No
Locally
Licensed
Letter from the Editor
As we navigate through our busy days, it’s easy to lose focus on what is most important in life to invest in. Whether it is family, our health, our faith, or our community, it is never wasted when we place priority on the things that matter most. Investing in family is one of the most important commitments we can make. Whether it’s spending quality time together, providing support, or creating a safe space for each other to grow, family is the founda tion of many of our happiest moments and deepest bonds. The love and trust we foster in our families are investments that provide immeasurable returns in the form of joy, support during tough times, and memories that last a lifetime. Whether it’s nurturing children, caring for parents, or simply being present for one another, the time we give to our loved ones is never wasted.
When we invest in our health, we’re not just protecting ourselves today; we’re laying the foundation for the next decade. True health is a journey, and these investments often don’t come with instant rewards, but over time, they grant us a better quality of life and the energy to do the things that matter most.
Our community is where we find connection, support, and a sense of belonging. When we invest in community, whether it’s by volunteering our time, supporting local businesses, or simply being there for one another, we are enriching the community we live in—and they often come back to us in ways we never expect.
And let’s not forget the importance of investing in ourselves. This is often the most overlooked area of all. Whether it’s learning a new skill,diving deeper into our faith, taking time for self-care, or simply allowing ourselves to rest and recharge, investing in our own growth and well-being is vital
Lastly, faith provides us with direction, hope, and purpose. Leaning on our faith can be a source of strength, especially in difficult times. It guides us through uncertainty, can provide comfort and offers a sense of belonging to something greater than ourselves. Finding a faith community that enriches our lives and connects us with others brings a sense of community outside of our physical neighborhood.
In this issue, we reflect on the importance of investments, and I hope you’ll find inspiration to nurture these areas of your life. The best investments we make are those that enrich the quality of our lives and the lives of those around us.. Here’s to investing in what truly matters—the things that bring meaning, joy, and fulfillment to our lives.
ANGELA BROOCKERD, EDITOR @JOHNSONCOUNTYCITYLIFESTYLE
April 2025
PUBLISHER
Nolan Williams | nolan.williams@citylifestyle.com
EDITOR
Angela Broockerd | angela.broockerd@citylifestyle.com
CONTRIBUTING WRITERS
Angela Broockerd, Judy Goppert, Allison Swan, Jamie Segall
CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHER
Janie Jones
Corporate Team
CEO Steven Schowengerdt
COO Matthew Perry
CRO Jamie Pentz
CTO Ajay Krishnan
VP OF OPERATIONS Janeane Thompson
VP OF SALES Andrew Leaders
AD DESIGNER Rachel Kolich
LAYOUT DESIGNER Jamie Housh
QUALITY CONTROL SPECIALIST Marina Campbell Learn
Class A Office Space in the Heart of Overland Park
Playoff Bound: The Action Continues!
The Kansas City Mavericks are headed to the 2025 Kelly Cup Playoffs this April! Don’t miss your chance to witness the excitement of playoff hockey right here in KC. Every game matters, and we need YOU to bring the energy! Grab your tickets now and let’s make this a playoff run to remember! Visit kcmavericks.com/tickets to stay up to date on the action.
Closets
ARTICLE BY ALICIA HOLECEK PHOTOGRAPHY BY JANIE JONES
By Design
Closets By Design is more than just a storage company—it’s a solution-driven business dedicated to helping customers create functional and organized spaces. At the helm is Galen Anderson, who, after spending years as a paramedic, seized the opportunity to turn his lifelong passion for woodworking into a career. Now, just over a year into ownership, he is finding his stride, blending craftsmanship with customer service to transform home spaces.
Growing up, Anderson was surrounded by the smell of sawdust and the hum of power tools. His father was a custom cabinet maker who ran his own woodworking business before transitioning to a custom kitchen cabinet company for the remainder of his career. “Working with wood and on home projects has always been something I enjoyed and a personal hobby, so it has been exciting to get to do it professionally,” Galen says.
