10 Fun Places to Visit in the Metro!

1. Hallmark Visitors Center- 2450 Grand Blvd., Kansas City, Missouri 64108. 816-274-3613

There's so much to see at the Hallmark Visitors Center! Our permanent exhibits give you a glimpse into Hallmark's creative world. Be transported to a magical place where every day is a holiday, and there is always a reason to celebrate. When you visit the Hallmark Visitors Center, you enter the world of creativity and celebration of life. Don't be surprised if you laugh out loud, exclaim in amazement, or even shed a tear! At Hallmark, emotions are our business.

2. Liberty Memorial/ National WWI Museum- 100 W. 26th Street, Kansas City, MO 64108 816.784.1918

The National World War I Museum at Liberty Memorial provides an extraordinary experience. The state-of-the-art Museum gives you the chance to explore and discover the nation’s most extensive assembly of artifacts, photography, art and narratives of the Great War ever presented in a single collection. The Museum introduces the war in unprecedented ways – through visual and audio sensory stimulation to mold an unforgettable experience in the minds of all visitors – young and old.

3. Boulevard Brewery- 2501 Southwest Blvd Kansas City, MO 64108 (816) 474-7095

Founded in 1989, Boulevard Brewing Company has grown to become the largest specialty brewer in the Midwest. Our mission is simple: to produce fresh, flavorful beers using the finest traditional ingredients and the best of both old and new brewing techniques.

4. KC Zoo- 6800 Zoo Drive, Kansas City, Missouri 64132 (816) 513-5700

The Kansas City Zoo helps keep the fun going into the fall with a full line-up of fun, interactive events and activities. Visit the Zoo today and enjoy our daily Animal Encounters, which continue through October.

5. Nelson-Atkins Art Museum- 4525 Oak Street Kansas City, MO 64111 816.751.1ART

At The Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art there is always something new to discover. Our growing collection has fascinated, illuminated and exhilarated people since 1933. Come spend time with your favorites, see what’s new on view or check out a featured exhibition.
Always invigorating, Museum programs, classes and tours bring you closer to the collection and offer inventive ways to explore on your own, with friends or family.

6. Power and Light- Located at 14th & Main St Downtown Kansas City, MO

Offering over a half million square feet, The Kansas City Power & Light District is the mid-west’s premier entertainment epicenter. With more than 45 unique and captivating retail outlets, restaurants, bars, and entertainment venues, the District offers something for everyone. Located in the heart of downtown, this vibrant, new eight-block neighborhood links the Convention Center to the Sprint Arena and is bringing the beat back to Kansas City.

7. Union Station- 30 W Pershing Rd Kansas City, MO 64108 (816) 460-2020

The Station is once again a popular destination for the surrounding community just stopping by for lunch or to mail a letter from the post office in the west end of the Grand Hall. The station also draws tourists from all over the world who marvel at the Grand Hall's 95-foot ceiling, three 3,500-pound chandeliers and the six-foot wide clock hanging in the Station's central arch.
Today's Union Station is filled with fine restaurants and unique shops. And just like in 1914, you can catch the train at Union Station's Amtrak stop.

8. Country Club Plaza- Located at 47th & Broadway, Kansas City, MO 64112 (816)753-0100
The Plaza's popularity and reputation has been recognized around the country. The entire 15-block district, with more than 150 shops and dozens of fine restaurants, makes The Country Club Plaza Kansas City's premier shopping, dining and entertainment destination.

9. Overland Park Arboretum & Botanical Gardens 8909 W 179th St Bucyrus, KS 66013 (913) 685-3604
The Overland Park Arboretum and Botanical Gardens was founded to keep the city at the forefront of environmental and ecological issues. A leader of environmentally sound community development, the Arboretum is an educational, recreational and cultural resource for the Kansas City region.

10. Deanna Rose Children's Farmstead 13800 Switzer Rd Overland Park, KS 66221 (913) 897-2360
With the Kansas Family Farm slowly disappearing, the Children's Farmstead was established in 1976, and was re-named in 1985 in honor of the first Overland Park Police Officer killed in the line of duty as the Deanna Rose Children's Farmstead. Deanna Rose’s Legacy is to preserve the Farm Legacy so children in the city can learn facts of life from the charm of the farm. Children treasure such memories as gathering eggs, the sweet smell of hay, and learning first hand where milk comes from.

Thinking About Planning A Trip?

Whether you are looking for a weekend get-a-way, planning a vacation, or even a business trip. Kansas City International offers many non-stop flight options!

