All I want for Christmas ...

... is the new design book from Domino - sadly, however, it won't publish until fall 2008.

I can't exactly define what has led to my growing obsession with shelter magazines -- maybe it's my experience as a real estate writer, or, gasp, that I'm simply getting older, thus creating a pronounced desire to nest.

Whatever the cause, I have abandoned a couple of old favorites (R.I.P., Cosmopolitan) in favor of the sleek, sophisticated pages of Domino, Dwell, Cottage Living and, my other favorite, Blueprint. Martha Stewart may be evil incarnated, but damn -- the woman is a publishing genius.

The number of magazines that choose to publish books seems to be growing, and I see it as a profitable and natural extension into a related avenue of the print industry. I own an InStyle guide, am still debating on Real Simple's cleaning tome and am secretly hoping that my other beloved magazine titles will soon follow suit. Oh, and I can't forget another anticipated book release -- that of Arthur Frommer's Budget Travel, which is publishing a guidebook compiled solely from reader-submitted tips. Now THAT'S a study in print media democracy!

See you at Borders in 2008 -- I'll be the one camped out next to the cash register.

Up close and personal

Two blog posts does not a confidante make, but in the sharing and caring spirit of the holiday season, I bring to you an end-of-year survey that will shed light on the dark and mysterious corners of my life (well, if I had any). Thanks to R. for letting me "borrow" the questionnaire.


(Most of) 2007 in review:

01. What did you do in 2007 that you'd never done before?

Moved in with my significant other.
Placed an intercontinental drunk dial.
Attended a live wrestling show.
Watched a burlesque revue.
Adopted a kitty!
Cruised the high seas with my best friend and former roommate.

02. Did you keep your new years' resolutions, and will you make more?

My overachieving personality pushes me to keep my resolutions to a point, but there's always more room for growth. The same ones will appear for next year, including weight loss, improved finances, etc., but I'm pleased with the career growth I've experienced in the last two years and definitely plan to make that a continual priority.

03. Did anyone close to you give birth?

Congratulations, Mama Anna!

04. Did anyone close to you die?

James "Jim" Goodrich (step-grandfather)
Callie (family cat)

R.I.P.

05. What countries did you visit?

US, Mexico and Belize

06. What would you like to have in 2008 that you lacked in 2007?

Significant weight loss, an investment in addition to my savings account and at least three new freelance clients.

07. What date from 2007 will remain etched upon your memory, and why?

June 15, when R. and I signed our lease. It was a huge and scary step, and a bittersweet end to the Ryox era, but has been nothing short of amazing.

08. What was your biggest achievement of the year?

Accepting a job as a magazine editor. To partially realize your career dream at age 25 cannot be explained in words.

09. What was your biggest failure?

I try not to consider anything a failure; I make mistakes and learn from them.

10. Did you suffer illness or injury?

Minor ailments, knock on wood!

11. What was the best thing you bought?

The domain name for my Web site, 6+ magazine subscriptions and Cherryh Butler's personal training services.

12. Whose behaviour merited celebration?

Our kitten, Korma. I didn't realize how much I missed living with pets.

13. Whose behavior made you appalled and depressed?

That of distant family members and former co-workers.

14. Where did most of your money go?

Rent.
Magazines.
Groceries.
Cosmetics/toiletries.
Craft supplies.

15. What did you get really, really, really excited about?

Magazines.
Writing.
Knitting.
Cohabitation.

16. What song will always remind you of 2007?

My Favorite Letter Is U, Uni and her Ukelele
I was graced by Uni's angelic voice during this year's Art Tarts Alternative Xmas Crafts celebration, and her CD hasn't left my player yet. Looking forward to her next KC performance.

17. Compared to this time last year, are you:

i. happier or sadder?

Happier.

ii. thinner or fatter?

Thinner.

18. What do you wish you'd done more of?

Creative writing.

19. What do you wish you'd done less of?

Worrying.

20. How will you be spending Christmas?

With the people I love.

22. Did you fall in love in 2007?

Korma Schamberger-Ryan stole my heart in less than a minute!

23. How many one-night stands?

None -- too hard to coordinate when you live with someone.

24. What was your favourite TV program?

The Biggest Loser

25. Do you hate anyone now that you didn't hate this time last year?

Same idiots, different year.

26. What was the best book you read?

"Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows" - it was a wonderful story, but very hard to say goodbye.

27. What was your greatest musical discovery?

Finally listening to others' recommendations, and it's paying off! M.I.A., Uni, The Fray, Amy Winehouse - it's exhilarating to break out of my lyrical comfort zone.