Anderson has made it his mission to provide customized storage solutions that enhance everyday life. The company prioritizes customer service, working closely with clients to understand their needs, what they are keeping, and how they want to store their items. “They are the ones who are using the systems day in and day out, and we want them to be an integral part of the design process,” Anderson emphasizes. Closets By Design is committed to making sure solutions fit seamlessly into their customers’ lives.
Under Anderson’s leadership, the company has grown significantly, now completing an average of 50 installations per month. Despite the expansion, Closets By Design maintains a small, close-knit team of about 16 employees. “The business is young and still feels like a transitioning business, so every month is exciting to see the growth,” Anderson shares. Designers, installers, shop workers, and office personnel all play crucial roles in delivering high-quality service, and Anderson values the collaborative environment they’ve built.
Galen says he is especially proud to offer a business that is locally owned and operated and does all its manufacturing in Kansas City. He adds, “Since we are
local, it makes us quick and agile from a manufacturing aspect, plus it is nice to know that everyone who works on your project lives here in KC.”
The core of the business remains closet installations, with services extending to pantries, garages, laundry rooms, personal offices and even wall bed systems. Seasonally, spring and summer bring a boom in garage flooring and cabinetry requests. “We do a lot of slat walls in garages, the new and improved version of a peg wall. They are durable, functional and give organizational options without taking up a ton of floor space.”
For Galen Anderson and Closets By Design, organizing is about creating spaces that improve daily life. “Something happens in our brain when we have a clean, organized space,” he reflects. “It gives you a sense of dignity and makes you feel good.”
For more information and to see photo galleries of finished projects, go to kansascity.closetsbydesign.com
“SOMETHING HAPPENS IN OUR BRAIN WHEN WE HAVE A CLEAN, ORGANIZED SPACE,” HE REFLECTS. “IT GIVES YOU A SENSE OF DIGNITY AND MAKES YOU FEEL GOOD.”
CHALLENGING THE STATUS QUO
Prevail Innovative Wealth Strategies
ARTICLE BY ALLISON SWAN | PHOTOGRAPHY BY JANIE JONES
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Clients receive a fully customized plan designed specifically for their goals, risk tolerance, and financial vision.
For too long, traditional wealth management firms have followed the same outdated playbook, offering cookie-cutter investment strategies that focus more on managing wealth than creating it. At Prevail Innovative Wealth Strategies, the mission is different—founded in 2017, Prevail was built on the belief that the conventional financial system is broken and that clients deserve more than just stock market-dependent portfolios.
Over the past year, Prevail has continued to challenge the status quo, embracing innovation, expanding its team, and delivering investment opportunities that go beyond what most financial advisors offer. As they look ahead, their focus remains on empowering clients, providing smarter investment strategies, and keeping financial control with the individual.
Growth has been the theme, and 2024 was their biggest year yet. The firm welcomed 13 new advisors and team members, bringing fresh perspectives and diverse knowledge to better serve clients.
One of the most exciting milestones of the past year was the success of Prevail’s real estate investment division, which surpassed $400 million in private real estate investments. Unlike traditional stock market investments, these opportunities allow clients to diversify their portfolios with non-market-correlated assets, reducing their exposure to market volatility and providing stability even during economic uncertainty.
Another area of major success has been corporate retirement benefits. In 2024, Prevail began managing the retirement plans of some of Kansas City’s longest-standing businesses, bringing wealth management directly to employees who may have never had access to an advisor. By doing so, Prevail is bridging the gap between financial planning and everyday workers, ensuring more people have the opportunity to build lasting wealth.
At its core, Prevail believes the traditional financial system needs a shake-up. Most wealth managers
rely heavily on market-driven investments, but that approach often leaves clients vulnerable to economic downturns. Prevail takes a different path, incorporating strategies that go beyond the public markets.
By integrating private real estate, alternative investments, and tax-efficient wealth-building strategies, Prevail helps clients create passive income, reduce risk, and build financial independence. This philosophy challenges the notion that wealth creation is only for the ultra-wealthy. Instead, Prevail makes sophisticated investment strategies available to those who want to take control of their financial future.