Did you know you can fly non-stop to 48 cities throughout the United States, Canada and Mexico from the Kansas City International (MCI) airport. Below is a complete list of all of the cities you can fly to.

Here’s a list of non-stop flights from the Kansas City Airport.

Albuquerque

Atlanta

Baltimore

Boston

Cancun, Mexico

Charlotte
Chicago-Midway

Chicago-O'Hare

Cincinnati

Cleveland

Columbus

Dallas-Ft. Worth
Dallas-Love

Denver

Detroit

Dodge City

Ft. Lauderdale

Ft. Leonard Wood

Harrison (Branson)

Houston-Intercontinental

Indianapolis

Joplin

Las Vegas

Los Angeles

Memphis

Milwaukee

Minneapolis-St. Paul

Nashville

New Orleans

New York-JFK

New York-LaGuardia

Newark

Oakland

Oklahoma City

Orlando

Philadelphia

Phoenix

Portland

Salina

Salt Lake City

San Diego

San Francisco

Seattle

St. Louis

Tampa

Toronto

Washington-Dulles

Washington-Reagan

Check out these non-stop flight destinations!

Need some inspiration? Here are a some highlights from

a few of the non-stop destinations!

Seattle

While visiting Seattle there are many exciting and fun places to visit. Pioneer Square, Pike Place Market, Myrtle Edwards Park, Seattle Art Museum, Seattle Aquarium , Seattle Public Library, Seattle Waterfall Garden…Just to name a few. Check out the history of it’s Pioneer Square District. Settled in 1852 and burned to the ground in 1889, Seattle’s historic Pioneer Square District features 88 acres of beautifully restored architectural masterpieces, including buildings designed in the Second Renaissance-Revival, Beaux-Arts Classical, and Richardsonian-Romanesque styles... one of the largest collections of unique architecture in the United States. Make your splash at the Seattle Aquarium. Listen to the calls of our region’s orca whales. Stand within a circle of glowing jellyfish. Run your fingers along a sea anemone’s soft tentacles. Delight in the antics of the sea otters. Then come back for another visit — and an entirely different experience. At the Seattle Aquarium there’s always something fun to discover, and inspiration on how to help protect our marine environment. No matter where you visit in the “Queen City” the smell of coffee is sure to be in the air from Starbucks or Seattle's Best.

Philadelphia

This city plays home to an astounding collection of museums, artistic venues and historical attractions. There’s the Liberty Bell, of course — plus amazing art installations, jazz venues, architectural landmarks and much more.
Stroll through Longwood Gardens. When you’re at Longwood Gardens, it’s easy to imagine that you’re at a giant, royal garden in Europe. Stroll along the many paths through acres of exquisitely maintained grounds featuring 11,000 different types of plants. See one of the “First Churches” Today, Philadelphia’s more than 800 houses of worship include the most “first churches” (within their denominations) in the country, and represent many different faiths, architectural styles and communities.

New Orleans

Put The New Orleans Museum of Art on your list! Louisiana’s culture often seems to have sprung from its fertile soil. Out of the rich Louisiana sugar fields, New Orleans received a gift of lasting culture in early 1910, when sugar broker Isaac Delgado offered the city $150,000 to build a “temple of art for rich and poor alike” in City Park. The neo-classical, Beaux Arts-style Isaac Delgado Museum of Art opened in December 1911, but sadly, Delgado was too ill to attend. He died weeks later, and left yet another generous gift, an art collection gathered by his late aunt. Delgado’s 25,000-square-foot “temple” is still at the center of the now much larger New Orleans Museum of Art. See on of many of the New Orleans Area Plantations. They were once the mainstays of a regional agrarian economy, as well as the bastions of a genteel culture. Now they are major tourist attractions offering windows into a bygone past. They are the plantations, and in southern Louisiana there are a good number of them within easy driving distance of New Orleans.

Save On Your Airline Tickets!

If you are looking to find the best travel rates, be sure to check out www.kayak.com. This site continueously checks most airlines and allows you to compare pricing all at once.

You can also download the "App" free on many Smartphones! This is a great way you can check daily to ensure you get the best deal!

How to Plan the Perfect Party | From eHow.com

How to Plan the Perfect Party

Hurray, it's time to party and you are responsible for making the celebration both festive, as well as memorable. But, before you panic or let your imagination carry you to far away, lets review a few quick pointers that are guaranteed to make any party a success.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

___________________________________________________________

Things You'll Need:

Budget
Location
Date and Time

Step 1

Creating a budget is the most important step in planning a party. Throwing a fantastic party does not have to break your piggy bank. In fact, by creating a realistic budget ahead of time, you can set realistic goals that help you save money every step of the way.

