dreaded pangs of separation carved through me again. I watched as she drove down the driveway, this time accompanied by the heavy bass beats of some group I couldn’t even pronounce. ‘Just another stage,’ I thought, ‘I’ll survive.’

The summer before she left was the Rubicon between the past and the future. This clash of concepts was no more evident than when she ditched her long, trademark locks and chose instead a no-nonsense pixie cut to begin her college journey.

On and on it went, each stage mollified only by the unbearable notion of the next. But during her high school years, life seemed to pick up speed. When graduation rolled around, all those stages behind me seemed silly in the face of this one. This was the big one. The precipice upon which she launched her adult life, and I… what exactly? What would I do?

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When we arrived, the future greeted us in the form of fresh-faced college kids wearing green Baylor T-shirts. Before my husband could even put the truck into park, the cheerful welcomers unloaded her boxes and steered our little girl toward her dorm.

The morning we left for home, we decked ourselves out in our Baylor Mom and Dad T-shirts and exchanged teary goodbyes.

After a few pictures, our daughter hugged us and walked away.

TOPS in Lexington | May 2021

Just like Kindergarten, she didn’t turn around, but I saw her falter. I recognized the slight hitch in her step, followed by the correction in her footing. It was in the correction that I understood the extent of her strength.

Despite the powerful, almost visceral, sense of letting go — of leaving something precious behind — my heart grew lighter.

Somewhere between Baylor University and home, I realized that not only had I survived, but I was looking forward to this new stage in life.

THE UPSIDES It may seem impossible that there could even be a silver lining in an empty nest. While one chapter of your life is coming to a close, that means the next chapter is just beginning. Look at this time as a blank canvas for you to color the life you want to lead.

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Space for Hobbies - You likely have found yourself with unoccupied rooms in your home. Repurpose them as studios for the hobbies you always meant to explore.

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More Time for Friends - You’ll be able to connect more with your neighbors, friends and extended family. Many empty-nesters find themselves entertaining more than ever before.

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I was golden when I started to dance. You’ll find you dance a lot more when you don’t have an eye-rolling, judgmental millennial in the audience. God bless ‘em.

Less Input - With fewer voices weighing in on every choice, you’ll feel more free to make bold choices.

With no teens to roll their eyes, no picky eaters nixing gourmet eats, nobody groaning when you flip on the radio... you might find that you enjoy having things you way once in a while!

•

For me, the act of reclaiming my house was invigorating.

Cooking became fun again. Oh, the joy of serving up garlic herb lamb chops and roasted Brussel sprouts without complaint!

New Traditions - While you may find yourself mourning old traditions, you will have the opportunity to build new ones.

•

Another positive? Rest came easier. Apparently, dozing with one ear keyed for the late-night return of your teenager isn’t conducive to a good night’s sleep. Go figure.

Spontaneity - Day trips, vacations, get-togethers and date nights will require less planning. You’ll be free to pick up and go!

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Love - You will find that this is a new chapter in your romantic life, no matter if you’re married or single.

If you have a committed partner, this may be a fresh start in your connection. Even if you’re not looking for romance, you’ll find yourself open to deeper love among your friends.

THE UPSIDE This new stage in MY life.

The steady hum of the air conditioner replaced the garbled music that previously echoed throughout the house. I marveled at the silence, knowing I was adjusting when I dug up my Eagles Greatest Hits album and cranked it up. Then sang along.

Amazingly, within months, my husband and I became more spontaneous. We were accepting dinner invitations and going to concerts, like in the beginning, before a long-haired, prancing little girl consumed our time, thoughts, and energy.

The sensation was strange. We felt almost… guilty.

But then we got over it. More and more, we delighted in our daughter’s independence and embraced our own newfound freedom.

Inspired by the purchase of our daughter’s bike, we did something radical: we invested in our own. The grown-up fancy kind with gears and all. Armed with helmets, trendy water bottles, and a newfound appreciation for why bikers wear rearend padding, we launched our empty-nesting biking venture.

While the old saying about “never forgetting how to ride a bike” proved true for my husband, I found the mechanics of remembering a little more difficult. Especially the part about stopping — a shame I didn’t think of that before taking off.

There are several old cycling adages that can be applied to life, including some pretty poignant ones in the context of empty nesting. For example, Albert Einstein said, “Life is like riding a bicycle. In order to keep your balance, you have to keep moving.” Cartoonist Charles Schulz said, “Life is like a tenspeed bicycle. Most of us have gears we never use.”

It turns out, as much as I feared my daughter leaving the nest, I found it profoundly liberating. I rediscovered the importance of balance. I found some new gears.

And even better, I got to dance!

TIPS Becoming an empty-nester can be a daunting prospect.

Here are some ways to ease the transition.

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Paint - Painting rooms of your home is a surefire way to breathe a sense of renewal into your spaces.

It will signal a fresh start and help you think of new purposes for each room.

•

Plan Your Days - If you have found yourself without a regular routine, build one.

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Join a Class - As part of building a routine, join a class that will teach you something new, hold you accountable to a new activity and will afford you opportunities to socialize with new people.

•

Journal - Writing out your feelings can be beneficial to your mental health.

•

Ask for Help - If you’re struggling with the transition, never feel afraid to ask for help. Friends, family members and peers may have helpful advice to share. A counselor or therapist can provide help in understanding your feelings at this time, as well as how to find yourself in your new life stage.

May 2021 | TOPSinLex.com

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2021 Board of Directors

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Aaron Allnut Director

Mary Layton Director

Pam Jury Director

Trey McCallie Past President

Jeanna Wright Historian

Natalie Cusic Social Media/Marketing

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Melinda Drake Program Chair

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Welcome to the Age of

UNRETIREMENT It may seem tempting to ride off into the sunset as soon as you reach retirement age. But it turns out that many of those who are now faced with that ride would rather gallop toward a growing phenomenon known as “unretirement.” by Peter Chawaga

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Unretirement is a period that more Americans find themselves entering or preparing for than ever before, making the decision to retire from full-time employment and then taking on parttime, volunteer or consulting roles for financial or lifestyle reasons.

“I think retirement has changed,” as David Dedman, president of Lexington Wealth Management, put it. “I’ve been in financial services for 27 years and when I was a young advisor, people would retire around 65 and live off of their investments and social security. Today, more and more continue to work into their 70s because they either like what they do or like the challenges.”

Why “Old Dogs” Are Learning New Tricks Research conducted by the Transamerica Center for Retirement Studies in 2019 found that 55 percent of American workers plan to semi-retire, with 41 percent expecting to work part time and 14 percent expecting to work full time in their unretirement.

“The number of workers in the 65 to 74 range is growing faster than ever before,” explained Ron L. Brown, president of Lexington’s Ron L. Brown Wealth Management. “Back in 2017, the Bureau of Labor projected that over the 2014 to 2024 decade, the labor force growth rate of the 65- to 74-yearold age group would be about 55 percent, and the labor force growth rate of the 75-and-older age group would be around 86 percent. This was compared to a projected 5 percent increase for the labor force as a whole.”

According to a recent study of 1,500 U.S. workers aged 54 to 72 conducted by Harris Poll, 72 percent of respondents would like to enter unretirement by working with a more flexible schedule.

But the rise of unretirement can be traced to many things beyond the increase in this work force, including longer life expectancies among older workers, new working roles that are well suited to semi-retirees and the chance to reduce working hours earlier in life. Many people reach the age of retirement well before they want to stop working.

And for some, the decision to unretire may also stem from financial need. After all, long gone are the days when a seasoned worker could enter the office on a Friday, and then leave with a gold watch and a hefty pension, never to return.

In an example of this change, many Americans are finding that Social Security benefits alone are not enough to maintain the lifestyles that they want.

“The most common reasons workers ages 65 and older work part time are retirement (i.e., from full-time employment) and/or the Social Security earnings limit,” a 2018 study by the AARP Public Policy Institute found. “About six in 10 workers in this age group indicate that these were their primary reasons for working part time.”

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Still, untretirement is rarely just a financial decision. Many of the unretirees buoying this movement are looking to fill their golden years with purpose and motivation outside of the home.

“We have personally seen an increased number of clients that plan to semiretire or work during retirement,” said Brown. “Oftentimes, it’s about having additional income during retirement. However, maintaining a sense of purpose or starting a business are also common reasons.”

“There’s definitely been an increase in the number of my clients wanting an unretirement,” said David Dedman, president of Lexington Wealth Management. “They like the thought of being able to retire at any point they want because they are financially independent. Work becomes more of a hobby than a financial necessity.”

Tax and Benefit Considerations But those who plan to enter unretirement have more to consider than the type of role they’d like or the latest lingo being used by their new coworkers.

There are tax and retirement account repercussions to earning part-time income as well.

Firstly, there are Social Security considerations. You can enter unretirement and start claiming Social Security payments as early as age 62, but you won’t be able to access the full benefits that early. Full payments must wait until you reach “full retirement age.” For those born between 1943 and 1954, the full retirement age is 66 years old. The full retirement age increases steadily for those born between 1954 and 1960 and, for those born in 1960 or later, the full retirement age is 67 years old.

For those who enter unretirement before their full retirement age, there is also a cap on the amount of income you can earn.

“If you’re under full retirement age and took Social Security at 62, any income over $18,960 is subject to Social Security taxes to the tune of $1 for every $2 earned,” explained David Smyth, senior partner at Lexington’s Family Financial Partners, Inc. “This is something to keep in mind.”

Earning income at this age can also have tax repercussions that should be considered.

“Working during retirement can cause unexpected social security taxation issues, and result in higher capital gains taxes on investment holdings,” Brown said. “For social security tax avoidance, you need to keep your combined income below $25,000 if filing as an individual or $32,000 if filing a joint tax return. As is typical in financial planning, there are a number of exceptions and strategies, but this is a good starting point.”

And there are considerations for those with tax-advantaged retirement accounts such as Individual Retirement Accounts (IRAs) and 401(k) plans as well. For many of those who reached age 70 and a half before January 1, 2020 or have reached age 72 since, there are requirements to make minimum withdrawals from these accounts and those withdrawals must be balanced with any unretirement income come tax season.

Any unretiree who plans to earn an income should conduct due diligence around how this might affect their Social Security benefits or tax payments.

Remaining Young At Heart But finances are far from the only consideration when one prepares to unretire. Those who are reentering the workforce must find a role that fulfills their new needs — often very different ones than they had during their full-time employment.

In addition to the right balance in work hours, responsibilities and wages, unretirees may consider how their new positions allow them to give back

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Unretirees may consider how their new positions allow them to give back to society, pursue their personal passions or impart their experience to the next generation of workers.

“The last thing you want is to retire, then take on a position that doesn’t give you the flexibility to enjoy your family and other interests.”

Thinking of Unretiring?

to society, pursue their personal passions or impart their experience to the next generation of workers.

Take Gary Nees, a 70-something from Oregon who turned his unretirement into an opportunity to travel the world with the study abroad program The Experiment In International Living. The program paid him a $900 stipend and covered his expenses to lead a group of high school students on a month-long cultural immersion trip to Mexico.

“About four years ago, when I was planning my retirement, I contacted the Experiment and asked, ‘Hey, do you hire old people?’” Nees described his experience to AARP for an article about unretirement on its website. After landing the role and leading the trip, Nees found a type of fulfillment that is all too rare for retired people. “I felt so accepted. I didn’t know what they were talking about half the time, but it didn’t matter… I was Grandpa.”

New roles can run the gamut, depending on what an individual is looking for. In Lexington, for instance, financial planning professionals have seen all shapes and sizes of unretirement.

“I’ve seen many folks find new jobs or volunteer opportunities, and because they had the financial means to retire, these gigs are often things they’re more passionate about,” said Smyth. “I’ve seen people become greeters at their favorite golf course, waiters in local restaurants or seasonally at Keeneland, or tour guides at our many distilleries.”