One of the most ambitious projects in Prevail’s history is set to launch this year in 2025. In keeping with Prevail’s philosophy of creating a diversified investment approach, non-correlated assets and the ability for clients to create wealth in sectors outside of the public markets will be in focus.
Prevail believes that wealth should be used as a force for good, and their commitment to giving back is reflected in their ongoing philanthropic efforts.
In 2024, Prevail’s charitable event with Team Up for Down Syndrome raised $150,000, bringing their total contributions to over $600,000. These funds directly support programs that provide housing, education, and job training for individuals with Down syndrome and other unique abilities.
Most firms offer a one-size-fits-all approach, providing clients with a single advisor and a standard portfolio mix. Instead of a single advisor, clients work with a team, their financial board of directors, to bring together credentialed Advisors in investing, tax strategy, estate planning, and business consulting. Clients receive a fully customized plan designed specifically for their goals, risk tolerance, and financial vision.
As Prevail moves into the new year, the firm is more committed than ever to helping clients take back control of their financial futures. Prevail is located at 4745 West 136th Street in Leawood. For more information, visit prevailiws.com.
Enjoy Pure Food + Drink
Serving Clean Eating in Lenexa
In a fast-paced world where convenience often trumps quality, Enjoy Pure Food + Drink stands as a refreshing alternative. Founded by Staci Cross, this health-conscious eatery has been serving fresh, organic, and nutrient-dense meals since 2015. After nearly a decade of success in Leawood, Enjoy Pure Food + Drink expanded to Lenexa, bringing its commitment to clean eating to a new community.
Before diving into the restaurant world, Staci spent years in television advertising and later launched her own business in the same industry that required travel to forty cities across the US. Despite her demanding schedule, she remained committed to a healthy lifestyle. However, she found it difficult to locate nutritious, on-the-go food options during her travels.
"I realized that how we fuel our bodies and minds is one of the most important actions we can take to stay at the top of our game," Cross explains. "I started envisioning 'my perfect
place', a restaurant that offered convenience, variety, and healthy ingredients, all in one spot." That vision led her to create Enjoy Pure Food + Drink. The concept was simple: provide a space where people could easily access nourishing meals without compromising on taste or quality.
The decision to open a second location wasn’t taken lightly. Cross and her team scouted more than ten sites before choosing Lenexa’s bustling City Center. "The incredible growth of Lenexa City Center, with its mix of commercial, residential, and hotels, made it a natural choice for us," she says. "We also saw a real need for healthier food options on the west side of town." Now, Enjoy Pure Food + Drink is serving up wholesome goodness to a new community eager for fresh, flavorful, and clean eating options.
PHOTOGRAPHY BY JANIE JONES
Enjoy Pure Food + Drink’s menu caters to a variety of dietary preferences, ensuring that every guest finds something to love. The most popular item? The "Take on the World" warm bowl. "It’s a superfood bowl with a ginger-miso dressing that’s so delicious!" Cross shares. Other fan favorites include the "Ahi Poke" bowl, the "Spicy Rooster" chicken sandwich, the "Bountiful" salad, and the "Clean Livin’" acai smoothie bowl. With an extensive menu featuring warm bowls, sandwiches, salads, appetizers, smoothies, and organic cold-pressed juices, Enjoy Pure Food + Drink truly offers something for everyone.
Cross’s dedication to health goes far beyond the menu. Every ingredient that enters her kitchen is carefully selected to meet strict purity standards. "As our name suggests, we believe in 'pure' food," she says. "That means real ingredients, mostly organic, and sourced from suppliers we trust. We’re very particular—no grain flours, white sugar, dairy, or seed oils in our recipes." This meticulous attention to quality ensures that every meal is as nourishing as it is delicious.
For Cross, the motivation to maintain high standards comes from her customers. "We have so many grateful customers who go out of their way to tell us how thankful they are that we exist!" she shares. "That keeps us inspired to stay at the top of our game with the consistency and quality of our food, and our kind-hearted service."
The restaurant also keeps things fresh by introducing two major menu changes each year—one in the spring and another in the fall. Last year’s additions included the popular "Pura Vida" bowl, featuring tofu for the first time.
