Johnson County Lifestyle February 2014

Johnson County february 2014

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A Most Dessert

Meet Christopher Elbow A Weekend in Des Moines The Family Behind Pie Five Pizza

The Business of Giving Back Folds of Honor is bigger than statistics, and it’s not about numbers. It’s about respect. It’s about honor. It’s about the responsibility we share as citizens, parents and leaders.

Most importantly, it’s about the people the numbers represent.

More than 700,000 soldiers have been killed or disabled in military operations in Iraq and Afghanistan in Iraqi Freedom, Enduring Freedom, and Operation New Dawn.

Behind each of those soldiers was a family, now mourning not only the loss of a hero but their personal loss of a parent or spouse.

Collectively, more than one million family members now face the seemingly insurmountable reality of paying for college. 87% of those dependents do not qualify for federal scholarship assistance.

Our sentiment echoes that of Patrick Henry because we assume their battle as ours. That’s why a percentage of every vehicle we sell goes to a scholarship fund for these families. That’s why we host Folds of Honor night at Kauffman Stadium each year. That’s why we created three custom designed Folds of Honor trucks.

Louis Faller General Manager

We are motivated by love of country, honor for those who serve and the deepest respect for those we’ve lost. We invite you to join us; together we can make a difference in the lives of those who have sacrificed family to protect our safety.

is Proud to Partner with www.foldsofhonor.org

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Editor's Letter

Hungry?

february 2014

T

his issue was a favorite for me to organize.

It’s our first-ever food themed issue and as a Cooke, it was only a matter of time. That's right, my maiden name is Cooke. A British variation of Cook, I'm told, and when she married into the family, my mother took her role as a Cooke quite seriously. In the 70s and 80s while some people collected Lladro or Bing & Grandahl's blue and white plates, my mom collected Junior League cookbooks from around the country. She loved to sit and read through them to get ideas. She gave them as gifts and she cherished her collection. She taught me to make notes in recipe books (we wouldn’t want to make the same dry, tasteless banana bread twice!) and that any recipe is merely a list of suggestions for the confident cook(e).

Growing up, when company was in town or when we were vacationing, no sooner had we finished one meal, we began to discuss our next. Even today, visits home to Chicago revolve around trips to three favorite restaurants that have yet to be duplicated in Kansas City. (Lou Malnati's for deep dish pizza, Little Louie's for Italian beef sandwiches and Bohemian Crystal for a plate full of our Czech history.) My brother attended culinary school in New York, became a chef and opened a restaurant in Maine, giving a whole new generation a reason to focus our conversations on food.

When one of our newest freelance writers suggested a story about a local health coach who helps people deal with food issues, I jumped at the chance to learn more. I suspect I could use her services to get over my self-diagnosed food issues, but do I really want to? When eating is such an important part of my family ties?

Hmm. Something to consider in the New Year.

publisher Steven Schowengerdt | Steven@LifestylePubs.com editor Lisa Harrison | Lisa@LifestylePubs.com assistant editor Kendra Mathewson | KMathewson@LifestylePubs.com chief financial officer | DeLand Shore

director of marketing | Brad Broockerd art director | Carrie Julian chief sales officer Matthew Perry | Matthew@LifestylePubs.com advertising sales Mary Beth Stauch | MStauch@LifestylePubs.com Troy Coup | TCoup@LifestylePubs.com Mike Arel | MArel@LifestylePubs.com advertising director | Mike Baugher production director | Christina Sandberg ad coordinator | Cyndi Vreeland regional art director | Sara Minor executive assistant | Lori Cunningham contributing writers Lisa Allen, Ruth Baum Bigus, Ann Butenas, Lauren Claflin, Marc Shaffer, Denise Snodell, Kimberly Winter Stern, Tom Strongman, Sheri Thompson, Jenny Wolff contributing photographers 4 Ft Photoz, Susan Motley, Christina Sandberg, Tom Strongman

Savor your next meal and I'll see you around town!

senior web developer | Lynn Owens it director | Randy Aufderheide Published monthly, subscriptions are also available for $22 for 1 year, $39 for 2 years by visiting JohnsonCountyLifestyle.com

Lisa Harrison, Editor Lisa@LifestylePubs.com

by Community ™ Proverbs 3:5-6 Contact us at:

on the cover Firebirds Wood Fired Grill is where

you'll find this most decadent dessert. Read more on page 20.

| JohnsonCountyLifestyle.com |

join us

P.O. Box 12608 Overland Park, KS 66282-3214 913.599.4300 | JohnsonCountyLifestyle.com Johnson County Lifestyle™ is published monthly by Lifestyle Publications LLC. It is distributed via the US Postal Service to some of Johnson County’s most affluent neighborhoods.

Articles and advertisements do not necessarily reflect Lifestyle Publications’ opinions.

No portion of this magazine may be reproduced in any form without written consent.

Lifestyle Publications does not assume responsibility for statements made by advertisers or editorial contributors. Information in Johnson County Lifestyle™ is gathered from sources considered to be reliable, but the accuracy of all information cannot be guaranteed.

oyster perpe tual date just l ady 31

rolex

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February 2014

Departments

28

10

Good Times

16

Around Town

20 Hot Spot 22

Your Neighbor

24

Star Student

26

Family Feature

38

Now Open

40 Giving Back 44 Locally Owned 46 Artist's Palette 48 Financial Fitness 50 Driver’s Notebook 53

Sold Properties

54 Lifestyle Calendar 58

28 Cabin Fever Remedy

Parting Thoughts

Pack up the car and head north for a weekend in Des Moines.

32 Kansas City’s Kind of Fine Chocolates

Spend a day with Christopher Elbow.

20

24

32

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Good Times

New Year’s EVE at The Kauffman

Thousands experienced the Kauffman Center like never before for the inaugural EVE celebration. Innovative food, drinks plus performances by Quixotic, Vintage Trouble, Govinda, DJ Earworm and UMKC made for one incredible party. Photography Freeland Photography

Actual Spectrum Resident

Exhausted from the holidays?

Need a break?

We offer Respite Stays. Stay 14 days in our memory care community and we will pay for 3 DAYS FREE!

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10 Johnson County Lifestyle | February 2014

Women’s Foundation of Greater Kansas City More than 1200 attendees enjoyed The Women’s Foundation of Greater Kansas City’s 21st Annual Luncheon at the Sheraton Kansas City Hotel at Crown Center with keynote speaker America Ferrera.

February 2014 | Johnson County Lifestyle 11

Her flu or stomach ache doesn’t know your pediatrician’s office hours. And the need for a pediatric specialist can come at any time. Luckily, the valued care of Children’s Mercy is now available for extended hours in South Overland Park.

High Fever

Visit our Urgent Care Center at the new Children’s Mercy Blue Valley location and get her a good night’s sleep.

Open 7 days a week, noon – 10 p.m.

6750 West 135th St. (just east of Metcalf) 913-717-4700 Childrensmercy.org/BlueValley

Sweet Dreamer

7TH ANNUAL LUNCHEON Please Join us in Congratulating our

2014 HONOREES

Lynda Callon Patty Garney & Sandra Aust Betsy Vander Velde JOIN US FOR LUNCH. MAKE A DIFFERENCE. Visit: WomenWhoChange.org

Photo by: VanDeusen Photography

KC Body Contouring CoolSculpting® Lunch and Learn Tuesday, February 18th 12pm - 1:30pm • Boxed lunch and refreshments • Individual consultations • $500 savings for CoolSculpting treatment packages purchased at event!

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FA LC ON VA L L E Y fa lc on r id g e Lifestyle Communities Built Around a Golf Course

FALCON VILLAGE ~ Maintenance Provided Twin Villas | $290’s-$320’s+ | 913-780-9004 FALCON VALLEy ~ Single Family Homes | $300’s-$500’s+ | 913-780-9004 COMMERCIAL ~ Shopping, Grocery, Dining, Banking & More / Sites Available | 913-390-9009 FALCON RIDGE ~ Residential Estate Lots and Commercial Area | 913-780-9004

~ Nationally-Ranked Falcon Valley Golf Course ~ Neighborhood Pool, Cabana & Sport Court ~ Clubhouse and Event Space with Large Deck and Patio Area ~ Accredited & Highly Desirable Olathe Schools ~ Convenient to Lenexa Lake, Parks and Trail Systems ~ Gas, Grocery, Dining, Retail, Banking, Pharmacy and More ~ Emergency Care, Hospitals and Walk In Clinics Nearby ~ Easy Access to K-10, I-435, I-35, K-7 Highways and KCI Airport

Lenexa is the “Best Place to Raise a Family in Kansas” ~ Bloomberg BusinessWeek #17 out of 3,200 places evaluated nationwide, and only city in Kansas to be Selected

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Around Town GROCERY SAVINGS GO MOBILE Click, shop, save is the new way to grocery shop in 2014. Consumers are going mobile to help save on the third-largest household expense, groceries. A new local price match grocery website, MyStrategicShopping. com, saves families the time of researching and planning their shopping, plus provides the convenience of mobility.

What sets My Strategic Shopping apart from other mobile grocery saving programs is its focus on two necessary elements for price matching groceries, local grocery sales and sales comparison research. My Strategic Shopping researches the percentage of savings for each advertised sale. Consequently, consumers save valuable time and achieve better savings on their groceries, on average 30 percent each week.

Families can try the program for free for four weeks. After that the membership is $1.25 per week. For additional information, contact Maureen Welsh, at Maureen@ MyStrategicShopping.com.

AREA FARMERS TEAM UP TO CREATE HEALTHY FUNDRAISING OPTION Several area farmers have teamed up to create a fresh take on fundraising in the Kansas City Metro area. Farm Fresh Fundraising puts fresh vegetables, live herbs, pickles, cheeses, preserves, pecans and more in the spotlight through a program put together by popular area ranchers Kevin and Cherie Schenker from Schenker Family Farms.

“We have had many of our customers and friends complain that they were tired of seeing their kids sell the same old thing year after year, so we decided to put together something different,” says Cherie.

The program features products from the Schenkers, as well as produce and live herbs from area favorites Fahrmeier Farms and three Amish farms. Groups earn 25% of all sales.