But one thing that does seem constant in unretirement is that a new job should lend itself to a high-quality life, to allow older workers to enjoy the types of lifestyles they have earned.

“There is really no ‘best’ unretirement occupation, however we do typically recommend that if a client is looking for a job to solely supplement their income, they start with the lower-stress positions,” explained Brown. “The last thing you want is to retire, then take on a position that doesn’t give you the flexibility to enjoy your family and other interests.” •

May 2021 | TOPSinLex.com

According to the AARP, these are the top part-time jobs for seniors and retirees: • Bookkeeper • Dental hygienist • Bus driver • Office manager • Registered Nurse According to The Balance Careers, these are some more great options for unretirees: • Consultant or Freelancer • Tax preparer • Event staff • Hotel concierge • Resort staff

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ASK ABBY VAUGHN How do I know that our investments are working for us?

HI ABBY: We’ve used the same financial firm for years as have many of our family members.

Our advisor there is perfectly nice and very responsive, and while that’s great, how do I truly know that our investments are working for us? Now I should mention that I am no financial guru. So outside of trying to learn the ins and outs of investing (which I really don’t have time for), how do I know that we are invested sensibly and that down the road my family will be in good shape financially? We’re being told we are, but should we just take their word for it?

—FINANCIAL WORRIER IN KENTUCKY

ABBY VAUGHN, UNIFIED TRUST

HI FINANCIAL WORRIER IN KENTUCKY: First, I will tell you that most people are not financial gurus, which is why managing one’s finances can be a major cause of worry and stress. Do you know if the firm you use operates

as a fiduciary? A fiduciary has a legal duty to act in your best interest and to do what’s best for you at all times. Firms that accept the fiduciary role utilize prudent best practices for investment management, fee transparency and financial planning. When you work with a fiduciary, you can trust that everything is being done in your best interest.

So, my advice is to find out if your advisor accepts fiduciary responsibility. If not, it may be hard to trust whether you are actually in “good shape.”

Unified Trust Company, A Division of American Trust Company is headquartered in Lexington, KY and was among the first globally and the first trust company in the United States, certified for fiduciary best practices by the Centre for Fiduciary Excellence. This means you can put your ‘trust’ in Unified Trust.

Abby Vaughn, AIF® Business Development Director Unified Trust, A Division of American Trust Company 859-514-3345 avaughn@americantrust.com

—ABBY V.

Not FDIC Insured | No Bank Guarantee | May Lose Value May 2021 | TOPSinLex.com

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PHOTOS BY KENI PARKS & CHRISTOPHER MICHAEL IM AG E S W RIT T EN BY PET ER CHAWAG A

April 2021 | TOPSinLex.com

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JANE BUCKNER Rag Peddler Fabrics 859.229.4023 TheRagPeddler.com

At RP Fabrics, LLC, the operator of Rag Peddler Fabrics, Jane Buckner has established an upscale retail drapery and upholstery fabric shop for the homes of innumerable satisfied clients.

“Every day we get to start with a blank canvas and create art through an extensive array of fabrics, textures and colors,” Buckner explained. “Every day and every client is different.

We all love working together, laughing, designing and problem solving.”

And with 28 years of experience in the field, Buckner knows that there are no shortcuts or replacements for a reputation built on high-quality work and integrity.

“I have garnered this experience through a lot, including perseverance, luck, mistakes and good, old-fashioned hard work,” she said. “Our clients, many of whom are repeat customers, trust us because we’re honest and we will get the job done and done right. Everyone knows that the girls at Rag Peddler know what they’re doing.”

DEBBIE GREEN Bringing In The Green 859.536.7863 bringinginthegreen.com

Bringing In The Green’s goal is to do just that: generate revenue or create efficiencies to positively impact the bottom line for businesses. Bringing In The Green fills gaps within organizations, most often related to executing marketing strategies effectively.

Potential partnerships begin when business owners find themselves facing the following questions: Is there a lack of resources to implement marketing strategies?

Can the business be found easily online? Is there consistent communication with stakeholders, including clients, website visitors, and social media followers?

“Ultimately, a partnership with my company should pay for itself.”

Debbie Green is the owner of Bringing In The Green. She is a dynamic professional with over twenty years of experience in sales, marketing, management, media, and events. “My passion is to identify unique selling propositions of businesses and connect them with customers or stakeholders in a meaningful way, creating customized messages to meet the consumer on their path to purchase,” said Green. “Additionally, my only measurement of success is improved revenue or expense savings; ultimately, a partnership with my company should pay for itself.”

SELMA OWENS Selma’s Catering & Events 859.971.2763 SelmasCatering.com

Selma Owens, entrepreneur and owner of Selma’s Catering And Events, continues to be integral to some of the most lavish and beautiful weddings in the Bluegrass, distinctive charity and corporate events and (of course!)

Derby and other parties of all sizes and flavors. In addition to her catering arm of operations, she is the driving force behind Lexington’s best kept secret, the Liberty Road Café; the spark that lights The Ginkgo Tree Café at Ashland, the Henry Clay Estate; and is in the final stages of launching Selma’s Kitchen, a new restaurant on the University of Kentucky’s campus.

So, what’s her secret to guiding so much of the area’s dining?

It’s about turning the negatives into positives and translating someone’s vision. Selma Owens and her Team strive to take food to the next level, locally sourcing the finest, freshest seasonal ingredients, infusing imagination and LOVE into every bite! “I love everything about my business, it is so rewarding to make folks happy and feed them food they love, helping bring their vision to life. Experience helps you connect with clients and makes communication easier with all the people you work with,” she said.

“Ultimately, we know what needs to be done and can anticipate, we know how to create an event with food to remember and memories to cherish, always.”

PAUL RANSDELL The Foundation For The Horse 859.233.0147 foundationforthehorse.org

The Foundation For The Horse’s Dr.Paul Ransdell is spiritually aligned with the organization’s mission to provide education, research and benevolence projects promoting horse health and wellbeing through North, Central and South America.

“I came to the equine industry through racetrack chaplaincy,” Ransdell explained. “I believe horses matter in eternity, so this foundation is doing something remarkable. It is seeking a world in which every horse has a healthy and productive life.”

As a native of Kentucky with a lifelong appreciation for the regard that horses have enjoyed in its culture, Ransdell considers the welfare of these animals to be the best-placed charitable action he can imagine. He calls on that personal outlook in combination with his seasoned professional expertise to guide the foundation’s fundraising efforts as its senior development officer.

“I have been a fundraising practitioner for over three decades in higher education and human service nonprofits,” he said. “That provides me a unique opportunity to transfer effective fundraising practices from those other arenas into the equine industry.”

GWYN EVERLY J. Render’s Southern Table & Bar 859.533.9777 JRendersBBQ.com Gwyn Everly and her husband, Ren, launched J. Render’s BBQ as a food truck in 2012, building it into a catering business and a brick and mortar restaurant that opened in 2016. It might seem like such success would only be possible completely by design, but Everly explained that it was a little more haphazard than that.

“I am an accidental restaurant owner,” she said. “We never intended to even own a food truck, but we needed the commercial kitchen, since our original vision was to open a catering company. But the food truck was a success, the catering business grew and now we have a restaurant as well.”

In addition to being an accidental restaurant owner, Everly has been a mortgage banker, an electrical engineer and a high school math teacher, and it’s the combination of these varied positions and her life experience that has driven J. Render’s to success.

“I think having worked in all these different careers has given me a well-rounded background and has helped me to navigate business ownership even amidst a pandemic,” she said. “In a word, I have learned to be resilient.”

BETH BELL BROWN The Bells Group at Rector Hayden Realtors 859.321.7753 M a kin gLex ingtonKYHome . com Following in her mother, Nancy Bell’s, footsteps, Beth Bell Brown of The Bells Group at Rector Hayden Realtors is actively building the Lexington community as she helps residents buy and sell the properties that make this city feel like home.

“I love so much about my work,” Brown said. “I especially enjoy introducing people to Lexington for the first time. My Mom always says, ‘Real estate is not a job, it’s a lifestyle. If you do it well, you’re living it, breathing it, dreaming it, all day, every day.’ Being that committed to it, and committed to providing exemplary service to my clients has, gratefully, fueled my business and offered me insights and perspectives I never could have imagined.”

Across her years of experience she has helped her clients in a multitude of purchase and sale scenarios. She is also very grateful to have sold more homes in Waterford subdivision in Lexington than any other REALTOR®, since she has been in business. Altogether, the knowledge she’s picked up along the way is what gives her clients an edge and professional advantage in such a competitive market.

AMY E. DOUGHERTY Bluegrass Elderlaw, PLLC 859.281.0048 BGElderlaw.com

After working at a state agency for more than 20 years, Amy E. Dougherty wanted to use her legal expertise to help clients up close and personal. That’s when she found Bluegrass Elderlaw, PLLC, where she’s helping to guide the practice’s work in providing financial security and necessary end-of-life transitions for clients and their families.

“I enjoy working with people in vulnerable situations and helping them find solutions to their problems,” Dougherty said.

“I work with my clients to meet their goals, whatever they may be.

I explain the law and applicable regulations to my clients, then we discuss options they have to solve their problems. This process is what I love most about my work.”

Working with such a vulnerable population gives Dougherty a greater appreciation for what life experience can teach — not only to her clients, but to herself as well.

“My clients have a lot of experience in their lives and they appreciate when I understand that,” she explained. “One of my younger law partners likes to remind me that sometimes what our clients need is my gray-haired wisdom!”

ABDUL MUHAMMAD WesBanco 859.244.7254 webanco.com

Abdul Muhammad is living his dream by helping others achieve their own. As a senior vice president and regional sales manager for residential lending at WesBanco Bank, he works every day to empower his customers as they make some of the most critical decisions of their lives.

“I love the fact that we help people achieve the American dream of homeownership,” Muhammad explained. “A home is where life memories are made and it is also the foundation to family wealth building.”

And, with significant experience in the field, he feels better equipped than most to make those dreams come true.

“Experience allows you to be a trusted advisor to a potential homeowner, versus a lender that just takes an application,” he said.

“You are more knowledgeable regarding products that give people options based on their future plans. You can anticipate potential issues that can delay or derail a loan approval. And experience also allows you to put an application together that properly streamlines the process and allows for a smooth approval.”

MAURY SPARROW LexArts 859.255.2951 LexArts.org At LexArts, the greater Lexington area’s premier cultural development and advocacy organization, communications director Maury Sparrow helps to raise millions of dollars to support local arts programs, to provide programs that integrate the arts into the daily lives of his neighbors and to otherwise support local creatives who want to make their community a better place.

“I began working in the nonprofit arts sector later in my career,” Sparrow explained.

“I was extremely excited at the challenge of bringing more art to more people in more places.”

Sparrow had worked in communications and marketing for most of his career before being tapped for LexArts, and it’s this experience that has made him so successful in growing Lexington as a cultural hub.

“Success in the development world is a function of sincere, trusted and respected relationships,” Sparrow said.

“The more ‘seasoned’ one is in life and in their career, the more likely one is to have curated a very special collection of relationships. These relationships often develop into deep and loyal friendships, and that’s a marvelous perk that doesn’t come along very often.”

FRAN ELSEN TOPS Marketing Group 859.543.8677 TopsInLex.com As the editor-in-chief for TOPS Marketing Group, Fran Elsen brings a career’s worth of experience dedicated to helping businesses build awareness and find customers through holistic media plans.

“After working for many years in the corporate arena with the Lexington Herald-Leader and Kentucky.com, it’s so refreshing to work for a locally-owned company,” Elsen said of her role at TOPS. “We truly care about our clients and always strive for a ‘win-win.’ Most of our customers are good friends, which makes working with them a real pleasure.”

