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LIFESTYLE LETTER
Welcome to our Thankful issue! This month’s issue is very near and dear to my heart. It was November 2020, despite the pandemic, when I launched my first City Lifestyle magazine in another community where I had lived for over 40 years. I was a native. Who knew that in less than two years I would sell that publication and become a newcomer in Kansas City? In hindsight, I realize that my transition from a native to a newcomer was quite smooth and I am so thankful. Ironically, I can credit this very publication for making me feel so connected and so at home but it's the people who help make our monthly magazine possible that I want to thank!
I’ll start with our editor. Angela has been our editor since 2016, and she knows the community so well. Everyone who meets Angela, loves her. She manages a fabulous team of writers and photographers who collectively shine a light on the local people, places and things that make our community so special. I also want to thank one photographer in particular, Janie Jones. Her extraordinary work is consistently selected for our beautiful cover but that is not all. Janie agreed to help create even more content for our readers on social media. Be sure to follow us @LeawoodCityLifestyle on either Facebook or Instagram so you can get extra community content beyond what you see in print.
There is a growing number of staff at the home office of City Lifestyle who I’d also like to thank. Leawood City Lifestyle is the first of over 200 publications nationwide and growing so I am just one of many publishers/owners who can rely on this amazing team who manages the printing, distribution, design, layout, and much more for all publishers nationwide. I would be remiss if I didn’t thank them.
Above all, I would like to thank all the local businesses you see advertising in our publication. Thanks to them, Leawood City Lifestyle is possible and is mailed for free. It is my pleasure to serve and promote these exceptional community partners. Whenever possible, I do business with these fine companies and encourage you to do the same!
We like to say, whether you're a native or new to the area, our publication can become your community hub. Leawood City Lifestyle has done this for me personally, and I’ve never been more thankful that we get to share all the positive aspects of living in our community.
November 2024
PUBLISHER
Cristine Lindholm cristine.lindholm@citylifestyle.com
EDITOR
Angela Broockerd angela.broockerd@citylifestyle.com
CONTRIBUTING WRITERS
Angela Broockerd, Allison Swan, Judy Goppert, Jenny Vergara
CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS
Janie Jones, Bonnie Mitchell
CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER Steven Schowengerdt
CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER Matthew Perry
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF HR Janeane Thompson
AD DESIGNER Josh Govero
LAYOUT DESIGNER Jamie Housh
1—7: Taste of Leawood is an exclusive evening where tasty delights from the finest restaurants in the area flow endlessly! From savory bites to sweet treats, guests embark on a culinary journey like no other. Save the Date for next year’s event at Park Place on September 13, 2025
At Prevail, we are passionate about making a difference in our community. Giving back is in our DNA, and we’re incredibly proud to have hosted our 4th Annual Prevail Together Charity Golf Tournament in support of Rex and Jennifer Hudler’s Team Up for Down Syndrome organization. Over the past four years, Prevail, alongside our clients and partners, has raised over $750,000 for this amazing cause. A heartfelt thanks to everyone who has supported this initiative, both this year and in the past! 8: Steven Schowengerdt, Kerry Lawing, Wade Kotarba, Scott Gulledge 9: Jim Krezek, Andrew Stafford, Joe Ismert, Jason Andrews 10: Jeff Ingram, Jed West, Tom Stewart, Craig Gordon 11: Angelica Foxx, Belinda Counts, Meghan Dietz, Cade Hudler, Amy Stafford, Annie Brooks, Erin O’Dell, Patty Krezek, Lori McConnell 12: Ryan Yarlagadda, Brad Lawing, Andy Wiltz, Scott DeNeve 13: Prevail raised over $200,000 for Team up. 14: Andew Stafford and Wade Kortarba
A purpose-driven morning began with an enlightening panel of Hawthorne and KC business owners, followed by unique activations, delicious brunch, exclusive discounts at Hawthorne retailers and more! Proceeds benefited Big Brothers Big Sisters of KC.
Scan to read more
At Newhouse, our vision is to shatter the barriers that feed the cycle of abuse for all people to live a life free of domestic violence. We had a historic evening of entertainment and inspiration, as guests raised essential funding to continue our mission. Saturday, November 9, 2024 | Loews Hotel | 6 to 9:30 p.m.
Johnson County Community College Fashion Merchandising and Design department collaborated with JCCC Foundation and the Johnson County Museum for a fundraising event and VIP experience for a special exhibit – Free to Be… a 1960’s Fashion Revolution. The exhibit was curated with pieces from the JCCC Historical Fashion Collection, which is not available for public access. 100% of ticket prices and raffle earnings will support ongoing preservation and accessibility of the Historical Fashion Collection at JCCC. The exhibit will run through January 11th.
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ARTICLE BY ANGELA BROOCKERD I PHOTOGRAPHY BY JANIE JONES
Fall is synonymous with gathering with friends and family and enjoying time together. Whether it is for Thanksgiving, a football watch party or a simple fall gathering, these easy appetizer dips are the perfect shareable snack.