For more information, contact Schenker Family Farms at 620.632.4470 or e-mail info@schenkerfarms.com.

hosts a new exhibit: What’s Cooking, Uncle Sam?: The Government’s Effect On The American Diet is an exhibition of records from the holdings of the National Archives that traces the ways that food has occupied the hearts and minds of Americans and their government. Free and open to the public, the exhibit offers visitors the chance to examine letters, diaries, photos, maps, petitions, films, patents, and proclamations from the food-related collection of the National Archives. Instead of a traditional chronological approach, the exhibition explores four broad themes: Farm, Factory, Kitchen, and Table.

The Government’s efforts to inspire, influence, and control what Americans eat have led to unexpected consequences, dismal failures, and life-saving successes.

At times comic (blindfolded turkey tasting experiments) and tragic (lab notes on toxic candy), these records reveal the evolution of our beliefs and feelings about food. They convey the desperate voices of depression-era farmers, and explain how the government got into the business of publishing recipes for ham shortcake and teaching housewives to can peaches.

What’s Cooking, Uncle Sam? will be available for viewing Tuesday-Saturday, 8 a.m.-4 p.m. To schedule a group tour call 816.268.8013 or email mickey.ebert@nara. gov. Archives.gov/Kansas-City

BLUE VALLEY STUDENT EARNS PERFECT SAT Gavin Zhu has achieved something only 0.03 percent of SAT test takers nationwide achieve, a perfect score. Zhu, a junior at Blue Valley West, earned a perfect score of 2400 on the college entrance exam.

Among test takers in 2013, only 494 of more than 1.66 million students earned a composite score of 2400. The SAT consists of tests in the areas of critical reading, writing and math. Each section of the SAT is scored on an 800 point scale, for a possible 2400.

NOW OPEN: OPTUM CLINIC WHAT’S COOKING, UNCLE SAM? EXHIBIT TO OPEN The National Archives at Kansas City 16 Johnson County Lifestyle | February 2014

Optum, the nation’s largest health services company, has opened a new, on-demand health and wellness clinic in Overland

Park. Designed especially for active parents, busy professionals and children, Optum Clinic offers a comprehensive mix of on-demand health services, including onsite, same-day labs and X-rays. In addition, the clinic provides wellness coaching, cosmetic treatments, pediatric care, and comprehensive school, camp and sports physicals without appointments.

Optum Clinic offers annual membership programs to promote healthy living yearround, including the Optum Health Membership at $19 a year.

Optum Clinic is a state-of-the-art care facility designed to treat people of all ages in a soothing, contemporary environment. The 7,200-square-foot Overland Park location was built to deliver greater convenience and a better patient experience and features a comfortable, ergonomically designed waiting room with tablets available for patient use and Wi-Fi access.

Optum Clinic is located in Metcalf Plaza, 7100 College Blvd., Overland Park.

WIN FOR KC HONORS LOCAL RESIDENTS AT AWARDS LUNCHEON WIN for KC recently celebrate its 20th anniversary with the annual Women’s Sports Awards Celebration lunch. Several area residents were honored at the event for their contributions and achievements through sports and fitness.

Kylee Bliss, a student at Blue Valley High School, received the 2014 HCA Midwest Health Systems Youth Sports Girl Award.

Bliss participated in several sports until suffering two concussions in a two-month span. Now, she shares her story about the importance of IMPACT testing and the damage concussions can cause.

Mia Schloegel, of Nativity Parish School, was recognized with the DST Systems Resiliency Award. An avid swimmer, triathlete and runner, Schloegel was diagnosed with Adolescent Idiopathic Scoliosis, a condition affecting the curvature of the spine. Schloegel and her family opted to have an experimental surgery involving placing a spinal tether along the curve of her spine so she could participate in sports.

Mary Mahoney, of Overland Park, was honored with the Sprint Teamwork Award. Mahoney is the Girls Fastpitch Commissioner for the Amateur Softball Association. She is a respected community leader, mentor and coach, and spends most weekends March through October running area softball tournaments.

Cindy Smith, of Overland Park, was recognized with the UMB Senior Sportswomen Award. Smith has been instrumental in the recent awarding of 14 NCAA Championships to Kansas City, and has been a long-time advocate for bringing NCAA and Big 12 Championships to the metro. Smith also is an active participant and volunteer in marathons and triathlons.

The January luncheon featured WNBA player Tamika Catchings as the keynote speaker. Catchings is known as Indiana Fever’s “do-everything” forward and is only the ninth player in history to win an NCAA Championship, an Olympic gold medal and a WNBA Championship.

recipes for a year. Still, his concoction earned him the grand prize, which provided the opportunity to have his Stout recipe brewed at 75th Street and be part of the beer menu.

The popular Home Brew contest, which included 50 entries, was part of the Brewery’s and KC Hopps’ 20th anniversary celebration.

Seven barrels or about 14 kegs were brewed and it is expected to be available at the Brewery through most of February, alongside the Brewery’s popular flagship beers and seasonal beers.

HOME BREWER’S BEER TAPPED AT 75TH STREET BREWERY The 75th Street Brewery recently introduced a new beer.

That’s nothing new as the Brewery continually introduces seasonal beers, guest craft beers and re-introduces popular beers throughout the year. However, this time it’s different. 75th Street began tapping Silent Partner Stout, the winning brew in their recent Home Brew contest.

Silent Partner Stout is the winning recipe of beer enthusiast Chad Crawford of Raytown. Crawford has only dabbled with home brew

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February 2014 | Johnson County Lifestyle 17

Around Town TIVOL is a proud partner of Great

Plains SPCA, where adoptable pets like this pretty little lady are available.

KANSAS CITY AWARDED NCAA CHAMPIONSHIPS The Kansas City Sports Commission is pleased to announce that Kansas City has been selected to host 14 NCAA Championships covering the years of 2014-2017.

For three months, the Kansas City Sports Commission, Kansas City Convention and Visitors Association, Sporting KC, Sprint Center and the MIAA Conference worked tirelessly to assemble bid materials for 32 championships over a five year period. Kansas City made the cut as a finalist for 21 championships in various divisions and four different sports.

Of the 21 host opportunities, the following championships were awarded to Kansas City: Division I Women’s Volleyball (2017); Division I Men’s Soccer (2015); Division II Football (2014, 2015, 2016, 2017); Division II Men’s and Women’s Soccer (2016 and 2017); Division III Men’s & Women’s Soccer (2014 and 2015). Division II Football and Division I Men’s Soccer will be played at Sporting Park. Division II and III Men’s and Women’s Soccer will be played at the new Swope Soccer Village. Division I Women’s Volleyball and Division I Wrestling will be played at the Sprint Center.

Ron Berg Photo

ST. JAMES STUDENT EARNS TOP ACT SCORE

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Ian Patrick Jones, son of Ellen and David Jones, and a senior at St. James Academy, earned a top composite score of 36 on a recent ACT test. Nationally, while the actual number of students earning a composite score of 36 varies from year to year, on average, less than one-tenth of one percent of students who take the ACT earns the top score. Among test takers in the high school graduating class of 2013, only 1,162 of 1.8 million students earned a composite score of 36.

The ACT consists of tests in English, mathematics, reading and science. Each test is scored on a scale of 1-36, and a student’s composite score is the average of the four test scores.

WE’RE LISTENING! After reading the Editor’s Letter in our January issue, we heard from parents and grandparents who would appreciate seeing a list of area charitable organizations that could use the help of local volunteers of all ages. We’re listening—so we’re setting out to construct a list for an upcoming issue. Send us the name of the organization, address, website information and 50 words about who you serve and how volunteers can pitch in to help. Email the details to Lisa@LifestylePubs. com by April 1 to be included in an upcoming issue.

Wedding Bells

&

Cathryn Fleener

Hank Bird

We’re in... when your doctor is out.

Walk-in Only

Photography Alex Boggs

M

r. and Mrs. Richard Thomas Fleener of Overland Park are pleased to announce the engagement of their daughter, Cathryn Lee Fleener, to Edwin Hanks Bird, son of Mr. and Mrs. Edwin Bird of Ashdown, Arkansas.

Cathryn is a graduate of Blue Valley Northwest and the University of Arkansas and is a member of Pi Beta Phi sorority. She is currently student teaching at Southwest Middle School in Springdale, Arkansas, and will complete her Masters of Teaching in Secondary Education in May. Hank, a member of Sigma Nu fraternity, will graduate from the University of Arkansas in May with a degree in Mechanical Engineering.

A wedding is planned for May 17, 2014, at The First Presbyterian Church in Springdale, Arkansas.

To share your wedding or engagement announcement with our readers, email Lisa@LifestylePubs.com for details.

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February 2014 | Johnson County Lifestyle 19

Hot Spot

Firebirds Wood Fired Grill Corbin Park’s newest restaurant is a wood fired winner Article Lisa Harrison Photography 4 Ft Photoz & Provided

W

ith two busy teenagers and jobs that keep us busy, it’s not often that my husband and I get to enjoy a restaurant dinner that doesn’t involve a bag of carry out or eating in the car. The opportunity to sample a meal at the brand new Firebirds Wood Fired Grill arrived on a rare meeting-free evening and it was a pleasure to check it out during their first week of operation.

A large, open bar area with an inviting fireplace is the first thing you notice when you enter. I have no doubt that this will be a popular happy hour venue. Warm and inviting are the first two words that came to mind when I walked in the door.

We started with their ranch rings. The panko bread crumb covered onion rings served with ranch dipping sauce were a crunchy treat. ($8.25) I happen to love onion rings and often order them when trying new places. These were among the best I’ve had. While enjoying our appetizer, we spent some additional time looking over the wine and cocktail list. My husband, a scotch connoisseur, was impressed by the 25-year-old Macallan on the menu.

Our service was top notch and our water and iced tea glasses were never empty. Our server had years of experience and knew the menu inside and out. I took his recommendation when I was vacillating between the meatloaf and their signature French dip sandwich and I was not disappointed.

Two large slices of American Kobe meatloaf were served over parmesan mashed potatoes with portabella mushroom sauce and a generous side of crisp green beans topped with spiced pecans. ($17.95) After a few onion rings and a piece of warm, crusty bread, I knew leftovers would make a most delicious lunch the following day.

My husband ordered the 14 ounce aged ribeye steak with a loaded baked potato for $25.75 and gave it an enthusiastic thumbs up.

20 Johnson County Lifestyle | February 2014

For dessert we splurged on two instead of one, knowing our hungry teens would finish off the extras at home. I couldn’t help but notice the dessert forks with extra long handles. It’s as if they are encouraging you to reach across the table and share a bite.