Beyond the day-to-day dining experience, Enjoy Pure Food + Drink also offers a robust catering menu, making it easy for businesses and individuals to serve clean, delicious meals at meetings and events. "We’re excited about catering to Lenexa businesses this year!" Cross says. "Customers can easily order online or give us a call if they need assistance."
For those looking to nourish their body with wholesome, flavorful meals, Enjoy Pure Food + Drink is a must-visit. The Lenexa location is situated at 8729 Scarborough Street and is open Monday through Saturday.
Whether you’re craving a nourishing meal, a refreshing juice, or simply a space that aligns with your wellness goals, Enjoy Pure Food + Drink delivers. With its unwavering commitment to clean ingredients and community-focused mission, it’s more than just a restaurant—it’s a movement toward better living, one delicious bite at a time.
ARTICLE BY LAUREN POWERS
BY
JANIE JONES
FRENCH BY DESIGN
Bringing Timeless Antiques to Kansas City
PHOTOGRAPHY
In the heart of Kansas City’s antique scene, French by Design is a treasure trove of authentic French antiques, hand-selected and brought across seas by a team with a deep passion for history and design. The business, founded in 1999, has grown from a single booth in Mission Road Antique Mall to a well-established name in both Kansas City and Texas, with a loyal following of collectors, designers, and homeowners looking for unique, high-quality pieces.
The story of French by Design begins in 1998, when one of the owners was living in France, collecting antiques for personal enjoyment. A visit from her sister sparked an idea—why not share these treasures with others? Upon returning to the U.S., the sister took the leap, securing a booth in Mission Road Antique Mall in 1999. Since then, the business has evolved significantly, expanding to Texas in 2008 and participating in monthly shows in Kansas City’s West Bottoms from 2009 to 2018.
Unlike many antique dealers who rely on third-party suppliers, French by Design takes a hands-on approach, traveling to France three to four times a year to personally curate their collection. They work closely with trusted dealers they have built relationships with over the years, ensuring that every piece they acquire meets their high standards for authenticity and quality.
Between trips, they continue sourcing through their trusted network, guaranteeing a steady influx of rare and unique finds. Each container shipped back is filled with a diverse mix of items, from opulent gilded mirrors and mid-century modern furniture to rustic French provincial pieces and religious artifacts.
What truly sets French by Design apart is its comprehensive approach to antiques. “We don’t feature just one look or style,” they explain. “We sell very elegant French pieces with lots of gilt and mirror, but also great mid-century French and Italian design, French provincial and country items, religious artifacts, and more.”
Beyond furniture, their collection includes an array of carefully curated accessories such as kitchenware, books, mirrors, lighting, art, garden pieces, opaline glass, barware, and more. Their goal is to offer a complete package, allowing customers to not only find a beautiful cabinet but also everything to fill it with.
Every piece chosen by French by Design reflects the team’s taste and aesthetic. “We buy items that we would use in our own homes,” they share. “We love everything we sell, but we’d need several homes to keep it all!”
Their keen eye for design extends beyond individual pieces to entire vignettes. They create fully realized displays that help
customers visualize how the antiques can be incorporated into their homes. Whether it’s an entire dining set, a bookshelf styled to perfection, or a soldier-themed display, French by Design makes it easy for buyers to see their pieces in a lived-in setting.
Ensuring authenticity is a top priority for the team. “In France, it is illegal to misrepresent the age or authenticity of an item,” they note. Thanks to their long-standing relationships with reputable dealers and the expertise gained from years of living in France, they confidently stand behind the provenance of every item they sell.
While most pieces are sold in original condition, some require careful restoration. The team works with a trusted carpenter for refurbishments, occasionally stripping wood pieces to their raw form or refinishing them to enhance their beauty while preserving their history.
One of the most fascinating aspects of antique furniture is its timelessness. “We have never really struggled with integrating antiques into modern homes,” they explain. “So many of these items adapt beautifully to contemporary spaces.”