28. What did you want and get?

Want? More freelance clips and definitive career advancement.

Get? More freelance clips and definitive career advancement.

29. What was your favourite film of this year?

"American Gangster"

31. What did you do on your birthday, and how old were you?

25. Woke up early for a job interview, accepted said job, celebrated with happy hour, dancing and digestive pyrotechnics, which made for an early night. Thanks to all who celebrated with me!

32. What one thing would have made your year immeasurably more satisfying?

Spending time with Jim before he passed.

33. How would you describe your personal fashion concept in 2007?

Dayjob - Dress Casual
Personal - Bitch-ass hot, but buying smaller sizes!

34. What kept you sane?

Magazines.
Exercise.
Sex and the City DVDs.
Kitties.

35. Which celebrity/public figure did you fancy the most?

John Cena

36. What political issue stirred you the most?

Why, oh why, did the 2008 campaign start so early? I just can't get into it.

37. Who did you miss?

Jim, Grandpa, Nikki, Naina

38. Who was the best new person you met?

Person: Dustin Andrews, graphic designer extraordinaire.
Animal: Korma

39. Tell us a valuable life lesson you learned in 2007.

It never fails to amaze me how fast your life can change in one year, and how much you can accomplish if you work to create the right support system. 2007 has been a year of incredible personal and professional growth for me, and although it's definitely had its low points, I feel confident that I am finally building the foundation I need to fulfill my future goals. It may sound trite, but I truly believe that if you project a positive attitude and do your best to help those around you, it will pay off, whether you make strides in your career or simply go to sleep at night knowing you made a difference in someone else's life.

Let's get acquainted

Greetings.

Although this is not my first time on the Web (I've left behind at least five blog corpses since college), debuting my first official Web site is cause for celebration -- any excuse to break out the bubbly, right?

I've commandeered this scenic corner of cyberspace to bring you my thoughts, my life, and most importantly, my words. Sounds a tad egocentric, perhaps, but in this day and age, it's all about the Web and self-promotion -- and I love nothing more than to jump on a hoppin' bandwagon. I'm also equal parts impressed and startled by how fast my clip collection has grown, and I don't think there's a better vehicle with which to promote my editorial range and abilities.

The ultimate goal, of course, is to use the clips and blogs I post on this site to attract lots and lots of freelance jobs (and any other lucrative opportunity), thereby securing my ability to purchase several European houses, including a charming pied-a-terre in Paris. In all seriousness, however, all I've ever wanted to do is write and work in magazines, so I'll not only archive my work, but also chronicle my professional (and, when relevant, my personal) journey.

Before we part, pick your blog aggregator of choice and subscribe! Visit and comment often, critique my clips and let me know you're out there.

Happy holidays!

Shopping transformed

Zona Rosa offers visitors, and residents, a full-immersion experience

(Published June 2007)

Katy Ryan

Platte County staff writer

The story of Zona Rosa could be a script writer’s dream. Mix one opinionated, knowledgeable land owner with a dedicated developer and visionary and the result is a destination that evokes both the atmosphere of a modern downtown with the town squares and community feeling common to traditional neighborhoods.

The mixed-use development was once a stretch of lush farmland. Property owner Bonnie Poteet had developed an interest in the concept of new urbanism and wanted the future of the land to align with that interest.

“Her research led her to Yaromir Steiner, principal of Steiner + Associates,” said Rosemary Salerno, Zona Rosa general manager. “She realized he was well-respected for what he was doing with the new urbanism concept.”

Intrigued by Poteet’s vision, Steiner wanted to investigate the land. The Ohio resident was already familiar with Kansas City and its premier new urbanism development: the Country Club Plaza.

Fast forward through meetings, planning and construction to 2004, when Zona Rosa opened to the public. As Salerno points out, it isn’t just a place to shop.

“We’re also as much a place to come and just experience things, which is why we work on what we term the animation of the project. It’s about coming out to listen to the concerts, going to the art festivals, seeing the holiday décor,” she said.

Zona Rosa’s hundreds of thousands of square footage encompass retail businesses, restaurants, office space, residential lofts and entertainment venues. The development combines a mixed-use atmosphere with an architectural design reminiscent of a traditional neighborhood to fully immerse visitors in a diverse, all-encompassing experience.

Although much of Zona Rosa’s design is similar to other new urbanism developments, it was the first Steiner + Associates project to incorporate residential space. Salerno said the popularity of the lofts is undeniable, and in addition to adding more lofts in Zona Rosa’s second phase, all Steiner + Associates projects now feature a residential component.