My kind of place! The warm brownie served with ice cream and topped table side with warm, salted caramel sauce was nothing short of decadent. ($7.25) I’ll dream of returning to Firebirds on my birthday and ordering this as my main dish.

The crème brulee cheesecake was lighter and fluffier than most cheesecakes and was topped with the traditional crunchy brulee (burnt sugar) glaze. ($7.25) Don’t hesitate taking the kids or grandkids with you when you want to dine in style. Firebirds has an extensive and affordable children’s menu for those aged 6601 W. 135th Street 12 and under. And for the ladies Overland Park who do lunch on a regular basis, 913.202.1761 nearly a dozen delicious salads, FirebirdsRestaurants.com with or without wood fire grilled meats, are sure to please.

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Your Neighbors

Stop the Food Fight Meet a local health coach who teaches weight loss without dieting Article Jenny Wolff | Photography Provided

W

e eat to survive. We eat to be social, use food as a reward, and relish the thought of comfort food. We also eat out of habit, when we are bored and often mindlessly. Sometimes, we even eat when we are hungry.

If we eat when we are not hungry, we sometimes feel guilty. We have running conversations in our heads, chastising our choices, deriding our decisions. “Why did I eat all those chips?” “I should not have had that chocolate cake.” “One helping would have been plenty.”

Food is everywhere. Co-workers ask, “Want to get some lunch?” Neighbors invite us out to dinner. Friends say, “I’m having a few friends over for wine and hors’dourves. Can you come?”

22 Johnson County Lifestyle | February 2014

Food is a big part of our culture. It is spread throughout our conversations with clichés: Don’t bite off more than you can chew. How do you like them apples? Best thing since sliced bread.

But food keeps us alive; we can’t just stop eating. So, how do you find a satisfying and healthy balance?

You might need a health coach. A health coach? Is that like a life coach or a career coach? Or perhaps a batting coach? “Hey, batter, batter—cake batter?” Yes, it is something like that.

Meet Shannon Hodge, Overland Park resident, health coach and recovering perfectionist.

“Many people are confused about what a health coach does. They associate it with

a nutritionist who can help you figure out what and how much to eat,” said Hodge.

“I am more about changing behavior and putting a plan in place.”

She understands relationships with food, because she has experienced challenges.

She has 15 years under her belt of emotional eating, binging on sugar and yo-yo dieting.

“In middle school, I started midnight binges on s’mores because I was stressed about school and social cliques,” said Hodge. “I was lonely and bored.”

Now, Hodge helps others on their food journeys. Her business card, in large block letters, urges: Stop the food fight! Hodge says instead of battling with yourself about what you are eating and telling yourself it is bad for you, you should allow yourself a moment of pleasure.

“Stop, pause, be in the moment with food. I urge mindful eating,” she said. “Eat while you eat.”

In her personal struggle, she lost 45 pounds in a little over a year-and-a-half.

Academically, Hodge holds a bachelor of arts in psychology from Evergreen State University in Olympia Washington and a health coaching certificate from the Institute for Integrative Nutrition.

Health coaches teach that it is not just about food, it is also about what is going on in your life. When you learn to have a healthy relationship with food, it impacts other areas.

“Food is a filler or a crutch for something that is out of balance or lacking,” said Hodge. “Learning new techniques can be fun. Learn to enjoy eating and focus on what makes you a happy, balanced person.

Then keep doing it!”

Finding something that is sustainable is a key. So is being considerate and loving to yourself. Hodge teaches how to eat less and feel satisfied; how to eliminate cravings and over-eating; and how to feel beautiful and confident in your body.

“When you learn how to do this, exercise will feel good and relaxing and not like something you have to do. You will have incredible energy. You will have more fulfilling and more honest relationships. It translates into an amazing life.”

She says the shouting and berating you hear on NBC’s “The Biggest Loser” television show is counterproductive.

“I’m not like those people, yelling at others to exercise and eat carrots. I hate that show!” said Hodge.

So, what does she eat?

“Today I had cornbread, collard greens and soup beans in a Crock-Pot. But last week, I had apple pie three times for breakfast.”

Hodge conducts large classes at UMKC’s Communiversity and at Unity Temple on the Plaza, but she specializes in one-on-one sessions. She meets with individual clients, usually over a three-to-six month period, to teach them how make peace with food.

“Now that I’ve healed my relationship with food, I am much happier. I have a more fulfilled, more exciting life, and that’s awesome!” said Hodge.

So tomorrow, instead of waking up to a one-on-zero conversation with yourself (“A midnight kitchen raid, really?”), how about a one-on-one with Shannon Hodge. She listens. And she will help you get your eating under control and balance in your life.

shannon’s top tips 1. Give up dieting or restrictive eating plans. These tend to make you want the foods you can’t have more. They almost always backfire.

2. Slow down and enjoy the food you are eating and give yourself the permission to enjoy it. When you give yourself permission, you experience pleasure and peace and you can be satisfied naturally.

3. Get support and accountability from someone who is qualified, someone who will not judge and from someone who has been there and experienced the same things you are going through and has “come out the other side.” These are the people who make the best guides.

February 2014 | Johnson County Lifestyle 23

Star Student

Chlobug’s Cookies Local high school student bakes an amazing first impression!

Article Ann E. Butenas | Photography Provided

S

eventeen-year-old Blue Valley Southwest junior Chloe Davis has always had a passion for baking cookies and that very passion led her to establish an entrepreneurial endeavor known as Chlobug’s Cookies (based off a nickname given to her by her family) that has literally grown by the dozens in the last few years. One quick glance at her production in 2013 and she estimates she baked and sold thousands of her made-from-scratch, mouth-watering cookies that she can fashion into all sorts of designs and shapes.

When she began her business two years ago, she initially relied upon wordof-mouth from family and friends, established a Facebook page, and was soon on the receiving end of praise from her growing customer base.

As word spread among family and friends, the orders began pouring in. She was making her creations for birthdays, weddings, anniversaries, bridal showers and more. She even caught the attention of some local businesses, including Klein Orthodontics in Overland Park.

24 Johnson County Lifestyle | February 2014

“They are my main professional client,” smiles Davis, who has been a patient of Klein.

For Davis, running a small, home-based enterprise while also attending high school, playing on the school’s junior varsity tennis team, staying active in her church youth group and spending quality time with friends and family can be challenging at times, but she handles it all with grace and ease.

“It is a lot of responsibility,” she confesses, adding that it has taught her the value of hard work, the necessity to meet deadlines and has actually made her more productive in all areas of her life.

Davis carves out time for this just as she would a part-time job, yet admits to a prior tendency to put things off. “I used to procrastinate when I was younger, but I have learned to buckle down and get things done now.”

For Davis, however, making and selling her cookies is merely the icing on the cake…er, cookie. Blessed with a giving spirit, she has turned her small enterprise into an opportunity to give back to others. In October of 2013, Davis began “Cookies for a Cause.” Her first act of community service in this capacity was to host a fundraiser for a local boy whose mom knows her mom. He needed some additional funds to help pay for some growth hormones, so Davis went to bat for him. During the entire month of October, she asked for donations on the young man’s behalf, and in return for those donations, customers were treated to a sampling of Chlobug’s cookies. In all, Davis raised $2,250 for the young man.

Eager to continue giving back, Davis plans a follow-up “Cookies for a Cause” fundraiser for this young man during the entire month of February and will once again provide free cookies to those who choose to donate to this wonderful cause.

“There are so many expenses associated with his illness,” notes Davis, who clearly desires to alleviate some of that burden from the family by using her talents and giving heart.

After she graduates from high school in 2015, Davis plans to pursue a career in the medical field. Her ambition knows no bounds, either, as she is part of the Foundation of Medicine program through Blue Valley’s Center for Advanced Professional Studies, which she notes is her favorite part of the day.

“I love the program, as the activities vary and we have opportunities to listen to guest speakers as well as visit cadaver labs and doctors’ offices,” she smiles.

True to her motto, “Bake your first impression,” Davis truly does make a very admirable first impression.

For more information on how you can donate to “Cookies for a Cause” or to order cookies, call Davis at 913.972.5054 Or visit her facebook page at Chlobug’s Cookies, where you can get a preview of all of her fun and inventive designs.

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Family Feature

Siblings Kevin Goebel, Lyssa Krumholtz and Kerry Goebel.

The Pie Five Family Sunday dinner lessons that build business Article Lisa Allen | Photography 4 Ft Photoz

I

t’s impossible to know the Goebel family without thinking of food. Patriarch Dave Goebel has a long list of titles after his name, most notably as the former President and CEO of Applebee’s, and three of the Goebel children have opened two Pie Five locations in Overland Park and Lenexa.

There are six Goebel children: Lydia Bledsoe, Lauren Salmon, Lyssa Krumholtz and Kerry, Kevin and Kyle Goebel. Lydia and Lauren no longer live in Kansas City, and Kerry, Kevin and Kyle are triplets. Dave and Jan will welcome their seventh grandchild to the family later this year. Lyssa, Kerry and Kevin are the trio behind the two new Pie Five locations.

26 Johnson County Lifestyle | February 2014

But food isn’t just their business; it’s also the centerpiece of their Sunday night dinners at Dave and Jan’s home. While shop talk sometimes sneaks into the conversation, it’s typically a workfree zone. Instead, it’s a time for all three generations to reconnect and stay grounded in their relationships as brothers, sisters, parents and grandparents.

“My mom is such a good cook,” says Lyssa. “It’s always something different; sometimes it’s easy, like tacos, but it’s not really the food that makes it special. It’s that we’re all there, together.”

Lyssa says that even though her brothers might try to sneak in a comment or two about their new business, Dave is an expert at

“With restaurants, it’s all about building relationships. As dad likes to say, we are not in the food business serving people. We are in the people business serving food.” keeping everyone focused on each other and their lives outside of work. Working with her dad, says Lyssa, is interesting because she’s been able to witness firsthand how he can transition from being dad on Sunday nights to being a veteran restaurateur and mentor come Monday morning.

Kevin calls him ‘Old Man River’ and says that they learned from him that it’s not just the food that matters in their business; it’s that everyone who comes into their pizza place leaves just a little bit happier for having been there. That sentiment is so important to the family that it’s become the official mission statement and is proudly displayed on the walls of Pie Five: “We strive to make every guest’s day a little better today because they stopped by to see us at Pie Five.”