Among their most recent unique finds are a pair of black cabinets from the late 1600s or early 1700s, astonishingly modern in appearance despite their age. Other standout pieces include grand gilded frames likely from Italian churches or castles and a stunning 14-foot-wide tapestry that should belong in a museum.
Antique trends come and go, and French by Design has its finger on the pulse. Currently, tapestries are highly sought after, along with opaline glass, which has gained popularity in recent years after decades of being an underappreciated gem.
Other in-demand items include bar carts and nesting tables from the 1940s and 50s, vintage leather sofas and club chairs from the 1930s to the 1970s, and restored copper kitchenware sourced from French chateaus.
French by Design caters to a broad audience. Their clientele includes dedicated collectors, interior designers sourcing for high-end projects, and homeowners seeking to infuse character and charm into their spaces. Whether customers are hunting for a statement piece or simply looking for vintage kitchen accessories, French by Design offers something for everyone.
For those eager to explore French by Design’s latest finds, upcoming events provide the perfect opportunity. Their next major showcase will be at Blue Hills in Round Top, Texas, from March 22 to April 5. Afterward, any remaining inventory will be brought back to their Kansas City warehouse in the West Bottoms.
Their Texas operations have grown significantly over the years. They make several trips annually, bringing in fresh inventory and hosting shows in the fall, winter, and spring. While their Kansas City warehouse is not a traditional showroom, they accommodate regular customers by appointment and even offer virtual consultations for those unable to visit in person.
What began as a personal passion has transformed into a thriving business, one that continues to evolve while staying true to its roots. With a keen eye for quality, a deep appreciation for history, and a commitment to offering customers a truly immersive experience, French by Design remains a standout destination for French antique lovers near and far. Whether you’re a seasoned collector or a first-time buyer, stepping into the world of French by Design is like stepping into a story—one that has been carefully preserved and lovingly curated just for you. Find them on Instagram: @fbdantiques
GET YOUR BODY FIT!
New fitness studio increases your health and wellness
ARTICLE BY JUDY GOPPERT
PHOTOGRAPHY BY JANIE JONES
In May of 2024, Wendy and Stephen Summerlin opened a refreshing concept for fitness. Theirs is the first Body Fit Training in Kansas City, located in the vibrant Prairiefire shopping and restaurant area at 6285 W. 135th St. in Overland Park.
“Bringing a business that focuses on providing the opportunity to help others with their health and wellness to our community, where we have lived for 25 years and raised our family, was also appealing to us.”
“After 40 years in the corporate world for Stephen, and me having the privilege of being a stay-at-home Mom for 24 years, we became empty nesters and welcomed a new routine for this phase of life,” Wendy explained. “We considered building something of our own together and researched various franchise brands with different business models. Body Fit Training stayed at the number one spot in our search from the beginning for various reasons. Under the
parent company, XPonential Fitness, a leading global franchisor of boutique fitness and wellness, we had the opportunity to be the first to bring the concept to our area. And bringing a business that focuses on providing the opportunity to help others with their health and wellness to our community, where we have lived for 25 years and raised our family, was also appealing to us. We began our search for real estate in April 2023 and are very happy to have landed here.”
What sets Body Fit Training Overland Park apart is their true science-based strength training programming, their people, and their technology. BFT offers the same progressive programming developed for professional athletes to people of all fitness levels. Their strength and conditioning progressive programming, multiple accredited coaches in each session offering a personal training experience, innovative technology giving real time feedback, and a motivating group community environment makes BFT unique in the group strength training space.
“Our programs are developed by accredited industry professionals proven to deliver results. There are 14 different program types providing a well-rounded training program. Our 8- to 10-week science-backed and tested programming blocks are specifically designed to build strength and improve conditioning,” she continued. “And our equipment is specifically curated to maximize efficiency, strength gains, improved conditioning, and can be modified for all fitness levels. At BFT we don’t just exercise, we train with purpose.”
She explained that science and research show benefits of strength training for longevity, joint health, bone density, metabolism and maintaining a healthy weight, mental health, reducing the risk of injury as we age brain health in the aging process, and can reduce the risk of cancer, heart disease and diabetes.