“People are drawn by the dynamic of the environment – there’s great shopping, great dining and entertainment outside your door,” Salerno said. “There’s a lot of energy here, and people have enjoyed being a part of that.”

In addition, Zona Rosa also features a fully integrated university, National American University, which gives residents and visitors an on-site center for continuing education. Salerno said the campus only adds to Zona Rosa’s value as a comprehensive community.

Zona Rosa’s success in what Salerno described as a previously “underserved” market has fueled development of a second phase. Few details have been released, but the addition will be anchored by a 200,000-square foot, tri-level Dillard’s. Salerno said more retail, office and residential space will be added, and the phase is expected to open in fall 2008.

The popularity of Zona Rosa has acted as one of many catalysts for additional new urbanism communities in Kansas City. Modeled after European construction principles, new urbanism promotes a high-density development with strong aesthetics and a high degree of walkability. Salerno said more people are favoring these types of accessible areas as opposed to sprawling malls.

“Consumers today are time-strapped, and the convenience factor of seeing a store, driving up to it, getting back in your car – it’s more appealing,” she said. “But everything’s cyclical. If you look at Antioch Center, which was built in the 1950s, it started as open air. Twenty years later, they put a roof over it, and now they’re tearing it down to build an open air center. It will be interesting to see what happens to Zona Rosa in 20 years.”

Regardless of development cycles, Salerno said the fact that Zona Rosa is a destination is undeniable.

“An ambiance and environment like Zona Rosa help to create experiences that you wouldn’t necessarily get at a mall, and these are special to the neighborhood and the community.”

Sidebar:
New Urbanism 101

The goal of new urbanism, as defined by www.NewUrbanism.org, is simply to create livable, sustainable communities. The principles of new urbanism are numerous, and can be applied to a range of projects from a single building to a large community. Design tenets include:

• Walkability
• Connectivity
• Mixed-use and diversity
• Mixed housing
• Quality architecture and urban design
• Traditional neighborhood structure
• Increased density
• Smart transportation
• Sustainability
• Quality of Life

High-density, mixed-use environments contradict design principles used throughout the country in the 1960s and 70s, in which residential, retail and office space were built separately and in a sprawling fashion. New urbanism developments not only promote a full immersion experience, but also help ease environmental concerns by creating walkable areas that can also accommodate various types of public transportation.

Sidebar 2:
What’s in a name?

Land owner Bonnie Poteet always knew she wanted her family acreage to support a shopping area inspired by new urbanism. She visited Mexico City frequently, specifically the famed shopping, dining and entertainment district called Zona Rosa. Salerno said she loved the name so much that she referred to the Kansas City development as Zona Rosa prior to plans even being made. Once construction began, the name Zona Rosa had such equity in the market that Steiner + Associates didn’t bother to make the change. “It’s not a traditional name, and I’m so happy they didn’t change it – it’s memorable,” Salerno said.

Buying power

Bevy of downtown residential properties with tax advantages looking for savvy shopper. First-timers encouraged to apply.

(Published April 5, 2007)

Katy Ryan

Urban Living writer

“Thinkin’ about my future, my dream house

Everybody’s got a dream house, the house of their dreams

You lay in bed, you dream about it, all the fascinating things you’ll have one day.”

~Dane Cook, comedian.

Few experiences can inspire paradoxical feelings of exhilaration and terror like buying a home – especially for a novice. And as a variety of creative financing programs flourish and interest rates hover at reasonable levels, home buying has become accessible to a younger demographic.

The National Association of Realtors released a survey in 2006 that reported the median age of first-time buyers in 2005 was 32, a fact that doesn’t surprise Prudential Kansas City Realty manager John Anderson.

“We’ve seen a large number of first-time buyers come downtown, and they’re younger,” he said. “I think they’ve found that it’s very comparable in their cash flow to be able to own versus renting.”

Anderson works out of the downtown office and said the large number of purchase opportunities in the $200,000-price range is appealing to first-timers.

Add in a financial bonus – the tax abatement – offered at many downtown properties and the possibilities become even more lucrative. Given for a variety of reasons, from an effort to increase employment to an economic reward for new construction, tax abatements are granted by a taxing board and allow a taxpayer a stay of paying a tax for a short or long term and for a percentage of or the total tax. In short? Tax abatements can result in savings – and lots of it.

“These are huge incentives for first-time buyers,” Anderson said. “It could be several hundreds to thousands of dollars in savings. It really does allow for the first-time homebuyer who’s limited in income to recoup some of those expenses.”