Asked to share the one thing they’ve learned from working with their dad, Lyssa says it’s an impossible question.

“He’s the brains and the heart behind it all. He is truly a good man. He puts in his two cents, but he lets us figure things out for ourselves.” Kerry agrees, saying that of all the lessons he’s learned from his father, one stands above the rest.

“With restaurants, it’s all about building relationships. As dad likes to say, we are not in the food business serving people. We are in the people business serving food.”

Kevin and Lyssa agree that they all work well together as a team because each recognizes that their interests and talents are unique. Moreover, they respect each other’s abilities and give each other room to excel.

“Kerry is our analytics guy,” says Lyssa. “He has a business degree from Notre Dame and he loves to convert anything to numbers to analyze.”

“He’s the nerd, is what she’s trying to say,” says Kevin. “Which is great, because that’s something that I don’t enjoy. And Lyssa has this unbelievable marketing mind and the patience to work through the endless possibilities of different ways to get our name out there. That’s something that I don’t have the drive or the focus to do well.”

Lyssa notes that Kevin is the go-to for their development and planning process, and says he has a gift for being able to look at a raw site and see the potential of what it could be, if constructed the right way.

“At the end of the day, though, it all goes back to our roots,” says Kevin. “We all have our strengths and interests, but it all comes

back to what we learned by watching our dad. He showed us by example that what matters is making someone else’s day a little better because we’re here.”

Dave is quick to point out that despite his business success, it’s his wife, Jan, who truly runs the show in the Goebel family.

“Kerry and I were texting back and forth, discussing holiday hours and I was thinking that six o’clock might be a good time to close. I instinctively asked Jan what she thought, and she immediately said ‘No way! People are at church and with their families on Christmas Eve. Close at three.’ So we closed at three. There was no need for any more discussion,” says Dave.

Perhaps the silliest question I’ve asked someone in an interview is whether or not Dave is proud of his brood.

“I’m certainly very proud but part two of that is that I’m excited,” he says. “My greatest pleasure has been watching Lyssa, Kerry and Kevin come together on this. They’re all in—very all in—especially given that Kerry and Kevin come from occupations with a more predictable schedule than the restaurant world. Try as I did, I couldn’t paint the complete picture of just how challenging the business can be, but they’ve come together and stepped up in ways that make me not only proud, but excited for their future.”

To learn more about Pie Five visit PieFivePizza.com

Dave & Jan Goebel

February 2014 | Johnson County Lifestyle 27

Cabin Fever Pack up the car and head north for a weekend of fun in Des Moines.

Article Kimberly Winter Stern | Photography Provided by the Des Moines CVB

I

t’s that time of year when the itch starts. You’re restless and want to get out of town for a quick getaway.

Just because the calendar seems stuck on winter doesn’t mean you have to hunker down until the spring thaw.

At three hours door-to-door from Johnson County, Des Moines is the ideal cure for the winter blues. Great food, family activities, shopping and cultural enlightenment abound in this agreeable city with a warm heart that leaves the welcome mat out year round — even when the forecast is more winter wonderland than spring bliss.

28 Johnson County Lifestyle | February 2014

Accommodations are plentiful and diverse in Iowa’s capital city.

If the kids are in tow and you want to make a splash, check into the Ramada Tropics Resort and Conference Center. Des Moines’ only indoor water park boasts more than 18,000 square feet of wet-andwild fun, including tube slides, water basketball and volleyball and three large pools. This hotel is located near Merle Hay Mall, which offers a plethora of shopping, dining and entertainment options.

Or choose the Wildwood Lodge in Clive, on the edge of West Des Moines. The North Woods lodge-style hotel offers

Cuisine Scene Once an off-the-radar, obscure food town, Des Moines’ culinary scene has exploded during the past decade, thanks in large part to George Formaro. The visionary chef/restaurateur, who grew up in an Italian family on the city’s east side, has launched some of Des Moines’ most successful and buzziest headliners: Centro, Django, Zombie Burger + Drink Lab and Iowa’s first artisan bakery, South Union Bakery.

There are plenty of ‘foodpreneuers’ in Des Moines plying their creative interpretations of the state’s bounty. It would take several months to eat your way through Iowa’s capital city—including sampling the new kids on the block and the old-school mainstays—but here are some don’t-miss highlights to fuel a long weekend.

alba Albadsm.com This James Beard-nominated restaurant in the Historic East Village delivers traditional American cuisine with a twist. Owner Jason Simon and Chef Nic Gonwa collaborate to offer a memorable experience.

exile brewing company ExileBrewing.com Known for full-flavored, easy-drinking lagers and ales, a festive atmosphere and off-the-chart food that pairs well with craft beer, Exile Brewing Company is Iowa ingenuity at its best. Take a tour, pull up a stool in the Beer Hall or enjoy lunch or dinner in the restaurant.

gusto pizza co.

family suites, complimentary continental breakfast and an indoor pool, plus easy freeway access to Interstate 80/35 to hop on and explore the city’s attractions such as Blank Park Zoo, which is open all year.

West Des Moines is a sprawling suburb with lots to offer a weekend visitor, including Jordan Creek Town Center, a mall with shopping, dining and entertainment. Historic Valley Junction is home to more than 150 specialty shops, antique and thrift stores, restaurants and services and a vibrant smalltown-meets-big-city vibe.

If it’s a romantic interlude you’re in the mood for, look no further than the Butler House on Grand, a beautifully appointed, award-winning bed-and-breakfast in a 1923 Tudor home. Situated in a stately Des Moines neighborhood, the Butler House is directly across the street from the acclaimed Des Moines Art Center on Grand Avenue. Spend the morning browsing the galleries and savor lunch for two at Baru at the Art Center where Chef David Baruthio cooks to the rhythm of the seasons.

GustoPizzaCo.com From-scratch pizza, pasta, salads and sandwiches, this locally owned pizzeria is affordable and tasty. Gluten-free pies are available and award-winning Iowa Le Quercia prosciutto is used, in addition to other local products. Kids love to chow down on the Little Gusto cheese pizza and Stella’s Favorite—a hot dog pizza.

jethro’s bbq JethrosDesMoines.com With five locations through metro Des Moines, this neighborhood sports bar serves up drinks and brews, ‘cue, burgers, Cajun/creole dishes (including a darned good bowl of jambalaya) and sandwiches in an inviting atmosphere.

la mie LamieBakery.com A local gathering spot, this 11-year-old bakery serves breakfast, lunch, espresso drinks and acclaimed pastries, artisan breads and desserts. Don’t miss the French macarons or tarts.

continued >

February 2014 | Johnson County Lifestyle 29

cabin fever remedy (continued)

The Renaissance Des Moines Savery Hotel is an elegant architectural landmark that has hosted presidents over the decades and media royalty during the famous Iowa caucuses. Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, the Savery is perfect for a couple’s escape, with a cozy bar, the Coda Lounge, and restaurant, BOS Contemporary Midwest Cuisine.

Located in the center of Des Moines’ bustling downtown, the Savery is connected to the four-mile climate controlled skywalk system and is blocks from Wells Fargo Arena, Iowa Events Center and the Civic Center of Greater Des Moines. Many of Des Moines’ popular eateries including Django, a delightful brasserie-style restaurant that serves French classics in a casual atmosphere, or Italian-inspired Centro, are nearby.

Another close-to-the-action downtown hotel is the Embassy Suites, situated on the banks of the Des Moines River and in the Historic East Village. Walk to trendy eateries such as Zombie Burger + Drink Lab or meet the locals at happy hour at The Continental for tapas and live jazz and blues.

Spend the afternoon in the tropical splendor of the Greater Des Moines Botanical Garden, a short jaunt from the Embassy Suites.

Rejuvenate at Trellis, the Garden’s café that features a plant-inspired menu. Or warm up at The Village Bean Co. in the East Village with a latte or chai and pastry or enjoy a cold one at the

30 Johnson County Lifestyle | February 2014

Locust Tap, a neighborhood tavern since 1937 which unabashedly proclaims itself as a “dive bar—in the best way possible.”

If shopping is your thing, the East Village has an eclectic mix of unique boutiques, home décor, kitchen treasures, jewelry and art. The Velvet Coat carries women’s clothing, handbags, accessories and footwear and Kitchen Collage is packed with everything from cookware to tabletop and grilling items.

Schedule a massage at East Village Day Spa, voted the Best Spa in Des Moines since 2011, and bring the pooch back a little eco-something from Jett and Monkey’s Dog Shoppe.

Before heading back to Kansas City, grab a deli sandwich to go from Gateway Market and Cafe, a mini Dean and Deluca perched on the west edge of historic Sherman Hill. Or, if you’re in West Des Moines, sip and sup on local flavors at Table 128 Bistro and Bar. Whatever itinerary you choose—family-friendly or couple’s odyssey—scratch the itch for a quality weekend excursion and get to know our central Iowa neighbor. There’s so much to do and see in Des Moines, chances are you’ll want to catch all the fun again very soon.

To plan your weekend escape to Des Moines and for a calendar of events, visit CatchDesMoines.com.

Family Ties There is an abundance of sites to see and things to do in Des Moines, even during the winter or early spring. Pack your holiday state of mind, along with your sense of adventure, for a long weekend with the kiddos.

brenton skating plaza BrentonPlaza.com Open through the end of March for skating and other winter activities, this outdoor skating facility is conveniently located along The Principal Riverwalk on the Des Moines River waterfront. Once summer arrives, the Plaza transforms into an outdoor entertainment venue.

iowa state capitol Legis.Iowa.gov Self-guided and formal tours are available Monday through Saturday at the nation’s only five-domed capitol. The majestic gold-topped structure, built between 1871 and 1886, sits on a hilltop and offers a stunning panoramic view of Des Moines’ downtown and the West Capitol Terrace.

john & mary pappajohn sculpture park DesMoinesArtCenter.org Artwork by 21 of the world’s most celebrated artists comprise this 4.4 acre park set within a major crossroads of Des Moines’ urban grid. Walk amongst the works of art, including 27 pieces donated by art patrons John and Mary Pappajohn, and soak in the unusual ambiance of the country’s most unique outdoor sculpture parks. Guided tours are available April through October; self-guided tours are available during park hours from sunrise to midnight.