Step 2

Identify the purpose for the party. Knowing the purpose for the party will help you to better plan important details such as: date and time, location, theme, menu, decor, guest list, games, entertainment, etc.

Step 3

Make sure that the party reflects the person, or organization for which it is being given. If you find yourself at a lose, create a questionnaire to obtain pertinent information.

Step 4

Themes and dress restrictions should be decided upon in advance. Provide your guest with enough time to prepare for the party. Trust me, people are happier when they are informed and are given time to prepare.

Step 5

Location truly is everything. Choosing the perfect location for the party should not be overlooked. Pick a location that incorporates the theme of the party, inspires the intended guest, and fits nicely into your budget. Remember to be realistic.

Step 6

Consider the needs of your guest. Parties are more fun when everyone's needs are met. Take into consideration guest who may have special needs or require special accommodations.

Step 7

When possible visit the location or facility prior to the party date. It is very important to be familiar with your location. Make a list of what the location provides (tables, chairs, etc)and what you will need to provide (food, decorations, music, etc). This helps you plan ahead and stay within budge.


Step 8

The average person has a pretty hectic schedule. Allot enough time for guest to put your party date on their social calendar. Last minute invitations only work in certain instances.


Step 9

There are many types of invitations to chose from. Use invitations to peek the interest of guest and reflect the party theme. Take into account both your audience and your budget. If you are on a strict budget, you might want to consider using the internet to send free evites to guest.

Step 10

Provide guest with accurate contact information and directions. Make sure guest know how to find the party location. Some invitations do include directions but, many do not. Take the extra step to insure that guest arrive at the right location.

Step 11

Plan a menu that will dazzle guest. Think outside the box and serve food that incorporates the party theme. Also think about creating a menu that reflects dietary needs.

Step 12

Start party festivities promptly.

Step 13

Identify people who can help you make your party a success.

Step 14

Know your personal limitations and the limitations of those around you. Set realistic goals for yourself and others. It's no use crying once the party starts.

Step 15

Delegate some of the responsibilities for the party. I encourage you to delegate, delegate, delegate. Likewise, if you need to hire outside help to handle certain aspects of the party, I say hire away if it is in your budget. .

Step 16

Use all of your resources. Throwing a party does not have to be a one man or woman show. Network when possible. Learn from the successes and failures of others.

Step 17

Negotiate prices. A lot of people agree on the first price that is quoted to them but, I want you to use your negotiation skills whenever possible to drive down prices.

Step 18

Sponsors are the party planers best friend. Shouldering the entire cost for your party may not always be necessary. This is especially true, if you are planning a party for a nonprofit organization, business, or group. Many companies, local businesses, and organizations will donate items or give money in exchange for advertisement at the party.

Step 19

On the day of the party it is a great idea to have everyone arrive early. Give yourself enough time to setup and discuss any last minute changes.


Step 20

Designate a cleanup crew so you don't get stuck with a big mess at the end. Every party location and facility is different. Ask if you are responsible for cleaning up before hand. You will thank me for this step later.

Step 21

A little appreciation goes a long way. Acknowledge the efforts of those who helped you with the party. If appropriate you might consider showing your gratitude for those who aided in the following ways: public thank you, card, flowers, a gift that ties into the theme of the party.

Tips & Warnings

• Parties can require a lot of work but, with adequate planning you too can have a memorable event.


• Evites or other internet based invitations may not be an appropriate choice for everyone or every party.


• Purchase enough food so that you do not run out.

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13 small things to simplify your workday

“Do the difficult things while they are easy and do the great things while they are small. A journey of a thousand miles must begin with a single step.” ~Lao Tzu

One of the best things I did when I decided to simplify my life was to simplify my workday — first at my day job and later, by quitting my day job, in the work I do now as a writer and entrepreneur.

I’ve eliminated most of the routine, boring, administrative tasks with a few simple principles.

These days, I have eliminated the non-essentials, and can focus on what I truly love: creating.

Not everyone can make such drastic steps toward simplicity, but if you have some control over your workday, you can do a few small things that will simplify things greatly.

If you don’t have control, or if you find yourself thinking, “I can’t do these things”, I’d start to ask why not? Is it possible to change things, if not today then over the long term? I found that often I thought something wasn’t possible (working from home, for example), but in the long run they were.