The preferred tax abatement of downtown, Chapter 353, typically abates 100 percent of the tax value for the first 10 years and 50 percent of the tax value for the following 15 years. Some residential properties such as The View offer full, 100-percent tax abatements for 25 years.

In the Citistates Kansas City report (published in 2001) Curtis Johnson and Neil Peirce lauded the potential of tax breaks to fuel development and act as a catalyst for downtown’s revival campaign.

“Used responsibly, tax breaks can encourage redevelopment that otherwise wouldn’t occur,” they wrote. “Used responsibly, tax breaks can bring dead deals to life where blight or brownfields discourage investment.”

Now that visions of tax-related savings and the glory of ownership have produced an adrenaline rush that would rival that of a Fear Factor contestant, it’s time to investigate financing options.

Most experts recommend a down payment of 10 to 20 percent, although financing programs exist that will cover up to 100 percent of the home’s value. The more the loan covers, however, the higher the chance of being subjected to hidden costs such as increased interest rates and private mortgage insurance. For these and a myriad other reasons, Anderson said, using a licensed real estate agent is invaluable.

“Using an agent is vital, especially for a first-time buyer. There are a lot of twists and turns between purchasing, getting a loan, closing and just making sure you’re represented and treated fairly, equitably and to your advantage.”

Throughout their careers, many Realtors have formed alliances or partnerships with other professionals who can assist at various stages in the purchase process – for example, selecting a mortgage program.

Nathan Steele is a loan officer for First Kansas City Home Lending (an affiliate of Pulaski Bank) and said the options for home financing are nearly endless.

“To qualify for these programs in general, the biggest thing people need to know is what they can afford each month,” he said. And here’s where the math comes in.

Steele said most lenders want to see a 45 percent debt-to-income ratio. Add your existing debt – credit cards, student loans, car payments, etc. – to your new home payment (with related costs such as HOA dues) and divide by your income – the result should be around 45 percent.

More specifically, Steele said that, depending on relevant qualifying factors, prospective homebuyers can be eligible for a spectrum of services. One such example, Missouri’s First Place Home Loan program, gives recipients grant money that they use for a down payment. Steele said the program exists in targeted and non-targeted areas, but gives homebuyers 3 percent in down payment assistance.

“I encourage anyone interested in buying to come down and talk,” Steele said. “We can examine your financial situation, what you need and find the program that best fits.”

Prospective buyers can also harness the power of the Internet when searching for financial assistance. The Kansas City Regional Association of Realtors has teamed up with several area sponsors to create www.KCHomePrograms.com, which, in addition to offering articles on a range of topics and area educational opportunities, also features a comprehensive list of local and national finance assistance programs. After answering a few simple questions, a program list tailored to specific needs and areas of the city is generated that serves as an informative, easy-to-access starting point.

Other options include:

*Acorn

*American Dream down payment initiative

*CreditFlex

*HOME Investment Partnership Program

*Kansas City Dream Home ownership program

Again, Anderson urged buyers to enlist the help of professional agents, for help from everything from financing to explaining the nuances between buying a home versus a loft or condominium.

“When you’re buying a home, you’ve got a different set of criteria that you’re looking at – foundations, basements, yards, etc.,” Anderson said. “With a condo, your finance and insurance will sometimes have different requirements, and you file for a slightly different title.”

Another condo-specific issue? HOA dues, Anderson said.

“You’re living in a building with people who all equally own the common areas, including the lobby, hallway, fitness center. All are owned by the association into which everyone pays dues to maintain.”

Despite the planning and work that goes into buying a home, industry professionals agree it’s an experience well worth it. From pride of ownership to increased equity to various tax breaks and even the feeling of peace that comes with knowing you could, at any time, paint your walls chartreuse with violet polka dots and fear no repercussions, the benefits of owning are innumerable.

And, after all – how could Dorothy Gale be wrong when she said, “There’s no place like home?”

Starting an art collection

Use Kansas City’s flourishing art scene to feed your inner creative on any budget

(Published January 2007)

Katy Ryan

Urban Living writer

With wildly successful events like First Fridays and art-centric areas such as the Crossroads Arts District, Kansas City is quickly becoming a mecca for local, regional and national artists.

Although many prefer to pass the time strolling through galleries or any number of art fairs and festivals, purchasing art is an experience that can be intimidating. Starting a collection on a limited budget is a time-consuming process that involves research, budgeting and careful selection of pieces. Kelly Kuhn, art operative at Blue Gallery, recommends that simply taking the time to process what’s around is an important and vital first step.