BFT Overland Park offers various membership options and monthly class packs, as well as trial offers to try out different program types and experience their technology, experienced and knowledgeable trainers, and fabulous welcoming and encouraging community.
“Our programs are developed by accredited industry professionals proven to deliver results. There are 14 different program types providing a well-rounded training program.”
When asked what they enjoy most about owning their franchise, she shared, “Hands down, the people! Stephen and I train at our studio daily and have really enjoyed getting to know people in the fitness industry, connecting and collaborating with other business owners, and getting to know our members. Our staff are knowledgeable, professional, and genuinely passionate about helping others be the best version of themselves. We get feedback quite frequently that our staff are just the best! And the community our staff has built with our members at BFT, and will continue to build, is so enjoyable. Members are encouraging to one another, make new friends, and create a
positive atmosphere to be a part of. We all train hard together and have fun together too.”
Body Fit Training was founded in 2017 in Melbourne, Australia by fitness industry veteran Cameron Falloon. A fun fact is that he was Princess Diana’s personal trainer. Cam continues to be instrumental in the ongoing development of BFT programming, constantly making it different, better.
“We have members ranging in age from 20s to 70s of all fitness levels, with different fitness goals, and experiencing results,” she smiled. “We are open Monday-Saturday with morning sessions starting at 5 a.m. and evening sessions ending at 7 p.m.”
Visit bodyfittraining.com for event and class schedules.
Inquiring Chef
Start with a Vegetable
ARTICLE BY ALLISON SWAN PHOTOGRAPHY
BY
JANIE JONES
Jess Smith is the founder of the popular food blog InquiringChef.com, which she started in 2010 after moving to Thailand with her husband. She explored Thai cuisine, took cooking classes, and documented her experiences on the blog. Over time, her passion for cooking grew, leading her to focus on quick, easy meals for families. Today, Inquiring Chef receives over 5 million page views annually and supports a small team. She shares new recipes weekly through email, her blog, and social media, helping home cooks simplify mealtime without sacrificing flavor.
Smith is now an author. Her debut cookbook, Start with a Vegetable, published this year reimagines meal planning by putting vegetables at the center of the plate.
“Start with a Vegetable was the result of a natural transition in the way I started thinking about preparing dinner for my family. At the end of a busy day, I often didn't have the energy to think about dinner in parts by preparing a separate protein, vegetable, and starch,” says Smith. “I realized that if I put a vegetable at the center of the dish, the rest was easy to fill in.”
The book features 100 flexible recipes proving vegetables aren’t just a side—they’re key to simple, satisfying meals.
As chief recipe developer for the Cook Smarts meal-planning app, Smith worked closely with families struggling to get dinner on the table. She noticed a common challenge: people wanted to eat more vegetables but didn’t know how to build meals around them.
“As I started planning and testing recipes for the book, I just loved how easy it made dinnertime feel. Are there carrots in the fridge? Here are a bunch of ways to turn them into dinner. Nearly all of the 100 recipes are complete meals and include easy swaps to make them vegetarian. The book is truly flexitarian, with vegetable-forward recipes for all types of eaters.”
Unlike most cookbooks, Start with a Vegetable is organized by ingredient. Each chapter focuses on a different vegetable, offering multiple ways to turn it into a meal.
“The concept is resonating with many readers who tell me they love that the chapters are organized by vegetable, making it easy to use whatever they have on hand.”
Smith went through a rigorous testing process, starting with over 300 ideas before narrowing them down to 100.
“I always have running lists of recipe ideas. I started sorting recipes into categories, making sure there was variety for each vegetable. I wanted different cooking methods and types of dishes, so each chapter might have a soup, a salad, a roasted dish, a stove-top dish, and a sandwich or pasta.”
After perfecting the recipes in her own kitchen, she passed them to a trusted friend, an everyday home cook, to ensure they worked under real-world conditions.
“I want to know how these recipes worked for a home cook who was shopping at regular grocery stores and trying to make dinner for a family on a weeknight. She sends me feedback on any ingredients that are hard to find, anything that is unclear in the recipe, and tracks how long it takes her to make it with real-life interruptions.”