Elsen’s expertise in the field grants her the insights to guide comprehensive strategies that not only leverage this very magazine, but also include digital services like website design, SEM and SEO guidance, programmatic advertising, social media management and more. But she knows that what her clients will always find most valuable is the underlying passion that she and the TOPS team bring to their work.

“Loving what you do is the most valuable thing one can bring to the table,” she said. “There’s a lot of competition in the media world, and with the combined experience of our team at TOPS, our goal is to provide that ‘wow’ factor for our customers.”

CHRIS HUTCHISON Epping’s on Eastside 859.266.9000 | 859.971.0240 coles735main.com eppingsoneastside.com Chris Hutchison was lucky enough to discover his calling at a young age. Hutchison, a certified Sommelier and hospitality industry guru, has worked alongside Chef Cole Arimes for nine years.

“Working my way through college, I fell in love with the hospitality industry and the people involved in it, so I decided it was going to be my career,” said Hutchison.

Lucky for Lexingtonians, Hutchison used his passion to impact two of the city’s greatest culinary experiences. As director of operations for Coles 735 Main and Epping’s, he plays a major role in delivering unforgettable experiences.

Coles and Epping’s separate themselves among Lexington’s high-quality restaurant scene with bar experiences that integrate house-made syrups and bitters, wine programs that offer hardto-find selections and culinary programs that emphasize houseprepared everything. Not to mention the feeling of hospitality that every guest receives.

“It is our goal that each guest feels welcome and at home in our establishments. We take our cuisine seriously, our libations seriously and our hospitality seriously. I think one thing that helps set us apart is that we try to remember not to take ourselves too seriously,” Hutchison said.

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1920s

BY: FRAN ELSEN

The love/hate relationship women have with makeup spans the decades as we all try to find our “best look”. How much is too much? Can I apply liner on my lips or eyes without looking too harsh? Is it good for my skin? Does it make me look too old? Too young? The one rule of thumb we should all follow (and makeup experts will agree) is to use makeup to highlight your face, not hide it. Enhance your already beautiful features while bringing out your best self and confidence.

Here’s a look at trends through the decades:

1920s

1930s

1940s

1950s

1960s

dark smoky eyes pencil-thin eyebrows nearly bare eyes

winged eyeliner

loads of lashes

1970s

1980s

1990s

2000s

2010s

au naturale

the more, the better

minimalist style

subtle smoky eye bold brows

My, my, we’ve almost come full circle haven’t we? There’s a time and a place for all of these looks (except maybe the pencil-thin brows; don’t overdo the wax or pluck!). While our makeup trends may have changed over time, there’s no doubt that how we apply makeup also changes with each decade of our lives. Application in our 20s looks much different than in our 40s or 50s, but we can all rock our most fabulous selves no matter what our age!

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Who else is happy this trend has stayed gone?

1930s 1940s

Ingrid Bergman in Casablanca made barely-there makeup beautiful.

1960s

1950s Marilyn was the pro at the perfect winged eye look.

Who can’t say Twiggy isn’t a fashion and makeup ICON?

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1970s

1980s Madonna did it best and we all LIVED for it!

2000s The era of the Tyra Banks smize!

2010s

1990s Who else is getting favbulous Monica from Friends vibes?

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Selling property?

Invest your earnings wisely.

Investment Management • Retirement Services Trust & Estate Services • Wealth Insurance

Contact Matt Galbraith

100 East Vine Street, Suite 501 • Lexington, KY ctbi.com/ctic • 859.389.5300

· Beautiful Views of Lake Ellerslie · 3 miles from I-75 and shopping · Less than 5 miles to downtown Lexington

Reece Miller 859.948.1985 www.cwdky.com May 2021 | TOPSinLex.com

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WE’RE OPEN...NOW! COME BY AND SAY

Hello

1290 CROSSFIELD DRIVE, VERSAILLES

May 2021 | TOPSinLex.com

INSURED BY NCUA

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In Hamburg behind Forcht Bank 2721 Old Rosebud Road 859.264.0923 | mftgifts.com

STORE HOURS: Tuesday - Friday 10AM - 6PM Saturday 10AM - 4PM Sunday & Monday - Closed

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s s e l e g A Style photo: 50isnotold.com

photo: fashionsteelenyc.com

photo: styleatacertainage.com

“Age appropriate” dressing looks vastly different today than it did 50 years ago. Once women hit a certain age, not only did they have to act the part, they had to dress the part as well. This meant putting away any article of clothing that could be construed as “too young.” Nowadays it seems as though anything goes for any age; but there is a way to be on point with your summer fashion choices while following the latest trends – whether you’re 30 or 60! We’ve included photos from some of our favorite style bloggers. Be sure to visit their blogs for more inspiration.

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photo: chicover50.com

photo: loverlygrey.com

photo: cyndispivey.com

ageless wisdom • It’s okay to wear a mini dress or skirt high above the knee when you’re 20 or 30 years old; many can still pull it off well into their 40s. But remember you can still look chic in a knee-length dress or pencil skirt, and midi/maxi dresses are all the rage now for summertime fashion!

• There’s no fashion rule that says you can’t wear a bikini if you’re 40+; if you’ve got it, flaunt it. With all of the super cute one-piece and tankini suits these days though, it’s difficult to choose. If you’re donning a beach cover-up, any length goes for any age.

Rock those legs ladies!

• We all love fashionable accessories, but keep in mind, sometimes

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less is more. Remember the Coco Chanel quote: “Before you leave the house, look in the mirror and take at least one thing off.”

• White jeans look fantastic at any age. Dress them up or down.

Skinny, flare, bootcut, cropped, distressed. Just remember to look for the style and fit that flatters your OWN unique shape the best, without going “overboard” on low-waist/high-waist trends or the distressed look (too many holes in our jeans is never a good thing!)

• Color! Who says a woman can’t choose bright colors after a certain age? While summer neutrals like white, navy, and tans are always a good classic choice, vibrant color makes us feel alive and beautiful at the same time. Embrace the beauty of color!

TOPS in Lexington | May 2021

insta

Instagram is a great place to find style inspiration at any age. Here are some fun accounts featuring mature women and men who aren’t afraid of dressing out loud!

Because these are personal accounts, we can’t guarantee you’ll love their sassy opinions, but their outfits are too fabulous to be ignored.

of s e l u r 7 e l y t s s s timele

@advancedstyle | Photographer Ari Seth Cohen captures stylish seniors from all walks of life in this fun photo project.

Untrendy Don’t feel beholden to fashion whims. Incorporate a few trendy pieces into your classic wardrobe each year, and leave the rest in the dust.

Confidence is Key If you know yourself and stand behind your bold fashion choices, no one can say you’re not a unique gem!

Tailor Made If you don’t have a tailor in your contacts list, get one ASAP. Perfectly fitted pieces always look more stylish.

@seersuckerandsaddles | Beth was the first TOPS fashion columnist! She lives in Indiana now, but she’s still a Southern style guru.

Basic Instinct Collect well-made basic pieces that can go with anything. Think neutral trousers, solid button-ups and a classic trench coat.

Know Where to Splurge There’s nothing wrong with being thrifty, but it’s worth putting your money towards pieces that will last. For most people, that includes great shoes and those classic basic wardobe pieces.

Accessorize Accessories transform a basic outfit into an unforgettable fashion statement.

There Are No Rules Rules are made to be broken… even these! Wear what you truly love and forget the rest.

May 2021 | TOPSinLex.com

@lindaandwinks | A former stylist for Harper’s Bazaar and Vogue, Linda Rodin’s style is surprisingly approachable (mostly.)

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r e m m su s e l p a t s Looking chic in the summertime is all about embracing cool fabrics, bold patterns and breezy accessories. No matter your age, you can’t go wrong with these beautiful summer basics.

White Jeans | Girlfriend Ankle Jean, Chico’s ($105)

White Cotton Shirt | Summersalt Perfect Boyfriend Shirt ($75)

Sundress | Katherine Way Napa Dress, Cotton Patch of Kentucky ($198)

Summery Statement Earrings | Binky and Lulu, Olive You Boutique

Espadrilles | KAANAS Panay Grey ($109)

Tote | Spartina Market Tote in Oyster Alley, My Favorite Things ($75)

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Photo via Accessorize Blog

By Haley Norris

As we approach that summer heat we all know and love, having a lot of hair can be tricky. You want to style it with all the bells and whistles you’re known for, but also don’t want the trapped heat that comes with it.

Wearing your hair down can make you feel even warmer on a hot day; not to mention the frizz that comes with smmer humidity.

The answer? Pony it up! There are so many ways to style a pony that are sleek, flirty and fashionable. Try a high pony with some bouncy curls or maybe a sleek pony with a middle part for a more modern look. Accessorize it with trendy hair clips, a headband, scrunchies and so much more.

The great thing about a pony is you can have fun with it while also staying cool and comfortable. It’s a win-win!

Here’s some tips to achieve some of our favorite styles to create the perfect pony:

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High Wrapped Pony This is for the ladies with the long and thick locks. Start with creating loose and bouncy curls as you normally would do. Then pull all of your hair into a tight pony at the top of your crown. Once secured, take a section of hair from the underneath portion of your pony and wrap it around the hair-tie to hide it and create a seamless look! If you’re feeling spicy, dress it up with some cute pearl or marble hair clips.

Sleeked Low Pony This can work for those with all lengths of hair! If you’re comfortable with rocking a middle part, this is a stunning and sleek look that is gorgeous for any occasion.

You’ll want to find your middle part and comb the hair back into a low pony. Make sure to use product to sleek the hair down so that there aren’t any fuzzies. Then to add some detail you can use a patterned scrunchie scarf to complement your outfit!

TOPS in Lexington | May 2021

Open Crescent Claw Clip | Altard State

Polka Print Scrunchie Set | Altard State

Invisibobble Sprunchie | Invisibobble

Naomi Hair Clip Set | Athropologie

The Stacked Pony If you have the length, but not the volume, then this is a great trick for you to achieve that full look!

Instead of pulling all of your hair into one pony at the top of your crown, divide your hair into 2 sections. Pull the first section from your ears up to your crown and secure that with a hairtie. Then underneath, gather the rest of your hair and pull it up to fit right underneath the top pony so that it falls right below it.

By doing this, you’re creating a fuller look with both ponys combined. Add some curls and you’ve got the perfect pony!

Scarf Scrunchie Set | Athropologie

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Men’s Fashion:

A Timeless Pursuit Some things in this world are timeless.

While some would think that fashion doesn’t necessarily fall into that category, Jeff Miller would disagree. Howard & Miller – Clothiers to Gentlemen has been a staple of Lexington since 1984 and Jeff explains that men’s fashion largely remain unchanged in that time. While some trends may come and go, a classic, well-tailored suit is ageless.

Jeff would know. He grew up in the world of men’s fashion. Founders Harold Howard and Jeff’s father, Cliff Miller, had years of experience serving men’s clothing needs before establishing Howard & Miller in 1984. Jeff officially joined the business in 1986 and became the owner in 1999.

Howard & Miller delivers the shopping experience that you want. They can provide custom suit fittings and alterations, with a wealth of knowledge and expertise to offer each customer. They also offer styling consultations to help customers pick the right items for any occasion. The store is also perfect for people who simply want to stop by and shop or pick out a gift for a special man in their life.

Jeff has noticed that the tide of fast fashion and throw away culture has shifted. Millennials love the “old school” experience of classic barbershops and the “small batch” feel of boutique stores.

Some of Howard & Miller’s customers represent three generations of the same family, each finding something to love in both the styles offered and the customer service provided.

While a long-lasting, well-made piece of clothing may cost more initially, Jeff points out that the price per wear pays off in longevity. And, as he points out, Howard & Miller has something for just about any price point. They’re proud to say that they have been sourcing the best quality products for the value since opening. Jeff shares this quote by Benjamin Franklin: “The bitterness of poor quality remains long after the sweetness of low price is forgotten.”