“When someone has an art district or they have access to artwork in their own community or city, be sure and go consistently around to those different venues,” she said. “Study the work that’s available to them and that changes from month to month.”

Lisa Hunter is an arts journalist and author of The Intrepid Art Collector. She said many first-time buyers bow to pressure of what others around them like or are too consumed by finding “The Next Big Thing.” Instead, she said it’s wise to adopt a personalized approach.

“Looking at a great work of art should feel like talking to a fascinating person,” she wrote. “You keep learning new and interesting things. When you find a work of art that speaks to you and stays interesting, you’ve found the real thing. Discovering the real thing is what makes collecting so exciting.”

Once you determine what you like, you can choose to buy individual pieces to display throughout your home or build a collection. For art novices, experts recommend taking a thematic approach to art collection that can express a personal interest such as architecture, wildlife, landscapes and more.

The purchase process can evoke a variety of responses – nonchalance, nervousness and even terror. Kuhn recommends visiting any and all galleries, even if they appear imposing.

“Don’t be intimidated by a gallery just because it looks impressive,” she said. “Chances are there are going to be a wide range of prices, so be sure to go into every gallery that intrigues you.”

If a work you love is out of your price range, Kuhn said it’s wise to entertain a discussion with the art director or gallery owner on payment installments.

“Not only is the gallery interested in doing that for collectors, but artists are interested, too, and want to see their work go to someone who really loves it. That’s how I started my collection – by making payments on pieces I loved.”

If payment arrangements are unable to be made, inquire about any similar pieces that may not be displayed. Often, you can find a piece similar to the one you admire and that is in a lower price range.

Your art-buying budget will also depend on the type of piece you favor. Drawings are less expensive than paintings; sculpture tends to be the most expensive, while pottery is least expensive. Paintings are the most popular type of art sold, simply because people often have more wall space than anything else.

The bottom line, Kuhn said, is to trust your gut instinct and not worry about the potential fame or success of the artist.

“A lot of people get bogged down about not buying what they really love because they’re worried the artist doesn’t have the pedigree or credentials, and the piece won’t acquire much appreciation,” she said. “But that’s a prime time to buy, when the work is less expensive. You also have to buy what you love. I’ve heard way too many people say with regret and almost a tear in their eye about the artwork that got away. When you see something and you know you love it, buy it or make arrangements to get it.”

Trend alert: Fall furniture

(Published September 1, 2005)

By Katy Ryan

Urban Living writer

Whether it’s a buttery soft suede sectional or an ornate bed piled high with plush pillows, nothing makes a statement or creates an ambiance quite like furniture. One well-chosen piece can transform the look of any room in any type of living space.

Shopping for furniture can be a daunting task. With so many colors, styles and pieces to choose from, the temptation is there to cram any and everything into each room. Guy Merola, who owns Oggi Modern Furnishings, advised furniture shoppers to take their time and listen to what they want.

“If you’re seeking advice from a salesperson or store owner, find someone who listens to what makes you happy and what’s appealing to you,” he said. “You have to listen to who you are and what you like and find someone who can understand that.”

Furniture trends change each season, much like fashion. John Scott, owner of High Cotton, said vibrant colors and rich fabrics dominate this fall’s selections.

“Mitchell Gold Co. has come out with some really fabulous colored leathers,” he said. “It’s a soft, waxy leather with beautiful colors like cactus green and sapphire blue, as well as a really wonderful orange color.”

Smaller-scale sectionals and warm, earthy colors are what Merola has noticed as this season’s trends.

“People who live in lofts want a sectional piece, and the smaller sizes have proven popular,” he said.

Contrasting designs are key this season, said Tim Butt, owner of Black Bamboo. He’s noticed two types of aesthetics, the first being an Asian inspiration resulting in clean, simple lines. To contrast this simple elegance, designers are also using designs from the 1960s and ‘70s, resulting in the use of materials such as chrome, acrylic and bold graphic patterns, as well as vivid colors like chocolate, aqua, pink and green.

“We are focusing more on the clean, simple lines – the upholstered pieces that we have are intended to work in a lot of environments, whether it’s modern and contemporary or a transitional eclectic,” Butt said.

Other furniture trends for the season include cabinets, shelves and cases with rich woods that emanate warmth; clean, streamlined sectionals and couches that combine function with aesthetic appeal; and a re-emergence of classic pieces, such as black leather club chairs and luxurious, high thread-count slipcovers.