The perfect cheesy fall dip that is both savory and sweet. The chopped pecans add a subtle crunch that makes this irresistible.
ingredients:
• 8 ounce brie wheel
• 1/3 cup fig spread or jam
• ¼ cup pecans
• 2 teaspoons honey
• 1 teaspoon fresh rosemary, chopped
• 1 teaspoon fresh parsley
directions: Place brie in a baking dish. Spread the fig spread on top of brie and sprinkle with chopped pecans. Drizzle with honey. Add fresh herbs, and bake at 350 degrees for 20 minutes. Serve with pita chips or crackers.
This crowd-pleaser can be made in advance for easy entertaining.
hummus ingredients:
• 2 cans of garbanzo beans (chickpeas), drained
• Juice from one lemon (or ¼ cup)
• 1/3 cup water
• 1 garlic clove, minced
• ½ teaspoon cumin
• ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ¼ teaspoon pepper
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
toppings:
• Olives
• Cherry tomatoes
• Chickpeas
• Feta cheese
• Red onion
• Fresh Parsley
directions:
In a blender, add all of the ingredients except the olive oil and the toppings. Blend until smooth. Spread Hummus onto a plate or platter and top with chopped toppings. Serve with fresh bell peppers, zucchini, crackers and pita bread.
ingredients:
• 8 ounces softened cream cheese
• 1 can pumpkin puree
• ¾ cup brown sugar
• 1 cup heavy whipping cream
• 1 tablespoon pumpkin pie spice
directions: Place cream cheese in a microwave safe bowl, and soften for 30 seconds. Add brown sugar and blend with a hand mixer until smooth. Add in pumpkin and blend until combined. Mix in heavy whipping cream and mix on high for 2 minutes. Next, stir in pumpkin pie spice. Serve with sliced apples, pretzels, graham crackers or vanilla wafers.
Nothing screams fall quite like the flavor of pumpkin. This lightly sweet dip takes just a few minutes to make and is perfect for any fall get-together.
This savory dip is quick and easy to assemble and is perfect to serve with fresh veggies or crackers of any kind.
ingredients:
• ½ cup plain Greek yogurt
• 1 whole garlic bulb, roasted
• 1 ¼ cup feta cheese
• 3 teaspoons olive oil
• 1 Tablespoon lemon juice
• ½ teaspoon dill
• 1 teaspoon parsley
• Salt and pepper to taste
directions:
First, cut the head off of the top of the garlic bulb, and drizzle olive oil on top. Wrap in foil, and place it in an oven heated to 425 degrees. Roast for 30 minutes or until soft. Squeeze roasted garlic into a bowl, and set aside. Next, add the yogurt, feta, lemon juice, salt, pepper and water in a blender and lightly blend. Add the roasted garlic and blend until smooth. Transfer to a serving dish and sprinkle with fresh herbs. Serve with crackers or fresh vegetables. Enjoy!
STUDENTS ARE GRATEFUL FOR THE BLUE VALLEY CAPS EXPERIENCE
As the first Center for Advanced Professional Studies (CAPS) program, Blue Valley School Districts’ CAPS is going strong in its 15th year, and for good reason. This program benefits the community by providing opportunities for students, parents, professionals, and businesses. CAPS offers a real-world, immersive learning environment that prepares students for future jobs through engagement with local businesses, industry professionals, and hands-on experience, and those who experience the program are thankful for the opportunity.
According to Dana Farrington, Business Development Specialist for Blue Valley CAPS, the real-world learning from professionals is what makes this program so effective. “At CAPS, education extends beyond textbooks. Students work on real-world projects and solve actual industry challenges. This hands-on, project-based learning means students aren’t just learning concepts; they’re using the same tools and technologies that professionals use. Whether it’s designing a prototype in an engineering lab, conducting bioscience research, or shadowing healthcare professionals, CAPS students gain meaningful experience that prepares them for real-world demands.”
She continued, “CAPS’ partnerships with local businesses and industry experts provide students with invaluable mentorship. These professionals offer insights into industry standards, career pathways, and the specific skills students need to succeed.”
Over the years, the program has prioritized high-demand career paths, offering courses in bioscience, engineering, healthcare, business, and education— fields with growing demand locally and nationally. By aligning student learning with workforce needs, CAPS ensures that participants are not only prepared for college but also equipped with relevant skills for today’s job market.
For kids and parents, one of the top benefits is that students can earn college credit while still in high school. This head start on higher education allows them to save time and money as they pursue degrees. The rigor of CAPS courses is aligned with college-level expectations, ensuring students are well-prepared for postsecondary studies.