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N

by

Christopher Elbow They aren’t just for Valentine’s Day. Article Ruth Baum Bigus | Photography Provided

32 Johnson County Lifestyle | February 2014

estled off of 18th and Main in a store front marked by a large Block Letter E, a treasure chest of chocolate gems awaits. It is the signature store of Christopher Elbow Artisanal Chocolates, the culinary creation of the man by the same name. This creative chocolatier has cultivated luscious morsels that dazzle in a kaleidoscope of colors–bright green, yellows, orange, lavender and blue–that tantalize the taste buds. And the flavors are as inventive: Venezuelan Spice, Rosemary Caramel, Macadamia Praline and Whiskey Aged Maple.

So how did this Liberty High School graduate with the shy smile get into the gourmet chocolate business?

The answer is simple–with hard work, an imaginative palette and a love of food.

“I wanted to be a chef ever since I was little,” says Elbow during an interview at his main store that also houses the manufacturing facility. “I watched all the cooking shows like The Great Chefs on PBS.” While on a trip to France during high school, Elbow was fascinated by the hand-crafting of pastries and chocolates by pâtissiers who used traditional methods yet gave it their own spin. The experience stuck with him as Elbow earned a degree in restaurant and business administration at the University of Nebraska. Elbow came back to Kansas City to run the restaurant Shiraz. Up for more culinary adventure, Elbow headed to Las Vegas to work with celebrity chef Emeril Lagasse who was opening the Delmonico Steakhouse at the Venetian. Elbow’s next stop was Paris, the resort and casino in Vegas and working with celebrated chef Jean Joho who was opening the Eiffel Tower Restaurant.

However, the Midwest called once again, and Elbow returned to Kansas City and Shiraz before transitioning to the American Restaurant as pastry chef.

“It was while I was a pastry chef at the American that I really got a chance to work with chocolate,” he said. “I decided on a whim to go into chocolate…I found chocolate fascinating because you can work with it like sculpture.”

Elbow continued to “dabble” in chocolate, creating different flavors and serving pieces at the end of the meal to customers. He began selling limited quantities of his chocolates, as well.

“My experience cooking savory has a lot to do with the flavors we tried, things you wouldn’t think of when you think of confections,” he says.

At the same time, Elbow found himself getting burnt out as a pastry chef; he had applied to go back to school in architecture at the University of Kansas when his chocolates took off.

That’s when Elbow decided to leap into the chocolate making business full force.

Elbow converted an empty space above Shiraz into a kitchen and started Christopher Elbow Artisanal Chocolates in earnest.

“There were a lot of things like that that helped me get started in business,” he says.

His wife Jen, who is a graphic designer at Hallmark Cards, de-

signed Elbow’s logos. Later they moved locations to have more production space.

In July 2003, Elbow opened his store and his signature brand was off and running. He describes his chocolate as a hybrid of sorts rooted in French and Belgian/Swiss techniques with an American twist of bold flavor and design. He described French chocolate as enrobed cream with chocolate on the outside and ganache filling inside. The Belgian/Swiss technique makes a shell that is filled.

Elbow starts his recipe with French chocolate.

“We have our own custom blend with its own profile,” Elbow says. “We do change our flavors seasonally so we always have something new and it forces us to be innovative.”

Elbow’s chocolates have a unique taste all of their own.

He infuses each flavor with an interesting mix of spices such as rosemary and caramel or chili and ganache.

While many Elbow fans focus on the chocolates’ taste, Elbow is also known for the unique designs and shapes of his edible art.

“That’s one of the things that drew me to chocolate making was the artistry,” Elbow said. “It’s what we’ve become known for. Shape and design are very important.”

Elbow said the pieces that appear painted on are silk-screen style designs painted on a cocoa butter sheet and then transferred on to chocolate. Others are airbrushed or splattered on; it takes two to three days to complete a chocolate with its design.

Someone tastes every batch before it is approved for packaging, which is also done by hand.

Within three years of opening for business, Elbow expanded into the wholesale marketplace.

Today there are 24 flavors in the chocolate line of which 12 to 15 are standards. His favorite?

“Pure dark chocolates are my favorite and the least sweet,” Elbow says. “I don’t eat as much chocolate as people think.”

Elbow chocolates are sold in more than a dozen locations in the metropolitan area plus his two stores and through the company web site that accounts for 30 percent of its sales. Among the most popular flavors are rosemary caramel and chocolate and chili. For Valentine’s Day, Elbow said the flavors that do well are the more spicy, orchard-cooked fruit flavors of fall and winter.

February 2014 | Johnson County Lifestyle 33

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“We do a heart-shaped box and collection of filled hearts,” he says.

By 2007, Elbow was ready to take another bold move, opening a store in San Francisco.

“Our product started to become very successful,” he says.

“For me, San Francisco made a lot of sense. It’s a great food city.

There’s lots of tourism and it’s a fantastic place with the weather for chocolates.”

While the San Francisco location has done well, all chocolates are still made right here in Kansas City. Staff works six days a week to produce nearly 60,000 pieces of Elbow chocolate that are still made in relatively small batches to maintain the high-quality, hand-crafted character.

“As much as we make we sell,” Elbow says. “It is not uncommon for us to not be able to fill all of our orders during the holiday season.

Physically getting it out the door is a challenge – I love the cold.”

Three years ago, Elbow took another leap of culinary faith by creating his own brand of ice cream, called Glace’, and adding it to his Main location. He also opened a Glace’ store in Johnson County at West 119th and Roe. “I used to love making ice cream as a pastry chef,” Elbow says.

“I decided to go into ice cream because summer is slow for chocolates and the flavors of chocolate carry over well for ice cream… and I love ice cream. It’s done well.”

Christopher Elbow Artisanal Chocolates celebrated its 10th anniversary in 2013. Elbow said it’s hard to believe a decade has passed by since he started on this chocolate journey.

“It’s crazy,” Elbow says. “I never expected it to get this big and busy.”

What’s next for Elbow?

“I really have no idea,” he says, quickly looking at his cell phone and the messages that had added up during our interview. “I would like to slow down a little bit to develop some new flavors.

We will develop some new products. I have a full white board full of ideas I just don’t know when I’ll get to them.”

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Braced for Success Local orthodontist now gives patients in three locations a lot to smile about Article Lauren Collinsworth Claflin Photography Susan Motley

H

eidi Harman, D.D.S., M.S., knows that a smile is one of the most gorgeous things a person can wear. In fact, she has made thousands of smiles in the Kansas City area a lot more beautiful.

Harman spent years studying and training to give her patients more reasons to smile. Her orthodontic practice, H2O Orthodontics, features the most state-of-the-art technology available to offer the best options for straightening teeth beyond conventional braces. Not only does this advanced technology give patients more precise options for treatment, results are accomplished in a lot less time than traditional treatments can offer.

However, Harman’s practice addresses a lot more than just beautiful smiles. Harman spent several years as a resident and staff fellow at clinics and hospitals that treat cleft palates and TMJ (temporomandibular dysfunctions). She was awarded research grants by the American Association of Orthodontics to continue her study in this critical field, and has published numerous scientific articles about her research.

Whether orthodontic issues are complicated or more straight forward, Harman’s goal for each patient is to evaluate early when possible to avoid future extraction, impaction, airway constrictions, sleep apnea disorder and unnecessary surgery.

Every mouth is unique, so every treatment plan is specifically designed to offer each patient the most customized, precise care available. Harman and her orthodontic team at H2O Orthodontics employ a variety of cutting edge treatment options, such as Invisalign clear aligners, expanders, clear braces, gold braces, self-litigating braces and more.

However, one of the most exciting advancements that H2O Orthodontics utilizes is SureSmile. Using advanced 3-D imaging, SureSmile creates an exact model of a patient’s bite, replacing the need for impressions. The precise scanning technology allows Harman to analyze teeth from all angles, then utilize virtual simulation tools to determine the most effective treatment in the quickest timeframe. After the best prescription is established, SureSmile employs a robot to bend a shape memory alloy archwire according to the doctor’s directions. This archwire delivers consistent, gentle force to move teeth to their finishing position.

In addition to the increased precision and accuracy of SureSmile, the true digital imaging reduces patients’ exposure to harmful radiation.

38 Johnson County Lifestyle | February 2014

With offices in Overland Park and Olathe, H2O Orthodontics has offered a convenient location to hundreds of patients in the Blue Valley, Shawnee Mission and Olathe school districts.

However, Harman has noticed a growing demand for adult orthodontic treatment. More and more adults are deciding to not only improve their smiles, but also to address orthodontic issues that could pose serious complications later if they are not treated.

With that growing contingent in mind, Harman opened a new office on the Plaza. A longtime resident of the Plaza area, Harman had dreamed of establishing a practice there to treat her neighbors, and the increased demand for adult orthodontics made this the ideal time to expand her practice to that established community. All three offices offer treatment for adults and children, but the Plaza office reaches a larger demographic of adults.

All three offices are digitally networked for treatment records, charts and scheduling. Patients have online access to their digital records, photographs, appointment times, treatment plans and account information. Initial screenings, including digital imaging, are complimentary.

Straight, beautiful teeth with less treatment time (typically six to 12 months quicker) give Harman’s patients lots of reasons to smile. And as Phyllis Diller once said, “A smile is a curve that sets everything straight.”

To learn more about the practice, visit H2Orthodontics.com.

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Giving Back

Raven’s Hope International One woman’s dream to make a difference Article Sheri Wills Thompson Photography Provided

“D

on’t leave this earth with your seed in your pocket.”

Karen Robinson lives by this conviction every day. Her “seed” is the calling to fortify leaders and empower women to change the world. Having grown up in a single parent home with nine siblings in Wyandotte, Kans., Karen knows what it is to grow up poor. She also knows that regardless of one’s beginnings, God is able to use them to change people’s lives for the better. Karen is now KarenRobinson.com. She is a voice and a force for leadership for women across the country, and around the world.

Karen’s newest adventure is called Raven’s Hope International and was birthed from a mission trip Robinson took to Cambodia with a group of pastors’ wives. While there, Robinson met women who had the desire to reach out to help others, but not the knowledge or skills to do so. Believing that we are all a product of what we see, feel and hear in our daily environment, Robinson recognized that these women would need to have new experiences, and a place to learn the leadership skills necessary to fulfill their dream and to effectively help those in need in their home communities. Raven’s Hope International has provided such a place.