To further refine the book, Smith enlisted 30 volunteer home cooks through Instagram and her email list to test the recipes.
“My goal was to ensure that the recipes in this book are reliable, easy, and adaptable. I wanted this to be a cookbook for real home cooks. I'm so grateful to that team of volunteers for helping to ensure that it is.”
Building on her passion for teaching home cooks, Smith extended her expertise beyond the blog and cookbook by launching Inquiring Chef Academy. In 2024, she introduced this in-person cooking school for Kansas City children ages 5 to 13. The week-long summer camp is returning this year in Brookside in June, July, and August.
“We still have a few spaces left—details can be found on the ‘Camp’ tab of my website.”
To order a copy of the cookbook or register for cooking school, visit inquiringchef.com
CITRUS, CARROT, AND CHICKPEA COUSCOUS
PHOTOGRAPHY
BY
JANIE JONES
By Inquiring Chef
Sweet carrots and tart cranberries complement each other in every bite of this tangy couscous. It makes a light meal on its own but becomes a showstopper when spread on a platter and topped with braised meat, roasted cauliflower steaks, or seared tofu. If you want to add a little creaminess, serve the couscous with a spoonful of plain yogurt.
ingredients:
• 1 pound carrots
• one 15½-ounce can chickpeas
• 3 tablespoons olive oil
• 1½ teaspoons ground cumin
• ½ teaspoon ground ginger
• ½ teaspoon dried thyme
• ¾ teaspoon kosher salt, plus more for boiling
• ½ cup orange juice
• 1 cup water
• 1 cup dry regular or whole wheat couscous
• ⅓ cup sliced almonds
• 1 lemon
• ½ cup dried cranberries
• chopped fresh parsley for garnish
directions:
Step 1. Preheat the oven to 425°F
Step 2. Peel the carrots and slice them diagonally into 1-inch ovals. Drain and rinse the chickpeas
Step 3. In a large mixing bowl, combine the carrots and chickpeas with 1 tablespoon of the olive oil, cumin, ginger, dried thyme, and ½ teaspoon of the salt, coating evenly.
Step 4. Line a rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper. Spread the seasoned veggies and chickpeas on it in an even layer.
Step 5. Bake until the carrots become tender, 25 to 30 minutes. Stir halfway through cooking.
Step 6. Meanwhile, in a medium saucepan over high heat, combine the orange juice, water, and ½ teaspoon of salt. When the mixture begins to boil, remove it from the heat, stir in the couscous, cover, and let stand for 5 minutes.
Step 7. When the carrots become tender, sprinkle the almonds on them and continue baking until the almonds lightly toast, 4 to 5 more minutes.
Step 8. Juice the lemon for 1 tablespoon fresh juice.
Step 9. In the same mixing bowl used to season the veggies, whisk together the lemon juice, 2 tablespoons of olive oil, and the cranberries.
Step 10. Fluff the couscous with a fork and add it to the carrots, chickpeas, and almonds. Stir well to combine.
Step 11. Serve warm or refrigerate for 30 minutes and serve chilled. Just before serving, stir in the parsley.
Enjoy!
INVEST IN
ARTICLE BY ANGELA BROOCKERD
PHOTOGRAPHY BY
JANIE JONES
YOUR GREENS
Boost your health by adding a generous serving of fresh greens to your daily diet. While both cooked and raw vegetables offer health benefits, consuming them raw often provides the most nutrients. Raw greens are rich in fiber, antioxidants, and essential vitamins, helping to lower inflammation and reduce the risk of disease.
DANDELION GREENS:
Dandelion greens are a nutritious and easy addition to any meal, perfect for salads or cooked dishes. They are rich in vitamins A, C, K, chlorophyll, and fiber, making them a great choice for digestion and overall health. Their light flavor and texture enhance salads and sandwiches.
BROCCOLI:
Broccoli is often hailed as a nutritional powerhouse, packed with a variety of vitamins and minerals that support overall health. Known for being high in vitamins A, C, and K, it also contains important minerals like potassium, iron, and calcium. In addition, it’s a rich source of beta-carotene, flavonoids, and fiber. Whether raw or cooked, broccoli is an excellent choice for immune system support, making it one of the most nutrient-dense vegetables available.