Jeff is proud to offer things that will last. A suit from Howard & Miller is something that can be handed down from father to son, grandfather to grandson.

That kind of quality and care is a legacy Jeff feels is absolutely worth carrying on.

Visit Howard & Miller – Clothier to Gentlemen at 400 Old Vine Street in Lexington.

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When it comes to accessorizing, going bold is always the answer. By adding bright colors through your accessories, you instantly style up your outfit that anyone will want to compliment!

Hot summer shades like fuchsia, goldenrod and tuquoise are the colors on trend this year and boy are they fun!

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10 ONE Tassel Trim Straw Tote Bag, $128, available at Vineyard Vines. TWO Elisa 18k Gold Vermeil Pendant Necklace In Pink Quartzite, $148, available at Kendra Scott. THREE Seaside Retreat Coral Red and Magenta Maxi Cover-Up, $42, available at Lulus. FOUR Love Me Always Beaded Heart Earrings, $24, available at Peplum. FIVE Flat Brim Felt Fedora, $44, available at Urban Outfitters. SIX Silicone Key Ring in Tickled Pink Marble, $24, available at Pirie Boutique. SEVEN Adel small tote, $109, available at Kate Spade. EIGHT Tonal Pink Beaded Earrings, $19.50, available at Mudpie. NINE SO® Exciting Open Toe Women’s Wedge Sandals, $20, available at Kohls. TEN Flair Goods Jelly Hair Clips, $25, available at Urban Outfitters.

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9 ONE Fjallraven Kånken Sling Bag, $65, available at Urban Outfitters. TWO Basket Weave Fringe Raffia Earrings, $58, available at Vineyard Vines. THREE Honey Stud in Pacific Blue by Julie Vos, $135, available at Cotton Patch. FOUR Leopard Print Jute Totebag, available in turquoise and magenta, $27, available at Fluffy Flamingo. FIVE Deep V Cover-Up Beach Dress, $22, available at Venus. SIX Oval Raffia Tassel Earrings, $48, Vineyard Vines. SEVEN Vans Classic Slip-On Sneaker, $50, available at Urban Outfitters. EIGHT Some Beach Beaded Parrot Earrings, $24, available at Peplum. NINE Aubrea Sandal by Guess, $65, available at DSW.

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ONE Go-To Tote in Mustard & Eggshell, $115, available at Ubuntu. TWO Isle Style Mustard Yellow Floral Print Kimono Top, $54, available at Lulus. THREE Nora Flower Teardrop Earrings, $20, available at Francescas.

FOUR Raffia Mustard Yellow Earrings, $17.50, available at Mudpie. FIVE Laretta strappy wedges, $40, available at Aldo. SIX Lemons Cut Out Handle Clutch, $164, available at Monkees. SEVEN Solid Yellow Bracelet, $6, available at Pura Vida. EIGHT Camper Katie 3-Straps Sandal, $130, available at Urban Outfitters.

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ONE Fringe Detail Cover-Up, $32, available at Venus. TWO Raffia Detail Bag, $44, available at Venus. THREE Penelope Pendant, $198, available at Cotton Patch. FOUR Dear August Three Strap Block Heel Sandals, $139, available at Peplum. FIVE Kaila White Tassel Beach Tote Bag, $41, available at Oliver Bonas. SIX Cheetah Back Velcro Sneakers, $25.20, available at As You Go. SEVEN Beaded Stacked Bracelet, $48, available at Vineyard Vines. EIGHT Summer Babe Beaded Wrapped Oval & Ball Earrings, $24, available at Peplum.

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REAL WEDDING

I T A L L S TA RT E D WITH ONE DANCE.

Molly and Tyler

story by amanda harper photos by abigail e. photography

Molly and Tyler met in religion class, where he sat in front of her. “I had a crush on him but he was not picking up the flirting signals,” Molly jokes. When Lexington Catholic High School held their Dance Blue mini marathon a few weeks later, she noticed he was playing basketball with his friends all night. She marched up to him and asked, “Are you going to dance tonight or just play games?” They ended up dancing, and have been together since.

They were both born and raised in the Lexington area, then attended Western Kentucky University. They moved to Louisville after graduation. As Tyler puts it, “We love this state and we’ve enjoyed our time every place we’ve been.” Molly adds, “After Tyler graduates medical school, we hope to move back to Lexington!”

Molly and Tyler toured about a dozen venues one day. “The Signature Club was the last one we saw that day and as soon as we walked in – we just knew it was the one,” she explains. It helped that she knew someone who worked at the venue, which made the decision easy.

The couple incorporated a couple of sweet, sentimental details into their attire. The lace around the bride’s bouquet was from her mother’s wedding dress while the lace around Tyler’s boutonniere was from his mother’s wedding dress. This kept these incredible women close to their children’s hearts through the entire celebration.

Personalized touches made their day special. The bride’s best friend made the signature cocktail drink signs. Each member of the bridal party had a personalized wooden name at their place setting. The wedding cake bore a clay model of the couple’s pup, who was a big part of their wedding day. From the first look moments to heartfelt speeches at the reception, everything about this couple’s wedding day was full of love.

Due to COVID, the meal was served family style on large platters that were passed around. This eliminated the need for guests to stand around in line. “It made for a more intimate dining experience for our guests,” Molly says. The couple shared a sweetheart table. “The wedding day can be so overwhelming and you get separated from your now spouse. We were able to chat and eat dinner, just the two of us! This was super special for us.”

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Molly admits that the guest list was smaller due to COVID, but that became a blessing. “Really think about the people on your guest list,” she advises. “I always thought I wanted to have a large wedding but it was so special having the people truly closest to us celebrating all night! I don’t think I would’ve changed anything. Aside from a few family members not being able to attend, I think we ended up having our dream wedding!”

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KORT Physical Therapy HH

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P H O T O Abigail E Photography V I D E O Collin Merritt V E N U E Signature Club at Lansdowne C A T E R I N G Darae & Friends Catering C A K E Cakes by Bebe P L A N N E R Lexington Event Co F L O W E R S Jeanie Gorrell Floral Designs

B R I D A L G O W N R e b e c c a ’ s We d d i n g B o u t i q u e B R I D A L P A R T Y David’s Bridal R E N T A L S CV Linens & Signature Club T U X E S M e n s We a r h o u s e H A I R Lauren Prather M A K E U P Shelbi Lawhorn S T A T I O N E R Y AbHenzDesigns

e vendor team

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REHEARSAL DINNER Malone’s Prime Events & Receptions

ACCOMMODAT IONS The Origin Hotel at the Summit

G R E E N E R Y W A L L Canvas Event Rentals MUSICIANS String Elegance and Honey Child Band

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LIFESTYLE Weddings Unveiled

When it comes to shopping for the perfect summer venue there are a ton in the Lexington area that have so much to offer and create the perfect backdrop for a summer wedding.

You want to make sure the venue you choose has well-kept grounds to create a beautiful outdoor ceremony (and a view of the Kentucky landscape is a plus!).

Additionally, it’s a bonus if they have a gorgeous indoor space as well for a backup weather option and air conditioned restrooms.

It’s important to keep in mind that you need comfort just as much as beauty when it comes to your big day!

a few Lexington favorites The Polo Barn at Saxony Farms (1) Keeneland Entertainment Barn (2) The Kentucky Castle (3) Apiary Fine Catering (4) Warrenwood Manor (5) GlenLary Estates (6) Talon Winery (7)

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TOPS in Lexington | April 2021

GlenLary Estate

All photos courtesy of venue websites and/or social media.

by haley norris Owner of Haley Michelle Designs

www.haleymichelledesigns.com

Warrenwood Manor

MORTGAGE

Marco Iniguez

Janet Beard

NMLS# 1864730

NMLS# 1848604

Mortgage Loan Officer 859.410.4144 marco.iniguez@ wesbanco.com

Mortgage Loan Officer 859.338.2142 janet.beard@ wesbanco.com

Gesela F. Brown

Ramon Juanso

JD Mechem

NMLS# 435965

NMLS# 1983821

NMLS# 192173

Mortgage Loan Officer 859.421.3406 gesela.brown@ wesbanco.com

Mortgage Loan Officer 859.983.7888 ramon.juanso@ wesbanco.com

Mortgage Loan Officer 907.230.5979 jd.mechem@ wesbanco.com

Meet some of Central Kentucky’s best and brightest Mortgage Lenders! Whether you’re moving, buying your first house, building or renovating, or refinancing an existing mortgage, WesBanco can help you find the ideal home loan for your situation. Contact us today, or visit us online at wesbanco.com.

PERSONAL • MORTGAGE • BUSINESS • WEALTH MANAGEMENT May 2021 | TOPSinLex.com

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Now that warm weather has finally joined us, there’s nothing better than sitting on a breezy patio and enjoying your favorite cocktail or appetizer at one of our local restuarants.

Whether it’s for brunch with your girlfriends, a business lunch or a weekend date night, there’s just something about a patio that feels oh so right during the summer season.

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Patios favorite menu item

favorite cocktail

We love going here for their... multitiered Seafood Tower!

We love going here for their... Jeff Ruby’s Barrel Aged Manhattan!

JEFF RUBY’S STEAKHOUSE 859.554.7000 | jeffruby.com/lexington

What makes your patio unique?

The Paddock is our one-of-a-kind patio area thoughtfully designed to bring the Jeff Ruby experience outdoors. Two 20-foot articulated glass panels open from the spacious lounge to our beautiful patio. The ability to unite the two areas allows guests to enjoy live entertainment whether they are seated at outside tables, on couches around the fire pits or inside next to the fully stocked, covered bar.

Multiple TVs are always tuned to the big game or concert while ten heaters keep everything cozy going into the cooler fall and winter months.

The Paddock is also a unique celebration of Lexington. The area features a three-level fountain with an imported Italian bronze horse statue flanked by seven jockey statues (smartly outfitted in Jeff Ruby’s Steakhouse branded jockey pants).

We are also proud to be part of the Town Branch Park project which aims to bring the beauty of the surrounding countryside and bring park programming to the heart of downtown. As such, the patio features beautiful custom flowers and landscaping.

Plus, there is a large private VIP table called “Cal’s Corner” named for the man himself, Coach John Calipari.

In addition to The Paddock, a private patio sits adjacent to the Breeder’s Room, providing the ideal space to enjoy cigars and after dinner drinks when utilizing the beautiful private dining room.

Reservations are accepted but not required making The Paddock a go-to stop on your tour of downtown patios.

What’s the atmosphere at Jeff Ruby’s?

We are a fine dining steakhouse specializing in USDA Prime Steaks, Seafood & Sushi, impeccable service and live entertainment. The vibe is a blend of Art Deco decadence and unmistakable Kentucky cool. The vibe also lends itself to pure showtime, from the flambéing tableside to the impeccably over-the-top service to the dreamy menu, this is the place you go when you want a truly memorable experience.

Let’s talk about food. What are some of your seasonal favorites?

For patio season, it’s hard to beat the multi-tiered Seafood Tower featuring enormous Tiger Shrimp, Alaskan King Crab, multiple varieties of Raw Oysters on the Half Shell, Lobster and more. Extensive Sushi and Raw Bar Menus round out ocean specialties perfect for al fresco dining. Pair these light bites with bubbles or a fine Kentucky Bourbon. The full menu is also available in The Paddock, so for those guests looking for the whole Jeff Ruby Experience, the Bone-in Ribeye paired with Jeff Ruby’s Barrel Aged Manhattan is a terrific summer choice.

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CARSON’S Patios

859.309.3039 | carsonsfo o danddrink.com

What draws people to your patio?