Currently, seven women from various cities in Cambodia and one woman from the U.S. are living in Kansas City, Kans., in a home that used to be a convent. Robinson was able to secure the living space and people from local churches helped her renovate it for the Ravens. Two women, ages 18-30, share each room. The rooms are simple, but comfortable, but also lovely. The women share a large closet and bathroom. Meals are prepared in teams on a set schedule which gives them a chance to work together and serve each other. House parents provide safety and guidance for the women who spend their days in four focus areas: Biblical Studies – the women learn to study the Bible, memorize scripture and apply it to their daily lives, Hands-On-Ministry – the Ravens serve in soup kitchens, take food to the homeless, and work with other mercy ministries in Kansas City, Life Skills – the women learn cooking, knitting, crocheting and other crafts that will eventually lead to a business opportunity when they return to Cambodia, and Mission Opportunities – the Ravens have been to local churches to sing, dance, share their story and pray for others.

40 Johnson County Lifestyle | February 2014

The Ravens will be in Kansas City until March when they will return to their native country. Having skills learned “in the West” and a diploma for learning English, these women will be more respected and viewed as leaders. In most of their communities, there is no mindset that considers the poor and there are certainly no agencies set up to do so. These women will change the face of their cities as they introduce generosity, kindness, willingness and provision for those who cannot care for themselves including many, many children. Their “seed,” the dream that is in their hearts and minds, will have a place to grow and produce fruit.

Robinson’s prayer is that not only will these women become the leaders they were created to be, but that they will also plant more seeds and grow new leaders to join them.

You, too, can be a part of Raven’s Hope International. A list of needed items and skills can be obtained at RavensHopeInternational.com. Your “seed” may be just the thing these women need, and you, too, can have the opportunity to join Robinson, and these very special young women in helping to make a significant difference in the lives of others.

other projects karen is leading: Understanding You - an interactive program designed to

help individuals discover and fulfill their purpose.

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women deal with the critical issues they face every day.

Solomon’s Porch Women’s Society – high profile women

meet in local chapters to have a place of community and transparency; includes women who are entertainers, governors, diplomats, wives of sports figures in the NBA and NFL, and pastor’s wives.

Development Workshops – a variety of workshops to help women discover their passions, develop leadership skills, and foster better race relations.

February 2014 | Johnson County Lifestyle 41

Where every address has a fore.

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That’s why our Board-certified cardiologists work just as diligently to prevent heart problems as treat them.

And today’s best way to prevent a heart problem is to find out if you’re at risk. Thanks to Shawnee Mission

For answers to your health questions or to find a doctor, call ASK-A-NURSE 24/7 at 913-676-7777.

Medical Center, it’s as simple as going online and taking our seven-minute HEARTaware risk assessment.

If you experience any heart attack warning signs such as chest pain, shortness of breath or extreme fatigue, call 911. To find out if you’re at risk for heart disease, take the HEARTaware risk assessment at ShawneeMission.org/HEARTaware.

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Locally Owned

KC Body Contouring Delivers Results Article Ann E. Butenas Photography Christina Sandberg

Y

ou’ve dieted. You’ve exercised. You’ve struggled to fit into those pants that are just a bit too tight. You’re frustrated.

Losing those excess pounds that refuse to come off seems impossible. Or perhaps you gaze at yourself in the mirror and see a tired expression staring back at you and you feel as if you look older than you actually are. With so many options and treatments on the market that promote fat removal, body shaping, skin rejuvenation and the reduction of fine lines and wrinkles, finding the best option for your needs can seem overwhelming. Until now.

Welcome to KC Body Contouring, the city’s leader in both surgical and non-surgical removal of fat and cellulite, as well as skin rejuvenation and the treatment of fine lines and wrinkles.

Under the direction of dual board-certified surgeon, Craig Schwartz, D.O., KC Body Contouring specializes solely in the treatment of veins, body contouring and skin tightening procedures. Every procedure is done in-office using local anesthetics.

44 Johnson County Lifestyle | February 2014

He offers treatments for the face and neck as well as for the body, from fat reduction to skin tightening and cellulite removal, giving patients a smoother, firmer shape to their skin and body.

Schwartz offers the latest and most clinically proven options, both invasive and non-invasive, for the removal of fat and cellulite. Owner and medical director of KC Body Contouring, Schwartz has years of experience and training in a full range of fat removal and body contouring procedures, including both invasive laser and tumescent lipo, and non-invasive options, such as Venus Freeze, Vaser Shape and CoolSculpting.

“As we get older, especially in our mid 40s, we cannot burn fat as we did when we were younger,” he explains. “You can go to the gym, eat well and do all the right things, but there are still some areas on your body that are resistant to change.”

At his Leawood office, Schwartz offers a variety of body contouring, fat removal and body shaping options. These include CoolSculpting (freezing technology), traditional laser lipo, Hi Def Lipo, VASER Shape, Ultherapy, and his latest procedure – Venus Freeze. Schwartz is especially pleased with the results they are seeing from Venus Freeze skin tightening treatments, when done in conjunction with CoolSculpting body contouring treatments.

“These two technologies work fantastically together, as CoolSculpting has a greater effect on de-bulking fat, or reducing volume, whereas Venus Freeze is most effective for smoothing, tightening and firming skin, and, often times, both aspects are necessary to obtain the optimum desired result,” says Schwartz.

“Patients today are seeking the most minimally invasive fat removal and body contouring options possible, and many absolutely do not want invasive surgery. So, we are always looking for the best non-invasive treatment methods we can offer. Many of the earlier-generation devices had concerns, in that they were extremely painful, were limited to particular body areas, were way too costly, or just didn’t truly provide adequate results. We love Venus Freeze because it is completely painless. Treatments are relaxing, fast and easy, often being done in less than 30 minutes, with no downtime whatsoever, and yet they produce visible improvement.

I especially love Venus Freeze because it offers incredible flexibility, as there is essentially no area of the face or body that we can’t treat using it,” says Schwartz.

By offering so many options, Schwartz can provide the best approach for your body type and personal goals, as each procedure targets certain areas and provides specific results.

And as for the results? Don’t be surprised if people start asking you if you just returned from vacation or comment that you look younger and rested. You will enjoy natural, not artificial, results.

“We are seeking significant improvement, not perfection, and we design a treatment protocol for patients based on their expectations,” notes Schwartz.

For more information or to schedule a complimentary consultation, call 913.967.3425, Or online at KCBodyContouring.com.

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February 2014 | Johnson County Lifestyle 47

Financial Fitness

Do You Use More Than One Advisor?

Utilizing multiple consultants can lessen your chance for success

Y

our physician doesn’t prescribe you medicine before asking what other medications you might be taking because he knows that some medicines don’t work well with others or need the dosage adjusted based on what you’re already taking.

Prescribing something without being aware of your other medications could lead to a serious health issue for you as a patient.

The same concept is true when it comes to financial planning. If you are working with multiple financial professionals who aren’t aware of what the others are doing, it could put your finances in an unhealthy condition.

In one situation, a couple began working with a financial advisor who offered both planning and investment management.

They did not tell their advisor that they were still working with an investment broker they had been using to invest some of their money. They now had two people managing portions of their money that didn’t know about each other or what strategies the other used to manage their portion of the money. Their advisor decided to trade out of an investment to take losses at the same time the broker decided to buy into that same investment, creating a wash sale, and adverse tax consequences for the client.

Neither professional was at fault, they just didn’t realize what had occurred because they were left in the dark.

If you only share partial information with each advisor, you could be losing out. Unless someone is privy to all of the information, your various advisor’s strategies could be working against each other, and potentially impeding you from reaching your goals.

48 Johnson County Lifestyle | February 2014

One possible solution would be to consolidate your investments with an advisor who offers the services you want, including both financial planning and investment management. An advisor who is trained to plan, rather than just invest money, can oversee and manage the pieces of your financial puzzle, and could even identify opportunities or roadblocks of which you aren’t aware.

If that’s uncomfortable for you, another approach would be to, at minimum, have one advisor who is aware of all of the other pieces so they can take a comprehensive look at the strategies employed.

This would enable them to tell you if there is investment overlap or if your overall strategy leaves you exposed to more risk than you desire. This could include looking at both brokerage accounts and retirement accounts that might be managed by others professionals. The advisor you choose to manage the big picture might not make all of the financial decisions over all of your investments, but at least they are aware of all the pieces and strategies and can make sure everything is in order.

Have you been keeping pieces of your financial health in the dark from the people who are supposed to help you? Don’t let your chances for success be lessened by utilizing multiple advisors with limited information. Work with a financial advisor who can help you understand and manage your entire financial picture for a chance at success!

Marc C. Shaffer, cfp®, aif®, ea, is a principal of Searcy Financial Services Inc., a registered investment advisory and financial planning firm in Overland Park. For additional information, visit SearcyFinancial.com.

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HigHer torque. SmootHer ride. Fewer Fill-upS. introducing tHe all-new 2014 Spyder® rt.

With a new Rotax® 1330 ACE™ high-torque engine and a new 6-speed transmission, the road has never been so inviting. The high-torque response of the ACE engine gives you 40% more low-end torque and now can go up to 252 miles at 62 mph on one tank of gas.* While the new 6-speed transmission provides an incredibly smooth ride for you and your passenger. Add in a unique HigHer torque. SmootHer ride. Fewer Fill-upS. Y-frame design and 7 automotive technologies, and that rush you feel will be equal parts ® introducing tHeconfidence. all-new 2014 exhilaration and LearnSpyder more at rt.

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Dealer Imprint With a new Rotax® 1330 ACE™ high-torque engine and a new 6-speed transmission, the road has never been so inviting. The Goes high-torque you 40% more low-end Hereresponse of the ACE engine gives torque and now can go up to 252 miles at 62 mph on one tank of gas.* While the new 6-speed transmission provides an incredibly smooth ride for you and your passenger. Add in a unique Y-frame design and 7 automotive technologies, and that rush you feel will be equal parts exhilaration and confidence. Learn more at 2014SpyderRT.com.

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©2013 Bombardier Recreational Products Inc. (BRP). All rights reserved. ®, ™ and the BRP logo are trademarks of BRP or its affiliates. In the U.S.A., products are distributed by BRP US Inc. *Tested at a constant speed of 62 mph. Fuel mileage may vary depending on the following: Spyder RT models, personal riding habits, weather conditions, trip length, vehicle condition, vehicle configuration and other conditions. Up to 202 miles tested at a constant speed of 75 mph. Break-in mileage may also vary. See an authorized BRP dealer for details. Some models depicted may include optional equipment. Always ride responsibly and safely. Always observe applicable local laws and regulations. Don’t drink and drive.