You don’t need to do all of these things — pick just one, and try it. Then try another and see if it works. Experiment to find what works for you.

And enjoy the simple work life.

1. Start early. Going into work early was one of my favorite tricks — it was quiet, before the phones and chatter and meetings started, and I could get a lot of work done in peace. By the time everyone else was getting started, I’d gotten two or three big tasks checked off.
   
2. Limit your hours. It’s ironic, because so many people work long hours and think they’re getting more done and being more productive. But they’re throwing brute hours at the problem. Instead, cut back on your hours and set a limit — say 6 or 7 hours a day — and get your most essential work done within that limit. If you know you’re only working 6 hours today, you’ll be sure to get the important tasks done first and waste less time. Limits force you to be effective.
   
3. Make a short list. Make a long list of all the tasks you need to do … then make a short list of 1-3 things you really want to get done. Choose so that, if you got only these tasks done, you’d be proud of what you did today. Start with the most important task, before checking email or reading online.
   
4. Batch distractions. What are your common distractions? Perhaps things like email, reading blogs, Twitter or another social network? Set a time for these, preferably later in the day: say, from 3-4 p.m. Don’t do the distractions before then. By grouping them all into one time period, you allow yourself to do other work first, but still get in your distraction time. Another approach might be to do them for 10 minutes at the end of each hour — but stick to that 10-minute limit!
   
5. Write shorter emails. If email takes up a lot of your day, the simple change of limiting yourself to 3-4 sentences per email will make a big difference. First, it’ll drastically shorten the time it takes to write or respond to emails. And second, it’ll shorten responses to your emails, which means you’ll spend less time reading email.
   
6. Limit meetings. The fewer the better. Some top Google executives just do 5-minute meetings — anyone who attends these meetings had better be prepared, and concise. If you can get out of meetings and just get the notes, or find an alternative way to communicate, it could save you hours per week.
   
7. Automate. The fewer repetitive and routine tasks you have to do, the more time you’ll free up for creating and important work. So automate wherever possible: have people fill things out electronically, or get info from your website instead of emailing or calling you, or use a service that automatically processes payments or ships your product, and so on.
   
8. Eliminate paperwork. I used to deal with a lot of paperwork, and even then I knew it was a waste of my time. If businesses and organizations could have paperwork filled out electronically, it would save a lot of paper, copying, filing, and duplicate effort. Whenever possible, eliminate paperwork in favor of digital. This might be more of a long-term move.
   
9. Clear your desk. This can be done in a few minutes. Clear everything off the top of your desk. Only put back a few essential items. Everything else should be: filed, given to the appropriate person, given a permanent spot in a drawer, or trashed/recycled. Make quick decisions and then get back to work.
   
10. Get away. If you can get out of your office, you can find a peaceful spot where you can focus on important work. Find a spot where you can work, turn off the Internet and do your work, and then turn the Internet back on so you can email or upload it to the appropriate spot. Working from home is a good option here. The more you can do this (it might be once a week, or an hour a day, or half of every workday), the better.
    
11. Take breathing breaks. Every 15-20 minutes, get up from your desk, and take a breathing break. It could be simply walking around the office, saying hi to someone, or even better, getting outside to get some fresh air. Walk around, get your blood circulating, perhaps massage your neck and shoulders if you feel tension. Do some pushups if you want to get fitter. When you get back to work, remind yourself what you want to be working on, and clear away all distractions.
    
12. Practice a focus ritual. Every hour or two, do a refocus ritual. This only takes a minute or two. You might start it by closing down your browser and maybe other open applications, and maybe even take a walk for a couple of minutes to clear your head and get your blood circulating. Then return to your list of Most Important Tasks and figure out what you need to accomplish next. Before you check email again or go back online, work on that important task for as long as you can. Repeat this refocus ritual throughout the day, to bring yourself back. It’s also nice to take some nice deep breaths to focus yourself back on the present. More focus rituals.
    
13. Schedule big blocks of creative time. Not everyone can do this, but when possible, put a big block of 3-4 hours in your schedule for creating or doing other important work. Make this time inviolate, and don’t allow meetings or other things to be scheduled during this time. Be ruthless about clearing distractions and doing the work you love during these blocks, taking breathing breaks as necessary. Rejoice in your creativity.

If you liked this guide, please bookmark it on Delicious or share on Twitter. Thanks, my friends.

—
Read more about simplifying your work and your life in my book, The Power of Less.

Blog taken from http://zenhabits.net/2010/03/simplify-your-workday/