BRUSSELS SPROUTS:
Brussels sprouts are a highly nutritious cruciferous vegetable, known for their vitamin C, K, and folate content, as well as carotenoids and fiber. These vegetables can be shaved, sliced, sautéed, boiled, or grilled, offering a range of flavors from mild to bitter, depending on preparation.
KALE:
Kale is loaded with essential nutrients such as vitamins C, B6, E, K, and manganese. It contains twice as much selenium as spinach and is an excellent source of calcium. Kale’s unique properties help bind to cholesterol and lower oxalate levels, which promotes calcium absorption and makes it suitable for those prone to kidney stones. Additionally, it provides eye health benefits, thanks to lutein, and its disease-fighting properties make it a great addition to salads, smoothies, and more.
ARTICHOKES:
Artichokes are not only delicious but also packed with fiber, which aids in digestion. They are a great source of plant protein, potassium, and antioxidants like polyphenols. Artichokes also provide essential nutrients, including vitamins C, K, folate, magnesium, and B vitamins.
ASPARAGUS:
Asparagus is versatile and can be enjoyed grilled, sautéed, baked, or even raw. Packed with vitamins C, E, B, K, folate, and copper, it’s a great source of fiber. It also helps lower cholesterol and provides a variety of antioxidants that aid in healing. Asparagus is a perfect side dish that complements both light and robustly flavored meals.
SPINACH:
Spinach is a popular green known for its mild flavor and impressive nutritional profile. Rich in vitamins A, C, K, as well as magnesium, potassium, and iron, spinach is great for overall health. It also provides antioxidants that support eye health and includes calcium for stronger bones. However, because spinach has a higher oxalate content, it should be consumed in moderation by those with a history of kidney stones.
BEST INVESTMENT BOOKS TO READ
THESE INVESTMENT BOOKS CAN HELP YOU STAY UP-TO-DATE ON THE LATEST FINANCIAL TRENDS
ARTICLE
BY SUSAN LANIER-GRAHAM
PHOTOGRAPHY BY SIMON AND SCHUSTER
Investing in your future is critical yet complicated. While reaching out to qualified professionals is vital—whether you’re building your business, investing in your financial security, or planning for retirement—doing some of your own research is often helpful.
We checked out some of the top investment books that help you better understand how to invest in your future and build wealth.
1 2 3 4 5 6
ONE UP ON WALL STREET
One Up On Wall Street: How to Use What You Already Know to Make Money in the Market by Peter Lynch with John Rothchild. Peter Lynch explains average investors’ advantages over professionals and how they can use these advantages to achieve financial success.
HOW TO INVEST
How to Invest: Navigating the Brave New World of Personal Investment, part of Economist Books, by Peter Stanyer, Masood Javaid, and Stephe Satchell. A dynamic new guide to personal investment for the era of cryptocurrencies and personal trading platforms.
POWER YOUR PROFITS
Power Your Profits: How to Take Your Business from $10,000 to $10,000,000 by Susie Carder. While not a traditional book on investments, Power Your Profits helps you discover how to take your business from startup mode to the multi-million-dollar mark.
THE WEALTH DECISION
The Wealth Decision: 10 Simple Steps to Achieve Financial Freedom and Build Generational Wealth by Dominique Broadway. A roadmap for becoming a millionaire and building the foundation of generational wealth from a self-made, first-generation multimillionaire.
THE WOLF OF INVESTING
The Wolf of Investing: My Insider’s Playbook for Making a Fortune on Wall Street by Jordan Belfort. From the investment guru and author of The Wolf of Wall Street, this is a witty and clear-eyed guide for anyone who wants to play the stock market to their advantage and learn the secrets of a top Wall Street investor.
HOW TO INVEST
How to Invest: Masters on the Craft by David M. Rubenstein. This book is a master class on investing, featuring conversations with the biggest names in finance. Brought to you by the legendary cofounder of The Carlyle Group, David M. Rubenstein.