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February 2014 | Johnson County Lifestyle 49

Driver’s Notebook

A minor restyling gives the Jeep an upscale exterior.

Jeep’s Grand Cherokee Summit is a Plush Ride Jeep’s Grand Cherokee Summit is a Plush Ride Article and Photography Tom Strongman

J

eep is known for crafting go-anywhere, do-anything vehicles, but the 2014 Grand Cherokee Summit surprised me with a level of comfort and convenience that is equal to many top luxury sedans.

Soft leather, suede trim on the A pillars and items such as a heated steering wheel, heated front and back seats, adaptive cruise control, forward collision warning, panoramic sunroof and a large, 8.4-inch touchscreen display in the center of the dash are all standard on the Summit, the new top Grand Cherokee.

Polished aluminum 20-inch wheels and several tasteful bits of chrome trim complete the Summit’s visual package.

Mike Manley, Jeep brand CEO, says, “We have taken the industry’s most highly acclaimed SUV and elevated it to an even higher level.” Jeep’s goal was to make the Grand Cherokee a pleasure to drive on any and all roads, including the most demanding trails, in all weather conditions.

From my week with this Jeep, I would say that goal has been met with ease. The Summit was quiet and smooth, free from the kind of rough ride one might expect of a vehicle that is known for its ability to conquer off-road obstacles as easily as it does 50 Johnson County Lifestyle | February 2014

a freeway on-ramp. The dark brown leather interior was both handsome and inviting.

The Grand Cherokee is available in Laredo, Limited, Overland and Summit models. Base prices start at $28,795 and range to $47,995 for two-wheel drive.

There are three engine choices: a 3.0-liter V-6 diesel, a 3.6-liter V-6 and the 5.7-liter Hemi V-8 that was in the test car. While the V-8’s muscle is fun, the penalty is a fuel economy rating of 14 miles per gallon in the city and 20 on the highway for four-wheel

drive. The two-wheel-drive diesel, on the other hand, is rated at 22 mpg in the city and 30 mpg on the highway. The four-wheel-drive 3.6-liter V-6 slots in between with a rating of 17 mpg city and 24 on the highway.

The transmission is an eight-speed automatic.

The diesel would be my first choice, although I have not driven one, but the extra cost is substantial. Car and Driver reports that that getting the diesel on a four-wheel-drive Summit adds $5,000 to the price. You have to drive a lot of miles for the fuel savings to justify the added cost.

Based on my experience with the Dodge Durango and a 2013 Grand Cherokee, I would pick the 3.6-liter V-6 as a good compromise between power and economy.

The Grand Cherokee has three four-wheel-drive systems, plus Quadra-Lift air suspension and a Selec-Terrain traction management system that lets the driver choose sand, mud, auto, rock and snow settings for the all-wheel drive.

The air suspension has five settings. It can raise the vehicle 1.3 inches or 2.6 inches for added ground clearance during off-road driving. Park mode lowers the vehicle 1.6 inches, and aero mode lowers the vehicle 0.6 inches at highway speeds for better fuel economy.

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Price: The base price of the test car was $50,995. Options included the Hemi V-8, electronic limited-slip rear differential, anti-lock brakes, the 3.09 rear axle and the Quadra-Drive II four-wheeldrive system. The sticker price was $54,685.

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Warranty: Three years or 36,000 miles, with a 5-year, 100,000-mile

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I was impressed with the quality of the Grand Cherokee Summit’s interior. The dark brown leather was set off by wood and copper accents. The air suspension rides smoothly and gives the driver control over ground clearance for off-road driving.

Counterpoint

The thirsty Hemi is best left for those who need its towing power. The 3.6-liter V-6 is adequate for most conditions.

SPECIFICATIONS 2014 Jeep Grand Cherokee Summit 4X4 Engine: 5.7-liter, 360-horsepower V-8 Transmission: Eight-speed automatic Four-wheel drive Wheelbase: 114.8 inches Curb weight: 5,219 pounds Base price: $50,995 As driven: $54,685 MPG rating: 14 in the city, 20 on the highway February 2014 | Johnson County Lifestyle 51

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Overland Park

Olathe

8631 W. 150TH ST. SUITE 102 OVERLAND PARK, KS 66223 P 913.681.8138 F 913.681.9693

975 N. MUR LEN SUITE C OLATHE, KS 66062 P 913.829.4466 F 913.829.0187

www.kleinwalkerorthodontics.com

Enjoy life; let us clean. You have better things to do with your time!

Cleaning Fine Homes throughout Western KC and Johnson County • Weekly, Bi-weekly, Monthly, occasionally or one time!

• Move-Ins and Move-outs • Remodel and Construction Clean-up 52 Johnson County Lifestyle | February 2014

PROFESSIONAL HOUSE CLEANING SERVICES One Room to a Whole House All Work Guaranteed Carefully Screened and Trained Staff Bonded and Insured

Call us for your cleaning needs

913.649.6022 LuluandMimis.com

Sold Properties

Recently SOLD Johnson County Properties neighborhood

original list

list price

sold $$

Mission Hills

$1,895,000

$1,895,000

$1,805,000

95%

33

5

5.2

Mission Hills

Mission Hills

$1,890,000

$1,680,000

$1,575,000

93%

215

4

3.2

Mission Hills

Hazelwood

$1,275,000

$1,150,000

$978,507

85%

241

5

4.1

Leawood

Indian Hills

$950,000

$899,950

$865,000

96%

70

5

4.2

Mission Hills

Hallbrook

$929,950

$929,950

$850,000

91%

18

5

5.1

Leawood

$1,150,000

$900,000

$805,000

89%

64

3

2.2

Leawood

Coventry

$850,000

$799,900

$765,000

95%

203

5

5.1

Overland Park

Royse

$799,000

$765,000

$735,000

96%

63

4

4.1

Leawood

Reinhardt Estates

$759,000

$745,000

$725,000

97%

40

4

4.1

Fairway

Village At Iron Horse

$675,000

$675,000

$660,000

97%

33

5

5.2

Leawood

Nottingham St. Andrews

$689,950

$675,000

$655,000

97%

73

5

5.2

Overland Park

Sagamore Hills

$699,900

$699,900

$650,000

92%

21

5

3.2

Mission Hills

Leawood

$750,000

$689,000

$650,000

94%

57

5

3.1

Leawood

Hallbrook

$620,000

$620,000

$620,000

100%

66

5

3.1

Leawood

Bridgewood

$725,000

$695,000

$603,000

86%

33

5

3.1

Leawood

Mission Forest

$649,000

$639,000

$592,000

92%

45

4

3.1

Overland Park

Wilshire Place

$549,900

$549,900

$530,000

96%

158

4

3.1

Leawood

Bradford Place

$580,000

$550,000

$525,000

95%

69

5

4.1

Leawood

Deer Creek Park

$495,000

$495,000

$485,000

97%

1

4

3

Leawood Forest Estates

$565,000

$500,000

$465,000

93%

275

4

3.1

Hazelwood

%sp to lp dom* bdrms

ba

city

Overland Park Leawood

MLS Statistics from 12/1/2013-12/31/2013

February 2014 | Johnson County Lifestyle 53

Lifestyle Calendar

February FEBRUARY 8 THE GRADUATE JOHNSON COUNTY COMMUNITY COLLEGE

L.A. Theatre Works, the foremost radio theatre company in the country, will present two performances of The Graduate. A member of the theatre company will lead a discussion after each performance. The Graduate, a novel written by Charles Webb, is probably best remembered for the film adaptation that came out in 1967. Tickets, $30, are available at 913.469.4445 or online. JCCC.edu/TheSeries.

FEBRUARY 9 FEBRUARY 1 - MAY 4 75 YEARS OF OZ, OH MY! CROWN CENTER SHOPS

There’s no place like Crown Center to celebrate the 75th anniversary of America’s favorite movie, “The Wizard of Oz.” Trace Dorothy’s footsteps through the Land of Oz: from the moment her house plops down in Munchkin Land until she clicks her ruby red slippers to return to Kansas. Level 1 Showplace. For more information, 816.274.8444. CrownCenter.com

FEBRUARY 8 BREAKFAST WITH THE BEASTS LAKESIDE NATURE CENTER

Children get to meet some of the beasts living in our own back yards and learn what they like for breakfast. Kids can eat with their favorite beast: skunk, bald eagle, raccoon, squirrel, bumble bee and more, all portrayed by LNC volunteers. Food includes fruit, nuts, seeds, granola bars and even worms (gummy worms, that is). There will be crafts, tattoos and face painting. 10 a.m.-2 p.m. $5 per child; parents free. Call 816.513.8960 or e-mail folnc@crn.org for details.

54 Johnson County Lifestyle | February 2014

CINEMALICIOUS 2014 DOWNTOWN OVERLAND PARK

Benefiting Legacy Foundation for the Arts, come celebrate Valentine’s early with French fare at The Culinary Center in Downtown Overland Park followed by “Chocolat” at the historic Rio. The fun begins at 5 p.m. Tickets are $80. To purchase tickets or for more information, call 913.526.5501. LegacyArts.org

FEBRUARY 14 ART FOR AUTISM SHOW BLUE VALLEY NORTH

All proceeds from the silent art auction will benefit Autism Speaks.

Blue Valley North High School is located at 12300 Lamar Avenue in Overland Park. The art show is hosted by Hannah Bergwell, a senior at Blue Valley North, from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m.

FEBRUARY 15 HEARTLAND WINE EXPERIENCE POWELL GARDENS

Escape to Powell Gardens for the Heartland Wine Experience, sponsored by the Missouri Wine and Grape Board. Sample wines from

several Missouri wineries. Craig and Gay Jones, owners of Savory Addictions, will have samples of their gourmet nuts. The experience includes 10 tastings, a glass to keep, light hors d’oeuvres and music. Tickets are $15/members and $18/non-members. (Additional wine will be available for purchase.)