There is nothing quite like Carson’s Chicken & Waffles and a round of mimosas with great friends while relaxing on our beautiful patio. With our’s being one of the only patios on Main Street, the life of the city is right next to you as you enjoy a friendly reunion or romantic evening, making patio season THE time to visit Carson’s!

Tell us a little bit about Carson’s offerings and ambiance.

We offer a variety of elevated American cuisine. With savory burgers, fresh salads, juicy steaks and seafood, there’s a little something for everyone.

Every dish we offer is sizable and flavorful, and just hits the spot.

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Not to mention our marvelous selection of bourbons and ryes! Grab a drink, pull up a chair and relax in our refined speakeasy setting.

What is the most popular dish on the menu for patio season?

What drink would you pair with it?

Patio weather always brings out a hunger for ribs, and its hard to find a better set of ribs than our “Sweet & Spicy Ribs”; Tender ribs coated in our house Sriracha Bourbon BBQ sauce with sesame seeds and jalapeño slices. Pairing this with any of our Draught Beers or our “Classic Woodford Rye Old Fashioned” is a sure way to have a great time!

TOPS in Lexington | May 2021

favorite menu item

favorite cocktail

We love going here for their... Chicken and Waffes during brunch!

We love going here for their...

Woodford Rye Old Fashioned!

What do you expect will be popular specials this summer?

We have our “Old Fashioned Happy Hour” from 3 to 6pm ($2 off Appetizers, Well Drinks, and Draughts) and our fabulous new selection of Seasonal Cocktails; including such favorites as ‘the Bourbon Smash’, ‘the Sweet & Spicy Pineapple Martini” and “the Passion Fruit Martini”. We can’t wait to see you there!

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Patios HARRY’S AMERICAN BAR & GRILL 859.335.6500 | BluegrassHospitality.com

Harry’s American Bar & Grill, a Lexington staple known for its contemporary American fare and extensive drinks menu, boasts a patio that can be enjoyed year round — with an open-air atmosphere during warm weather months and an encased glass facade for cooler months.

“Whether visiting for a leisurely lunch or dinner, winding down after work or catching your favorite team on one of the flatscreen TVs, Lexingtonians love our patios,” the Harry’s team explained.

As a tribute to Kentucky’s rich horse racing history, it’s hard to imagine a better place to spend a perfect Lexington meal than at either of Harry’s two locations, which are also home to Aqua sushi, an infamous offering of signature cocktails and hand-picked wines.

Find them in the Palomar Shopping Center or in Hamburg and be prepared for an unforgettable patio dining experience.

Patios

DRAKE’S 859.335.6500 | DrakesComePlay.com

We might now be entering outdoor dining season, but there’s no bad time to take advantage of Drake’s patio options at its Hamburg, Nicholasville or Lansdowne locations.

“Drake’s features a year-round patio with large garage doors that open during warm weather, creating a lively, open-air atmosphere and a fireplace to keep warm in cooler months,” the restaurant group explained. “Even if the weather isn’t cooperating, you can always enjoy the patio at Drake’s! Drake’s Hamburg and Nicholasville also offer true outdoor patio seating, if you prefer the sunshine.”

“Drake’s eclectic menu includes traditional American-style pub food, including hand-pressed burgers, steaks, mini sandwiches, Sriracha wings, build-your-own tacos and more,” Drake’s said. “What really sets Drake’s apart, though, is its extensive sushi menu. Drake’s Aqua Sushi chefs offer sushi lovers rare flavors and perfectly-executed classics.”

So if you’re looking for comfort food and a warm weather hangout, the patios at Drake’s should be your next dining destination.

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favorite menu item

We love going here for their...

Kalamity Katie’s Border Benedict!

favorite cocktail

We love going here for their... Award Winning Bloody Mary!

Patios

WILD EGGS 859.543.0532 | 859.277.0402 wildeggs.com

Is the Wild Eggs patio... wild?

What are some of your most popular menu offerings?

We have two great Lexington locations and actually, the ambiance on our patio is relaxing, warm and welcoming. Plants and flowers surround the patio tables and large umbrellas provide shade. Our patio is full service, with the same great service and cuisine that we serve up indoors.

Our most popular dish is our Kalamity Katie’s Border Benedict. Paired with a tequila sunrise made with our fresh squeezed orange juice, it makes an unmatched breakfast experience for someone who loves to dine with flair.

What is your restaurant’s objective?

Our well-trained staff consistently delivers innovative dishes that offer a fresh, contemporary approach to breakfast, brunch and lunch. We are a family-oriented restaurant with menu items for everyone.

What’s new?

Come enjoy our award winning bloody-mary or some fresh squeezed orange juice makes for the best mimosa in town! We now offer new salads and sandwiches for lunch, plus online ordering for take-out! We are also now taking online reservations and call-ahead seating.

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Patios

SEDONA TAPHOUSE 859.221.5500 | SedonaTaphouse.com

Sedona Taphouse — which boasts one of Lexington’s most extensive beer, wine and cocktail lists along with an elevated food menu — is the perfect place to treat yourself to an outdoor dining experience (and don’t forget, groups are welcome). With firepits, TVs, covered areas, live music, a deal-loaded happy hour —plus great food and great drinks, of course — guests can bask in plenty of summer vibes while enjoying the Southwestern-tinged contemporary American fare.

Classic brunch staples like Nutella french toast are complemented with innovations like “Desert Fire” stuffed jalapeños. The infamous STH Burger goes perfectly with the venue’s 47 rotating beers on tap. And entrees like the bourbon pork chop are paired with dozens of cocktails and an extensive wine list. It’s an experience you won’t soon forget.

Patios

HONEYWOOD 859.469.8234 | Honeywo o dRestaurant.com

As a Kentucky-forward bistro that focuses on local ingredients and boasts a beautiful setting, Honeywood is the perfect place to experience all that an outdoor Lexington dining experience has to offer.

“Our patio is a lovely place to stop while shopping at the Summit at Fritz Farm,” Honeywood’s staff said. “Enjoy a full bar, including delicious craft cocktails, a lovely wine list and local beer. We also offer snacks or you can enjoy a whole meal.”

Regardless of what you order, it will become clear just how important local, fresh ingredients are to Honeywood. The highestquality produce finds its way into every dish and drink.

“Our staff farmer, David Wagoner, curates a small herb garden for our bar and kitchen, including bay leaves, mint, oregano, sweet Annie, chives, edible flowers, basil, thyme, and more,” said the staff.

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favorite menu item

We love going here for their... Chicken Street Tacos!

favorite cocktail

We love going here for their... Classic Margaritas!

Patios

~ MI PEQUENA HACIENDA 3501 Lansdowne Drive | 859.245.4679 110 Cynthia Drive, Nicholasville | 859.309.3840 mip equenahacienda.com

SERVING CENTRAL KENTUCKY SINCE 1996!

Lexington’s fun, festive, casual neighborhood restaurant is open and ready to serve you! Mi Pequeña Hacienda’s patio is perfect for gathering with amigos or stopping in for a casual lunch during the workday or weekend. Known for its relaxed dining experience and great family atmosphere, the Mi Pequeña Hacienda patio at the Lansdowne Drive location offers guests more to love with ample outdoor seating to enjoy all season long! Enjoy the best in authentic Mexican food with a Baja Californian flair, freshly prepared sauces and salsas, and warm hospitality on our colorful patio. Don’t forget to visit our Brannon Crossing location for a totally different experience!

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favorite menu item

We love going here for their...Chicken Saltimbocca!

favorite cocktail

We love going here for a... chilled glass of Chardonnay.

COLES 735 MAIN Patios

859.266.9000 | coles735main.com

What can one expect from your patio?

What is the core focus for Coles?

Dining al fresco in our gazebo is like escaping to a European cafe, complete with charming bistro tables, beautiful plants, flowers (even a lemon tree!), and cozy corners to enjoy the weather and good conversation. It’s the perfect way to enjoy a cocktail or dinner with that signature Coles service in a more low-key, refreshing atmosphere.

Since Coles’ 2012 opening, the team has strived to offer warm and welcoming service, creative, chef-driven meals alongside incredible wine and bourbon lists. We aim to make every step of a meal at Coles an experience full of hospitality and Southern graciousness.

We have more than doubled our covered outdoor seating with a large tent, matching the relaxed elegance of our gazebo seating.

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What would you recommend for al fresco dining at Coles?

Chicken Saltimbocca paired with Stoller Unoaked Chardonnay from Willamette Valley, Oregon. The chicken breast is stuffed with speck, mozzarella, and sage and served with sweet potato gnocchi, charred broccolini, and a brown butter lemon emulsion.

TOPS in Lexington | May 2021

favorite menu item

We love going here for their... Pecan Crusted Pork Tenderloin.

favorite cocktail

We love going here for their...

Grandma Hellman’s Bourbon Slush.

Patios

MERRICK INN 1074 Merrick Dr. | 859-269-5417 TheMerrickInn.com

I

f you’ve never been to the patio at the Merrick Inn, you’re in for a treat.

For over 40 years, this Lexington staple has been synonymous with Southern genteel dining, and there are few better places on earth to enjoy a meal.

Named for an infamous racehorse, the restaurant sits on a historic horse farm with roots that can be felt throughout the property. Dining there, this rich history is apparent, but so too is the innovation and evolution of its menu and experience.

Contemporary takes on Southern classics, like fried green tomatoes, Southern fried chicken and pecan crusted pork tenderloin, go perfectly with a curated bourbon menu and tantalizing list of speciality cocktails.

With more than four decades of incomparable dining experiences, the Merrick Inn’s patio is a must this season.

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favorite menu item

We love going here for their... Tuna Tower!

favorite cocktail

We love going here for their... Sake Sangria!

BLUE SUSHI SAKE GRILL Patios 859.554.4452 | BlueSushiSakeGrill.com

Any day of the week, you can stop by Blue Sushi Sake Grill and enjoy a popular happy hour, partake in some sushi, imbibe in some cocktails and soak in the sun with friends (and dogs are welcome, too).

“Blue Sushi Sake Grill unites creative ingredients with energetic vibes, premium cold sake and happy moments to give you a fresh and fun new way to experience sushi,” explained the restaurant’s team. “Our menu allows guests to explore their sushi favorites in new and unexpected ways.

We like to say that sushi is for sharing, and our menu encourages it.”

When you grab a meal on the restaurant’s patio this year, you’ll be able to begin your experience with a number of Asian-inspired starters, then move on to a spread of unique sushi, nigiri and sashimi favorites from the famous sushi bar. Altogether, it’s a recipe for the perfect outdoor dining experience.

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Our Patio is OPEN! The Summit at Fritz Farm GrimaldisPizzeria.com

KORT Physical Therapy HH

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! e u q fi i n a M t C’es

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hard to deny the beauty of this Parisian-style home. Every detail was carefully selected to create an elegant living space. From the foyer to the bedrooms, each space has a character all its own. One unifying detail is the abundance of light that pours in, casting the entire home in an inviting glow.

The elegance doesn’t get in the way of the house’s functionality. It boasts two laundry rooms and a new guest suite. All bedrooms have baths en suite.

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each

room in this gorgeous home has a character all its own. The dining room is lively and lovely while the library is warm and elegant, inviting you to sip a Bourbon by the fire. Every detail was carefully selected to enhance the space, from the Baccarat chandelier in the living room to the sweeping draperies, this home is a floor-to-ceiling stunner.

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entertaining space in this home is impressive. From the carefully-appointed kitchen with Wolf and Sub-Zero appliances to the meticulously landscaped 1.37 acre lot, this property in the much-coveted 40502 is a hostess’s dream come true.

It offers a family room, rec space, a covered back patio and more, all in addition to 5 bedrooms and 5.5+ baths, to ensure that everyone has a space to call their own.

This home is currently for sale. To learn more, contact Whitney Durham with Bluegrass Sotheby’s International Realty. Photos courtesy BgSIR.

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There’s an answer that fits, and we’ll help you find it, with resources and insights that illuminate your personal care and memory care search. Ready to listen, we’ll meet your sense of urgency with calm clarity.

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The Cedarhurst PromiseTM We promise.

If you’re not satisfied and decide to move out within your first 60 days, we’ll give you a complete refund.* Safety. We follow strict COVID protocols (cedarhurstliving.com/coronavirusresponse) and offer vaccine information when requested. *Cedarhurst Promise™ program is only available at advertised community. Not applicable for respite or other short-term stays. Refund is available only if move out is a result of dissatisfaction with Cedarhurst community as documented throughout stay. Complete refund includes base rent, level of care charges, and community fee. Ancillary services fees (ex. additional transportation, pet fees and laundry charges) do not qualify for refund. Additional terms and conditions may apply.

Please contact community for additional details. Void where prohibited.

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d e z i S t h g Ri Living

The size of your living space should be juuuust right for what your needs are at the moment. Many empty-nesters find themselves with too much space and too much to maintain. At the same time, the pandemic showed many homeowners that their small ranch homes simply weren’t big enough.

Townhomes offer right-sized living. They are designed to use their smaller footprint in the most efficient way possible, offering homeowners the chance to feel just like Goldilocks.

This Charleston-style townhome is situated on a private street in the beautiful Still Meadow neighborhood. With over 4,000 sq. ft.,5 bedrooms and 4 ½ baths, there’s space for everyone and every hobby.

The 10-foot coffered ceiling in the family room is a stunner while the double tray ceiling in the primary bedroom makes the space feel custom crafted. In addition to a lovely kitchen, the basement level has a kitchenette with a brick bar and wine shelves.

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rom the cozy front porch and upstairs balcony to the cozy fireplace, this townhome is welcoming, beautifully appointed and comfortable.

The back deck has trex decking, a covered pergola, custom drapes and charming planters hung along the brick siding. This makes it a great space for relaxing or entertaining, with a real sense of Southern charm. It is situated above the enclosed garage and covered unloading zone, which makes the space versatile and convenient.

This townhome is currently for sale. Contact Jenn Pullins with Bluegrass Sotheby’s International Realty for more details. Photos

by Mark Mahan.

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Dining:

Horse & Jockey

Best Kept Secrets

by Camden Skidmore | photos courtesy of each restaurant

Camden and his wife, Kim, moved downtown for one reason: they love walking to meet their friends over our city’s incredible food and drink. They were downtown for just six months before the pandemic hit and forced all of their favorite spots to close their doors. As places reopened, Camden and Kim hear the stories of the incredible sacrifices restaurant owners, workers, and managers made throughout quarantine, and they did their best to help support those businesses through social media and their patronage. “The silver lining is that we made lots of friends with the owners and staff of these establishments,” Camden explains.

We asked the couple to share some of their favorite spots. As Camden puts it, “It is a lot harder than we thought to pick our favorites, so we are going to focus on our favorite patios since patio season is upon us! These places are all spots we will walk to from Short Street to eat and drink outside!”

Horse & Jockey The latest remake of this place is my favorite spot. Paul and his staff are super friendly and ready to make you a drink. Their patio is arguably one of the best downtown. The upstairs patio has a couple of TVs and is great for watching games. Their outdoor bar also opens up to the street, where they have a few stools waiting for you. My favorite cocktail is their Old Fashioned with walnut bitters: very tasty, but packs a punch with 2 oz of Woodford Reserve. My favorite dish is the Guinness Stew, with a Guinness, of course. As a side note, Kim wants the ladies to know that they remodeled the women’s bathrooms, and now each bathroom has a door.

The Blue Heron The Blue Heron is right around the corner from our place on Jefferson street, so we visit frequently. They recently covered their patio but left both ends open to give it an open-air feel. Their

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Distilled

namesake bourbon cocktail, The Blue Heron, is one of Kim’s favorite, especially when paired with their rotating fresh oysters (you have to get the Kusshi’s if available). Our go-to dish is the Porterhouse Steak for 2 – but really, it’s more like 4 – and a bottle of Sexual Chocolate Zin/Syrah (yes, you will raise an eyebrow from your neighbor when you order.)

Distilled Distilled moved in the old Nick Ryans location last year.

We frequented their old location and we were ecstatic when we heard that Mark was moving to Jefferson Street. Their open-air patio is spacious and, with the shrubbery around the outside, gives you a garden feel. They have a great selection of bourbons to work through, but I like the Man o’War if in the mood for a cocktail. However, a neighbor of mine swears they have the best Black Manhattan they have ever tasted.

My favorite dish is the Country Ham Wrapped Scallops.

Pro Tip: If you are looking for some mid-week fun, Ben Lacy plays on their patio every Tuesday evening.

Carson’s Food & Drink

Carson’s Food & Drink

When the mood hits us, we take a walk down to Carson’s. Mark and his team have been the anchors of downtown dining on the East End of town and have had one of my favorite patios since the beginning. With his history in the restaurant business, it’s not surprising that the extensive menu has a little something for everyone (in huge portions). I can’t get away from the Sweet & Spicy Ribs. Kim highly recommends the French 75 to cool you off. If you can snag a reservation on the patio for the Jazz Brunch, you should do it; it makes for a great end to the weekend and the Bloody Mary is a meal in itself.

Centro If you are just looking for a spot after work to sit outside and have a drink, Centro is your place. Not much in the way of food, but the folks there are glad to pour you a beverage and send you out to their patio that extends to the 5/3rd Pavilion. The new galvanized stock tank planters give it a little more of a private vibe than it has had in the past. They are open seven days a week at 4pm and happen to be the first watering hole on my walk home from work. •

Camden and Kim!

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Transforming Lexington’s Downtown In April 2000, Phil Holoubek founded Lexington’s Real Estate Company with $10,000 and one goal: affordable, high-quality rental options for Lexington’s disadvantaged neighborhoods. He saw the need for quality housing that would serve to enhance the community. Over the next several years, he achieved this goal by providing superior and accessible rental housing to Lexington residents.

In 2005, LRC realized that they could have a far greater impact on the Lexington community by developing world-class properties instead of buying existing properties. LRC began to intentionally switch gears. Over the next few years, they expanded to provide a full range of real estate services – downtown real estate development, property management, real estate brokerage, and managed office space.

contemporary urban finishes.

In an effort to avoid urban sprawl, these projects help to promote downtown infill, ensuring our farmland in surrounding areas remains secure and retains productivity. If you’ve ever seen the beauty of a Kentucky farm, you know why this is important! Main+ Rose was even awarded an LFUCG Historic Preservation award, despite being new construction. The designation was achieved by developing existing space without tearing down any existing buildings and blending new architecture within the existing urban fabric. LRC is so incredibly proud of the impact these projects have had on downtown Lexington. They contribute to downtown being an amazing place to live, play and work.

LRC is now considered the leading developer of Downtown Lexington residential and mixed-use space. They are often referred to as “The Downtown Experts” – a title they take serious pride in!

In addition to their high-quality rental housing and awardwinning development projects, LRC also has expertise in house real estate brokerage. Their agents love Lexington and are wellversed in residential and commercial real estate sales, purchases, and leases.

Their development projects today – including Main + Rose, Nunn Building, Carson’s, and more – represent nearly $70 million worth of development, over 200 residential units, and more than 50,000 square feet of retail space. These projects feature dramatic high ceilings, large windows with unmatched views of Lexington, and

The team at Lexington’s Real Estate Company is proud to be a leader in our downtown’s continued growth and development.

Their experts are here to help you learn about, invest in, and live in Lexington’s best downtown residential, commercial, and mixed-use properties.

(859) 255-6706 LRCrealestate.com

Facebook: LexingtonsRealEstateCompany Instagram: @lrcrealestateco

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DECKED OUT

If you’re like us TOPS girls, hosting a perfectly plated dinner or brunch on your patio is probably high on your “Things I Love About Summer” list.

So, you’ll want these get-togethers decked out with the finest china and accessories.

We’ve showcased some beautiful inspiration to get your patio perfectly set and ready to host all summer long!

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Plates

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Your plates are the perfect way to have fun and use patterns to decorate your patio table.

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Think of ways you can layer dinner plates with a charger below or a dessert plate on top. The possibilities are endless.

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ONE Classic Bamboo Natural 7.5” Saucer, $20 | Perigold TWO Lastra 6” Appetizer Plate,$22 | Perigold THREE Sitio Stripe 9” Dessert Plate, $40 | Perigold FOUR + FIVE Del Sol Melamine Salad Plates, set of 4, $34 | Pottery Barn SIX Suffolk Tray, $148 | Serena and Lily SEVEN Kinsley Stoneware Salad Plates, set of 4, $49.50 | Pottery Barn

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Garden Party Blue Dessert Plate, set of 4, $135 | Jayes Studio

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Marrakesh Melamine Dinner Plates, set of 4. $48 | Pottery Barn

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ONE Jupiter Hobnail Drinking Glasses set of 6, $48 | Pottery Barn. TWO Frost Pony Club Bourbon Glass, $72 | Pomegranate.

THREE Art Deco Gable Double Old Fashioned Glasses Set of 2, $12 | World Market. FOUR Geo Outdoor Double Old Fashioned Glasses, set of 6, $72 | Pottery Barn. FIVE Tiled Margot Monogram Mug, $14 | Anthropologie. SIX NAVY BAMBOO BOURBON GLASS Navy Bamboo Bourbon Glass, $72 | Pomegranate. SEVEN Handcrafted Recycled Sea Glass Drinking Glasses, set of 6, $72 | Pottery Barn

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There’s nothing better than a chilled glass of lemonade or a fun cocktail to set the mood when it comes to patio season. So why not have your drinkware be just as fun?

Glasses

A textured or colored glass is the perfect accessory to a beautiful outdoor dining table.

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Macaria Napkins, set of 4, $38 | Anthropologie

s n i k p Na

Talk about being functional and fabulous. Napkins are the perfect accessory to top off any gorgeous plate setting combo.

If you choose to go simple with your dinner plate, add a fun, patterned napkin to spice up the overall look. Or if your plate has some character, add a napkin with subtle details or maybe in an accent color.

Don’t be afraid to have fun wit it and let your personality shine through!

Aqua Palmaria Plaid Design Napkin Set, $27 | Target

Accent your napkins with a fun napkin ring like this gold topiary cutie!

Brela Napkins in Canary, $38 | Serena and Lily

Consider yourself one of those people who believes everything has a place?

Give your beautiful napkins a home in this trendy napkin holder tray!

Jewel Blossom Napkins, $52 | Pomegranate

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Jade Blossom Placemats, set of 4, $52 | Pomegranate

ONE Pom Bells Wedgewood Placemat, $52 | Pomegranate. TWO 15” Placemat in Corl, set of 4, $92 | Perigold. THREE Braided Handwoven Charger Plate, $12 | Pottery Barn.

FOUR Palm Charger, set of 4, $119 | Jayes Studio.

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Placemats

Placemats act as the perfect foundation to build a gorgeous place setting that will wow all of your guests. Play with textures and patterns to enhance the overall look of your dining table and don’t ever be afraid of color!

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Let’s Get

! l a c i Vert

A new dimension of gardening. by Amanda Harper

If you love the idea of gardening, but find it challenging for a variety of reasons, you’re not alone. Gardening can be physically demanding, which is a struggle for many people. Traditional gardens also require a lot of unused ground space, which many of us don’t have to spare. Vegetable gardens can honestly be somewhat unsightly in an otherwise pristine backyard.

If you’ve been put off by any of these factors, vertical gardening might be for you!

Vertical gardening is–as the name implies–the practice of growing plants up rather than out. While some plants need encouragement to go vertical, it’s a gardening style that just about anyone can do successfully.