2-4 p.m. PowellGardens.org/wine

FEBRUARY 15 LOVE IN ART DINNER & TOUR NELSON-ATKINS MUSEUM

Treat your Valentine to a romantic night at the museum. Stroll hand-in-hand through galleries on a special self-guided tour highlighting cherished love affairs in art, followed by an amazing three-course dinner in the Rozzelle Court Restaurant. 6-9 p.m. $65. Nelson-Atkins.org

FEBRUARY 21-22 FIRESIDE TEA OVERLAND PARK ARBORETUM & BOTANICAL GARDENS

From 2-4 p.m. Shang Tea, Co. will provide tea samples and sell tea products in the sunroom, delectable tea sandwiches, scones and sweets will be served to guests along with award-winning Shang white tea. Zehua Shang and Nick Light will give a brief overview about tea. Lili Shank, Voices in Time, will give a 30 minute presentation on preserving life stories. Limited seating.

ArtsAndRec-OP.org

FEBRUARY 23 LENEXA BRIDAL SHOW LENEXA

From 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Thompson Barn, enjoy food, drinks, entertainment, fashion, free giveaways and pampering for the bride while planning a dream wedding.

Brides can create a day specially tailored to them at this intimate, informational show that features the finest local wedding businesses and services. Free samples are available, and there’s a chance to win fabulous door prizes as well. Free admission online or $5 at the door. Lenexa.com

FEBRUARY 25 THE LENS OF ADVENTURE KAUFFMAN CENTER

Bryan Smith, award-winning filmmaker for the National Geographic Channel, shares gripping moments from his assignments documenting extreme feats in the world’s most challenging environments. Program starts at 7:30 p.m. KauffmanCenter.org

MARCH 1 KANSAS CITY TIP-OFF CONCERT UPTOWN THEATER

Thompson Square, two-time winner of the Academy of Country Music Vocal Duo award, will perform at the 6th Annual KC Tip-Off Concert. Doors open at 6 p.m. Proceeds benefit K’s Medicine Cabinet, which provides emergency medical assistance to the underserved. Reserved seating tickets, pit pass and Gold Circle tickets are $35, $55 and $100 per person, respectively, available at Ticketmaster.

KCMedicineCabinet.org/KCTipoff.html

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7201 W. 110th St., Overland Park, KS

CALL: 913.850.5700

or take the hormone test online

www.restorative-health.com February 2014 | Johnson County Lifestyle 55

r

o

ud

sponsors

The

of

Market jo

y

le

p

hn

son

Animals & Animal Care

county

Liberty Meadows Training Center (816) 547-0602 liberty-meadows.com

Art & Photography

Art & Frame Warehouse (913) 385-9199 afwkc.com

Automotive

Hendrick Buick GMC Cadillac (816) 942-7100 hendrickbuickgmccadillac.com

lif

es

t

Midwest Restorative Health (913) 850-5700 restorative-health.com

The Barstow School (816) 942-3255 barstowschool.org

Frontier Furniture, LLC (913) 897-8995 frontierfurniturellc.com

Entertainment & Recreation

Home Services

Shawnee Mission Medical Center (913) 676-7777 shawneemission.org/heartaware

Reno's Power Sports KC (816) 942-8900 renoscanam.com

Fashion & Accessories

Meierotto Midwest Jewelers (816) 453-1111 mjewelry.com Tivol (800) 829-1515 tivol.com

Stanley Tire & Automotive (913) 239-8473 stanleytire.com

Financial Services & Planning

City Union Mission 816-474-9380 cityunionmission.org

Dentists & Orthodontics H2O Orthodontics (913) 782-7223 h2orthodontics.com

Klein & Walker Orthodontics (913) 681-8138 kleinwalkerorthodontics.com

Dry Cleaners

Tide Dry Cleaners (913) 239-8473 tidedrycleaners.com

Education

Ivy League Learning Center (913) 547-4060 ivyleagelc.com Kansas State University (913) 541-1220 olathe.k-state.edu Park University (816) 746-2579 park.edu/jclm

Home Design & Furnishings

KC Body Contouring/ Vein Centers for Excellence of KC (913) 451-8346 kcbodycontouring.com

Design Connection Inc. (913) 851-8776 designconnectioninc.com

Santa Fe Tow Service (913) 894-5201 santafetowservice.com

Charities & Fundraisers

Falcon Valley (913) 780-9004 falconvalleyhomes.com

Searcy Financial Services (913) 814-3800 searcyfinancial.com Waddell & Reed (913) 491-9202 donnatilden.wrfa.com

Health & Wellness

Amber Roofing (816) 994-2556 amberroofingkc.com Braden Roofing (913) 341-0200 bradenroofing.com Christian Brothers Roofing (816) 453-7663 453roof.com LuLu & Mimi's Cleaning (913) 649-6022 luluandmimis.com Midwest Lifetime Roof Systems (913) 393-3008 lifetimeroofsystems.com Pileggi & Reid Painting (913) 558-5204 prpainting.net

Healthy Meals Inc (816) 587-6325 healthymealsinc.com

We Do Windows (913) 631-2323 wedowindowskc.net

Reflections Body Solutions Body Contouring and Medical Spa (913) 322-3433 reflectionsbodysolutions.com

Medical Clinics & Facilities

Your Nutrition Kitchen (913) 777-5007 ynkmeals.com

Home Builders & Remodelers

Absolute Granite Tops LLC (913) 375-7702 absolutegranitekc.com

Home Communities Cottonwood Canyon (913) 492-4444 cottonwoodcanyon.info

56 Johnson County Lifestyle | February 2014

Aesthetic Surgical Arts/ Mia Bella Donna Med Spa (913) 851-7447, (913) 827-9898 aestheticsurgicalarts-kc.com, miabelladonnamedspa.com Aesthetistry Med Spa (913) 491-9777 aesthetistrymedspa.com After Hours Pediatrics (913) 825-4700 after-hourspediatrics.com Children's Mercy South (913) 696-8000 childrensmercy.org

Real Estate

Better Homes & Gardens Real Estate Kansas City Homes (913) 345-8877 goldsteinteam.com Home Rental Services (913) 469-6633 home4rent.com RE/MAX Heartland 360 Partners (816) 665-4228 lotawanalakehomes.com The Communities at River Ridge (816) 898-5477 riverridgeks.com The Kim Yuille Team (913) 558-9533 kimskeytokc.com West USA - Sharon Sigman (913) 381-6794 homesinkansascity.com

Restaurants, Food & Beverage

North Italia (913) 232-5191 northitaliarestaurant.com The Tasteful Olive (913) 649-7900 thetastefulolive.com

Salons & Spas

Le Cachet Lounge, LLC (913) 244-5771 lecachetlounge.com

Senior Living & Services Park Meadows Memory Care (913) 712-9186 parkmeadowsseniorliving.com

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* Manufacturer’s mail-in rebate offer valid for purchases made 2/1/14 – 3/31/14 from participating dealers in the U.S. only. Offer excludes Nantucket™ Window Shadings, a collection of Silhouette® Window Shadings. Rebate will be issued in the form of a prepaid reward card and mailed within 6 weeks of rebate claim receipt. Funds do not expire. Subject to applicable law, a $2.00 monthly fee will be assessed against card balance 7 months after card issuance and each month thereafter.

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DONNA TILDEN, MBA, CHFC Financial Advisor • Personal & Business Financial Planning • Retirement Planning • Mutual Funds

• Education Funding • Insurance Planning • Estate Planning

Insurance products are offered through insurance companies with which Waddell & Reed has sales arrangements.

4000 W. 114th St., Suite 310 Leawood, KS 66211 913-491-9202 www.donnatilden.wrfa.com Waddell & Reed, Inc.

Member SIPC

19436 (01/14)

February 2014 | Johnson County Lifestyle 57

Parting Thoughts

You Say Potato, I Say Love at First Bite Words Denise Snodell

O

ne day, when you least expect it, you might walk into a fine dining establishment and fall in love. It happened to me.

There I was, expecting a nice meal, good company and nothing more. The usual suspects were present: Favorite people and all the trappings of a place where you don’t have to struggle with greasy fingers and a ketchup packet. After a dainty glass of wine and some conversation, I found before me a plate of artfully arranged tenderloin medallions, sprigs of pencil-thin asparagus and what looked like ordinary scalloped potatoes. I took one nonchalant taste of the latter dish, and KAPOW, there was no turning back.

People. These were no ordinary scalloped potatoes.

Let me say here and now, I can’t believe I’m devoting an entire column to a potato experience. I don’t consider myself a foodie, especially when family life gets busy. Sometimes, as the dinner hour approaches, my expletive rolodex spins out of control. I say to myself, “Blankety blank. Why does everybody in this house get hungry every single evening? I just fed them yesterday.”

Most of the time, I’m all about short cuts and freezer diving: “Hey guys, what’ll it be? Stouffer’s tartare, or Mrs. Paul’s au poivre?”

But then one day, out of nowhere, I find myself swooning over spuds. Unbelievable.

Despite it all, even a Zagat rube like me can tell the difference between extruded taters mixed with cream of chicken soup and recently unearthed Yukon Gold baked to a subtle al dente perfection in…what? What exactly were the magical ingredients?

I had to know. I just had to know the chef’s secret. All conversations swirling around me turned to background noise. I took more 58 Johnson County Lifestyle | February 2014

bites. The dish was heavenly. I knew if I could confirm the cheeses involved, my cooking repertoire would take a new direction. Was that Swiss I tasted? Probably. But I knew there was more, much more than one cheese.

It was time to break a rule and go full-out CSI. Love can do that to a person. My husband has always had a thing for potatoes, and suddenly, apparently, I did too. I had to make this dish at home.

They say a way to a man’s heart is through his stomach. In this case, cholesterol would clearly be en route to my guy’s ticker as well, but still.

I flagged down the waiter and whispered, “Would you mind asking the chef what cheeses he used in the scalloped potatoes?”

There might have been a flinch in the waiter’s face, but I didn’t care. My oven back home was already pre-heating in my mind. I was going to make this dish.

The waiter kindly, discretely reported back to me, “Swiss and parmesan.” Then, he took off like a thief in the night. I suppose at this point you’d like a special scalloped potato recipe. You are, after all, holding a lifestyle magazine in your hands and patiently tolerating this odd tale of passion. Here it is: Simply Google “scalloped potato/Swiss/parmesan.” That’s it. If you can momentarily block out your cardiologist’s face, you’ll find some nice choices. I picked one that also included heavy cream and garlic.

Worked like a charm.

Funny. I’ve always known the French call potatoes “pommes de terre,” which translates to “apples of the earth.” But now I understand why.

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n | Since 1875.