The ways to achieve a vertical garden are virtually limitless. You can use everything from old fencing to used palettes to get growing.

If you’ve never trained a plant to climb, the process is fairly simple. You need to identify what method the plant uses to climb and provide it with a material it can grab onto. Plants with those curly little tendrils like green beans need something small, like string or wire, to grasp. Plants that are “twiners” like morning glories or clematis use their leaves to grab on; because of that, they can climb thicker structures, like wooden trellis. Some plants are able to cling to just about any surface (Boston ivy), while others (climbing roses) need to be tied. Google is a tremendous resource in helping you understand what will go up!

COMMON TYPES OF VERTICAL GARDENS: Stacked planter boxes. This looks something like a ladder with several planter boxes as the rungs. These usually lean against the side of your home or hang suspended with chains. This type of vertical garden is best for plants that don’t vine or branch out.

Wall pockets. This is often a sheet of felt or canvas with little pockets that plants tuck into. This would be hung from a wall or divider. This is usually used for non-vining plants.

Trellises, “living walls” or arbors. Naturally vining plants are trained to climb these garden structures.

String, stakes or cages. Vegetable gardeners often use supports for plants that naturally climb, like green beans.

BENEFITS: Works in small spaces. If you don’t have much ground to dedicate to gardening, growing up can allow you to have more in a space that might otherwise be wasted!

Less physically demanding. Aching knees and backs rejoice! Vertical gardening requires less stooping, kneeling, bending over and generally contorting your body than traditional growing setups.

More even sunshine and watering. This setup allows you to make the most of the resources you have.

Can increase yield. By allowing your plants to grow up and out, there is often more potential for crop production.

Looks more aesthetically appealing! You can create a garden that almost looks like a fixture of your home rather than… well, a garden. •

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JULY 15 – 18, 2021

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Seasonal Menu

Warmer weather brings many joys. But while baseball and flip flops are great, what we’re really excited about is the food. Our grills are finally open for business!

All this sunshine means that more fresh produce is available, and grocery shelves are stocked with bright ingredients. While we’re still a few months away from the full swath of summer’s bounty, we’re bringing you ideas for incorporating ingredients that are in season right now with produce you can find at any grocery store to create dishes that will having you count the days until you see your first lightning bug.

Hoisin-Glazed Grilled Salmon Ingredients:

Make it a Meal Ideas:

1/3 c. Hoisin sauce 1/4 c. soy sauce 2 T EVOO 1 clove garlic, crushed 6 boneless salmon filets

Rice Sliced avocado Wilted greens (spinach, watercress, beetroot leaves, kale, collard, chard or escarole)

Directions:

Cucumbers and radishes quick-pickled in rice wine vinegar Farro salad (cooked farro, arugula, chopped onion and a honey mustard dressing)

Grilled lemon Grilled asparagus, glazed with Hoisin

Combine Hoisin, soy sauce, EVOO and garlic.

Place salmon in a baking dish. Brush each side of the salmon with the marinade, then pour the rest into the bottom of the dish. Cover and refrigerate for 30 minutes. Flip the salmon and refrigerate for 30 minutes more.

Stir-fried baby bok choy Grilled summer squash Fried rice (with spring peas or broccoli)

If your grill grates tend to stick, oil them with a high-heat cooking oil. Wipe off any excess. Preheat the grill to 450 degrees.

Vinegar coleslaw Roasted fingerling potatoes

Grill the salmon, flipping once. (If your filets are skin-on, grill skin side down first.) If desired, brush the fleshy side with fresh Hoisin sauce.

Pair it With:

When the internal temperature of your salmon reaches 130 degrees, transfer to a farm plate and let rest for 5 minutes (the internal temperature should reach 145 degrees with carry-over cooking.)

Optional: sprinkle with sesame seeds or chopped green onions.

Fruity wheat beer Citrus-forward IPA Pinot gris Apple sake Provence rosé Cucumber-mint lemonade

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Dry Rub This dry rub is perfect for just about any protein, whether you’re roasting or grilling. It’s great on a pork shoulder or baked chicken wings, but it’s also tasty on sides, like potatoes. Since it contains sugar, it’s important to keep an eye on browning: the sugar should caramelize, but it can burn.

Ingredients: 1/4 c. brown sugar 2 T Kosher salt 2 T paprika 1 T freshly ground black pepper 2 tsp. cumin 1 tsp. mustard powder 1/4 tsp. cayenne pepper

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Dry Rubbed Tilapia 4 tilapia filets (about 6 oz. each) Dry Rub 2 T EVOO Rub the dry rub mixture all over the tilapia, coating every surface.Heat EVOO over medium heat in a large cast iron skillet. Add filets one at a time and cook until it flakes easily with a fork. Tilapia cooks quickly!

Make it a Meal Ideas: Pico de gallo, guacamole or mango salsa Spanish rice Roasted potatoes Vibrant spring coleslaw

TOPS in Lexington | May 2021

MAY IS SKIN CANCER AWARENESS MONTH

Cedarhurst HH • • • •

1 in 5 Americans will develop skin cancer in their lifetime.

Skin cancer is the most common form of cancer in the US. More than 1 million Americans are living with melanoma.

Annual skin exams are recommended by the American Academy of Dermatology.

Give us a call to schedule your appointment with one of our board-certified dermatologists.

2424 Harrodsburg Road, Suite 200 • Lexington, KY • 40503 859.278.9492 • www.dermconsultants.com

SIMPLICITY IS THE ULTIMATE

Sophistication WALK-IN CLOSET

CLOSETS • GARAGE • HOME OFFICE • ENTERTAINMENT • WALL BEDS • PANTRY • CRAFT • LAUNDRY • MUD ROOM • WINE ROOM

Call (859) 277-0277 for a free Virtual or In-Home Design Consultation or visit us online at closetfactory.com 246 Walton Avenue, Lexington, KY 40502 the art of organization ©2021 Closet Factory. All rights reserved.

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Grilling Spice Ingredients: 2 T fresh coarse ground pepper 2 T ground paprika 2 T kosher salt 2 tsp. garlic powder 2 tsp. ground coriander 1 tsp. crushed red pepper flakes 1 tsp. cayenne pepper

Bright Shrimp Salad Ingredients: Shrimp EVOO Grilling Spice Mango Red Onion Lettuce Avocado Directions:

Buttery Spiced Mushrooms

Lightly brush shrimp with EVOO. Season to taste with Grilling Spice mixture. Grill until they turn pink and opaque.

Chop mango, onion, lettuce and avocado. Plate and top with shrimp. Sprinkle the whole plate with a dash of Grilling Spice.

Optional: feel free to grill your lettuce, onion and mango for a touch more grill flavor! If you enjoy a little spice, substitute EVOO for chili oil and finish the dish with a squeeze of lime.

Ingredients: 4 T butter, melted 4 tsp. Grilling Spice 16 oz. whole cremini or white mushrooms, halved Directions: Mix butter and seasoning in a bowl. Add mushrooms and toss to coat evenly.

Take a large sheet of heavy duty aluminum foil. Place coated mushrooms in the center, and fold to create a foil packet.

Grill over medium-high heat until mushrooms are tender (about 13 minutes.) Flip packet halfway through cooking.

These are great as a side dish, or served on toasted, rustic bread as a crostini. Top with a dash of Grilling Spice and your favorite fresh herbs.

(Adapted from McCormick.com)

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At Home DIY

For the Mamas May is one of my favorite months! The spring weather becomes more consistent, we get to start planting flowers, and there’s so much to celebrate!

In addition to the Derby, Memorial Day, and the end of school, we get to celebrate the people that help mold us into who we are today- our mamas and teachers!

Framed Pressed Flowers Let me start by saying we made this as a Mother’s Day gift, but now I want to go back and make more just for fun! The boys and I went out and picked some wildflowers to dry. We also ended up buying a small bouquet on clearance because there were only a couple of wildflower options this time of year. These flowers were going to be pressed between glass, and the traditional drying method requires time, heavy books, and then more time.

I’m as impatient as they come. Enter the speed drying method...using your microwave. Yes, your microwave! Simply take your stems and place them between two paper towels (This step is important, otherwise your flowers will stick to the glass.) Be sure not to overlap your stems. Then, I used a square glass baking dish filled with water, and set it on top of the paper towels to add some pressure- I think anything that is heavy and microwave safe would for this! I microwaved in two minute increments. The heat from the microwave pulled out the moisture in the stems and flattened them in no time! I left them laid flat overnight to let them dry completely. Then, I took two dollar tree frames. I sprayed one frame gold, and then used the glass from both. Start by hot gluing your first piece of glass to the frame. Then arrange your dried flowers and hot glue the second piece of glass to the back. I’ll admit this one exceeded our expectations, and all for under $5! I feel like this is one a mama would actually love to display and share that it was made by a kiddo!

Pencil Can Teacher Gift Whether you need something for teacher appreciation week or for an end of school year gift, this is a sweet one! Simply peel the paper off of a can, use tape to separate your paint colors and let your kiddo go to town! My oldest painted this for his teacher and he was so proud because it was literally one he did completely on his own! He couldn’t wait to give it to her. We filled ours with fresh flowers, but a plant or some Flair Pens would be adorable too!

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DIY with Kids

AT HOME

JESSI TURNER Fruitful Phases Blog @fruitfulphases

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WOW Wedding

As the school year comes to an end and we reflect on the past year it was definitely one of firsts and adjustments. What better way to highlight Lexington graduates than to acknowledge their achievements and celebrate them in a big way as they enter into their next chapter. These students were definitely TOP of the Class in our eyes!

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s n o i t a l u t a r g n o C Class of 2020

and Class of 2021!

We are excited to celebrate all your hard work this May and look forward to watching you pursue bold paths as graduates!

K ENTUCK Y’S F IR ST UNIV E R SIT Y | L E XINGTON, KY | TRANSY.E DU

LY N N E

LS

SNEED

R E A L E STAT E

Downtown Living Summer Nights on the Rooftop Terrace...

The Residences 369 E Main St

Discover all that Lexington has to offer from this new condominium development, located above Field & Main Bank. Spend your summer enjoying the 6th floor indoor club and terrace. Or simply walk to local restaurants, entertainment and nightlife. The possibilities are endless!

1 & 2 BR units available starting at $334,000

To learn more about these properties, contact:

Lynne Sneed CIPS, ABR, e-Pro, Broker/Realtor®

Lynne Sneed Real Estate Luxury Homes International

(859) 983-9339 LynneSneed.com

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Lauren Tharp, Cameron Scheitzach and Alli Stumler (UK Athletics Photo)

Roommates, Teammates, Friends Three UK volleyball athletes demonstrate what it means to be a true team player. by Larry Vaught Before they became volleyball teammates and roommates at the University of Kentucky, they sort of knew each other. But they never really envisioned what a terrific friendship they might develop.

who make you want to be better and give back to the community.

We all have the same mindset and giving back attitude, and it’s easy because when somebody wants to do some type of community service, we all just hop in and go.”

Lauren Tharp of Louisville and Alli Stumler of Floyds Knob, IN had played club volleyball against each other in high school. They had each met Cameron Scheitzach of Orlando at camp. They lived in the dorm their freshman year at Kentucky before moving to an apartment for the last two years.

Scheitzach is a kinesiology major who plans to obtain a Masters of Public Health and become a physician’s assistant. Stumler is an elementary education major while Tharp is a special education major. All were National Honor Society members in high school.

“We always say it is interesting how we get along. There are never any complaints about each other – or at least not that I know of,” said Tharp. “We have never had any fights – or at least not yet.”

They have been part of three straight Southeastern Conference championship teams, and this year, the three roommates/ teammates were among 24 UK student-athletes chosen for induction into the Frank G. Ham Society of Character.

This recognizes Wildcats who have shown an extraordinary commitment to academic excellence, athletic participation, personal development and career preparation.

“Those are the things you are very proud of as a coach,” said UK coach Craig Skinner. “It’s not just how fast you can run, how high you can jump or how hard you hit [the ball]. It’s about how you interact with people on campus and the academic side. It’s the whole person, something we talk a lot about in recruiting. To have three off our team selected in one year is an honor, and it is kind of weird that they are also all three roommates.”

Tharp said none of the three knew the others received the honor until UK posted the announcement.

“It was kind of funny when we found out,” Tharp said. “It’s been great. We are really close and are best friends, along with roommates and teammates. It’s great being surrounded by people

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“Ali and I are in some classes together this semester,” Tharp said.

“We are not super competitive academically because we like to try and understand each other’s major. Over dinner a lot of times we talk about what we did that day. It’s just awesome to hear about their successes.”

They didn’t have time to talk about the honor because it was announced during their season, but Tharp said it was “more rewarding” because it recognized their character beyond what they did on the volleyball court.

“Craig has always been a person to emphasize giving back to the community,” Stumler said. “As soon as you get on campus, he talks about giving back and how you can make an impact off the court, and being involved is something that is part of our team. That’s why this is so important.”

Even the pandemic didn’t stop the three from finding ways to give back during UK’s championship season, thanks to help from the UK staff.

“It has been harder to do this year, but through Zoom calls with children at the hospital, we got to talk about volleyball and our lives. Finding little ways to do that was difficult with the pandemic but something that was still important to all of us to find a way to keep doing,” Tharp said.

TOPS in Lexington | May 2021

Eat & Shop @

WE HAVE SUMMER CAMPS! Visit explorium.com for details.

Crumbl Cookies Comes to Hamburg!

It all started with one big dream and the perfect combination of flour, sugar and chocolate chips.

Sawyer Hemsley, COO founded Crumbl with the goal to create the world’s best chocolate chip cookie. He teamed up with his cousin, Jason McGowan, CEO, and dove head-first into the world of baking. Four years later, the gourmet cookie delivery and takeout company is set to open its first Lexington location.

According to their website, the Crumbl Cookies concept is deliciously simple: “We have the best cookies in the world and love to share them with all of our Crumbl Crew.” Each cookie is baked fresh daily, available through in-store, delivery and curbside pick-up, packaged in their signature Pink Box. They have a weekly rotating menu with 120+ specialty flavors, in addition to their chilled sugar and award-winning milk chocolate chip cookies. Their secret weekly line-up is revealed every Sunday night on their social media platforms and website. In addition to their delicious cookies, they offer half-pints of Crumbl Cream ice cream, milk and Crumbl Water.

The Hamburg Crumbl joins over 175 locations in 31 states.

Franchise owners Ameet Patel and Sagar Leva are thrilled to bring something sweet to central Kentucky.

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Must Read Must Stream

Freedom

Notes on Grief

The Living Sea of Waking Dreams

by Sebastian Junger

by Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie

by Richard Flanagan

Junger has told many stories from up close.

This one follows the writer as he travels along East Coast railroads, pondering the meaning of freedom and community.

This book builds on an essay she published in The New Yorker about her grief following the death of her father in 2020. Anyone who has lost someone close will relate.

Among a world on fire, Anna’s aged mother is dying. When Anna begins to disappear, limb by limb, this author takes the reader on a journey through grief and possibility.

The Woman in the Window

Army of the Dead

The Underground Railroad

Coming to Netflix May 14

Coming to Netflix May 21

Coming to Prime May 14

This thrilled is an adaptation of a novel by AJ Finn. Adams plays an agoraphobe who becomes obsessed with the lives of her neighbors – and she witnesses a crime.

Zack Snyder’s zombie movie promises to be a lot of fun – if that’s your kinda thing. An ensemble cast carries this action flick set in Las Vegas.

This series, directed by Barry Jenkins (Moonlight), is based on the novel by Colson Whitehead. While the story is fiction, the story will still resonate in a very real way.

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Lexington VA: Proudly serving military women Veterans The Lexington VA Health Care System supports women Veterans through a wide range of programs designed specifically with their needs in mind.

VA provides clinical training to equip VA providers and nurses to better support women Veterans’ long-term health and well-being.

Unique needs and exposures that impact women, such as the burdens of deployment, physical demands of heavy gear, combat exposure, military sexual trauma, breast, and cervical cancer are all apart of training.

Some programs, like Geriatrics, MOVE!, Nutrition, Podiatry, Whole Health, and Audiology have aspects geared to women over 50, while other programs, such as the Women’s Health Clinic serves and coordinates care of women of any age on any gender-specific issue. The Women’s Health Clinic also treats all women who served -- straight, lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender -- and the LGBT program offers support and services to this specific community.

The Lexington VA Health Care System also offer services for women who have experienced trauma through our Military Sexual Trauma (MST) program, and our Intimate Partner Violence (IPV) program, Suicide Prevention program and Mental Health Service.

Nutrition and Food Service runs several programs at LVAHCS for Veterans over 50. MOVE! is a weight management, health promotion program designed to improve the lives of Veterans.

With the help of the MOVE! Program, Veterans can reduce health risks, prevent, or reverse certain diseases, and improve quality of life. Dietitians also meet with Veterans one-on-one and discuss healthy eating habits.

Geriatric Care is comprehensive, whether the Veteran is interested in Home Based Primary Case, Hospice Care, Palliative

Care or Remote Monitoring Care. The Lexington VA Health Care System will help guide Veterans making these decisions with the patient’s health, and welfare in mind. Home Based Primary Care assists Veterans in their home who feel isolated or when their caregiver is overburdened. Hospice can be provided in home, an outpatient clinic or inpatient setting for Veterans who have a terminal condition. Palliative treatment is comfort care that relieves suffering by controlling symptoms so Veterans can carry out their day-to-day activities. Remote monitoring utilizes home monitoring equipment, and the Veteran’s care team uses the data to coordinate care.

The Lexington VA Health Care System’s Audiology Clinic offers more than just hearing aids; they also diagnose and treat hearing disorders, including hearing loss, balance impairment and tinnitus. The audiology clinic does not require a referral from your primary care physician, so getting seen is easy! And while it is more than just hearing aids, LVAHCS provides state-of-the-art hearing aids to Veterans.

Several years ago, VA started offering Veterans whole health options as a part of their health care. Whole Health develops a health plan with the Veteran based on her values, needs and goals. Options under Whole Health include Tai Chi, Meditation, Acupuncture, Chiropractor and more. These Whole Health options, combined with traditional medicinal options, give the Veteran more control in their health care planning.

The Lexington VA Health Care System serves all who served in the military and has a program or clinic to meet your specific health care concerns. To discuss further or to find out how to enroll, call Jimalee Ross, Women Veterans Program coordinator, at 859-2813888 or email at Jimalee.Ross@va.gov.

OUT & ABOUT Photos from you and our TOPS photographers, showing what you did this April in Lexington!

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photos by TOPS readers & phtographers

ASHLEY ROSE, JOETTA MCGRANN-WIREMAN, KEARNEY ACKERMANN, JENN ROSENTHAL, RAINA FULLARD AND KRISTIN TAYLOR

CENTRAL KY HOME + GARDEN SHOW

COACH MARK STOOPS AND TAMMY STANTON AT WM TARR TASTING EVENT

SOLIDARITY AGAINST ASIAN HATE RALLY

STONEWALL TERRACE GROUNDBREAKING

TOPS in Lexington | May 2021

TOPS PREVIEW PARTIES ARE BACK! TOPS WHITAKER BANK BALLPARK VENDOR FAIR

We’re so excited to get back to having regular monthly preview parties for our advertisers to get a sneak peek of the issue before it hits stands.

Capacity is extremely limited. If you are interested in attending TOPS Preview Parties with us, please get in touch to learn how you can get on our invite list!

Interested in hosting or sponsoring a TOPS Preview Party? Get in touch to learn more: ADVERTISING@TOPSINLEX.COM

THE COOL FAMILY AT COLEMAN CREST FARM

STONEWALL TERRACE GROUNDBREAKING

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2021 KEENELAND SPRING MEET Fridays and Saturdays in April are all about mixing and mingling trackside! Check out the action from the races. photos by Woody Phillips, Christopher Michael Images & Dr. Michael Huang

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KAREN MIXSON AND TIP MIXSON

KATIE BRANHAM AND LIZ FREMGEN

DAVID SMYTH, KERRI SMYTH, CHRIS WEIKEL AND TONYA WEIKEL

TOM WADE AND MIKE WOODWARD

PATRICK STRONG, ANDREA STRONG AND TODD FUGATE

TOPS in Lexington | May 2021

PAULA FLYNN, SHARON MAHAN, WINDY CRANFILL AND BOB CRANFILL

Tiffany Kring Lexington

Ryan Cooper Lexington

Karey Downey Lexington

Let us help guide you in the right direction!

LEXINGTON 859.268.2410

Beaumont Circle | 997 Governors Ln

STEVE BUTTLEMAN

NICHOLASVILLE 859.424.4180

Harrodsburg Rd | 104 Springdale Dr

mbcbank.com

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GO RED FOR WOMEN LUNCHEON WATCH PARTY Carol Russell hosted a livestream watch party for the 2021 Go Red for Women Luncheon event. photos by Woody Phillips

BETTY SPAIN, LOU JONES, CAROLYN RASNICK, CAROL RUSSELL , MELANIE TERRELL, CHERYL LALONDE, DEBRA WALTER, BECKY ALFORD AND JENNIFER PONDER

JACK RUSSELL ON A/V DUTIES

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CAROL RUSSELL AND BETTY SPAIN

Contact a lender to get started today.

traditionalbank.com/lenders

May 2021 | TOPSinLex.com

Member FDIC

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“TOPS Digital Solutions has been managing our digital marketing campaigns for two years now. I can’t say enough great things about their team and how they’ve helped us to drive awareness about the impact the YMCA is making in our community. We’ve seen tremendous results from their services, which includes SEO and SEM, Nonprofit Google Grant management and more.”

Brandi Doss, Senior Marketing Director, YMCA of Central Kentucky

“We Love TOPS!! Our firm advertises with TOPS in both Lexington and Louisville, and we use TOPS Digital for ALL our marketing needs. They are up front about what to expect and deliver more, it is simply wonderful! Their Communication is top notch! Partnering with TOPS has taken our business to the top level!”

Kristina Ping, Powerful Legacy Insurance and Financial Services

“We couldn’t be more thrilled with the work TOPS has done for our business.

Both the digital and sales teams have been amazing to work with! I am truly amazed by how quickly we started seeing results.”

Jarrod Gabbard, Boone Contracting, LLC.

“I’ve been advertising in TOPS for several years and I know firsthand that they have helped establish my career in Lexington. Working with the team, they help manage a yearly campaign that is built around my business so I can maximize my marketing budget. I am looking forward to many more years of advertising with TOPS. You always feel like you get your money back, plus more!”

Dana Back Pack, Fairway Mortgage

Ready to start your TOPS success story? advertising@topsmarketing.com

KENTUCKY EAGLE MAIN STREET CLEAN SWEEP To celebrate Earth Week, Kentucky Eagle partnered with Big Ass Fans to clean up around our community!

MEMBERSHIP HAS ITS ADVANTAGES! But, Don’t Take Our Word For It...

photos by Woody Phillips

“

Commerce Lexington’s leadership during this time of crisis has been so helpful to me as a business owner. It is my one source for correct information. CLX is a true partner to me and my business.

“

- Gwyn Everly, Co-Owner of J. Render’s Southern Table & Bar

Find out more about how Commerce Lexington can help you grow your business in Central Kentucky.

For more information or to join, visit Commerce Lexington.com

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