But perhaps one of the most special things about this program is the community element. “Some of the business partners have remained with CAPS from
the beginning others have reached out proactively to share expertise and give back to their community. These have been companies in KC, some owned or run by CAPS students’ parents, and companies from across the country that have reached out through our CAPS Network. The industry mentors are an integral and important part of the experiences that students have at CAPS,” said Dana.
CAPS is not only a community benefit and a program that drives learning in students, but also a successful, proven model for landing students in the right jobs – which is appreciated by both the businesses and parents.
“Many businesses report that CAPS students enter internships and professional environments well-prepared. Employers appreciate the technical skills, critical thinking, and professionalism that students bring. Businesses also commend the program for providing a steady stream of young, creative minds who offer new perspectives on solving problems, helping companies stay current with emerging trends and technologies,” said Dana.
She continued, “On the other hand, parents are impressed by how well CAPS prepares students for college and careers. The learning, internships, and certifications their children receive give them a head start in the workforce and boost confidence. Parents highlight how engaged and excited their students are about learning through CAPS, as the program allows them to explore careers and make informed decisions about their future paths.
The future is bright for CAPS as it continually evolves the courses offered. “We invite any interested business partner to connect with us to find the right size of engagement. Likewise, we have open houses and preview opportunities for students and parents to connect with us to learn about CAPS and how it fits into a high school four-year plan,” said Dana.
This program is setting the bar high and driving excellence in the community. With success landing students into chosen fields—from business owner, inventor, doctor, veterinarian, filmmaker, teacher, engineer, or more—CAPS provides experiences not found anywhere else.
For more information visit: bvcaps.yourcapsnetwork.org
ARTICLE BY ALLISON SWAN
JONES
Billy Brimblecom Jr. is the CEO of Steps of Faith Foundation. Having lost his left leg to cancer in 2005, he reflects on his journey with thankfulness, often saying he wouldn’t change a thing about his experience. His trials have paved the way for him to help others facing similar challenges. With that spirit of gratitude, he has turned personal adversity into
a mission of hope and mobility for others, especially through his foundation and its star-studded annual event, Thundergong! that raises funds to provide prosthetic limbs for uninsured and underinsured amputees.
In his own struggle to obtain a prosthetic limb, he saw firsthand the immense financial challenges that amputees face. With prosthetics ranging from $10,000 to $100,000, many amputees find themselves unable to afford the devices necessary for even the most basic mobility. Recognizing this urgent need, he dedicated his life to ensuring that others would not have to endure the same struggle alone.
Steps of Faith has helped over 1,400 amputees, giving them the gift of mobility and the chance to reclaim their lives. In the past year alone, the foundation has nearly doubled the number of people it assists, a feat made possible by the support generated through their event.
Thundergong! is not your typical fundraiser. Co-hosted by his longtime friend, actor and comedian Jason Sudeikis, the event brings together music, laughter, and a powerful cause. The annual concert showcases a lineup of musicians and comedians, creating a one-of-a-kind night of entertainment. Past performers have included the Foo Fighters, Counting Crows, and Saturday Night Live’s Fred Armisen, with surprise guests that make every year unforgettable.
What began as an idea to merge Brimblecom’s passion for music with his mission to help amputees has blossomed into an event with national reach and profound impact. To date, Thundergong! has raised over $2.1 million, all of which goes directly toward providing prosthetics for those in need. With demand for these services continuing to grow, he knows that the show must go on.
“We’ve been helping almost double the amount of people we helped last year. It’s insane and has been difficult to keep up with the demand, so we’ve hired a fourth person to help us. The success of our Thundergong! events have made it possible to have the funding to help so many people each month, which is beautiful—that’s why we have to keep doing these shows so that we can keep the donations coming in to keep up with the demand.”
While Thundergong! and Steps of Faith have undoubtedly transformed the lives of many amputees, Brimblecom is also embarking on a new personal journey: public speaking. After years of being invited to share his story, he’s now
pursuing this path with intention, eager to inspire and move audiences across the country.
“I do keynote public speaking a few times a year. Folks know about my story and/or Steps of Faith and they ask if I’d speak at their event. I’ve always responded to the requests and never really pursued doing more of it. I really enjoy speaking events. The joke is that every drummer really wants to be a front man, so I guess I’m no exception! So yes, I have stories to tell and a message to share for corporate audiences that I feel will move them. I’ve been lucky to have many adventures traveling the world as a musician, lucky to survive cancer and losing a leg, and
CONTINUED >
lucky to be able to build this beautiful organization with Steps Of Faith. I’m looking forward to sharing these stories with more folks around the country.”
As we enter the season of giving, it’s worth noting that gratitude has been the guiding force in his life.
“I’m thankful first and foremost for my wife and kids. All I need is them and everything I do, it’s for them in one way or another. I also have great friends that I’m very thankful for, and music—always thankful for music and the joy and people it brings into my life.”
As Thundergong! returns on November 9th at the Uptown Theatre in Kansas City, Brimblecom invites everyone to take part in this life-changing cause. You can support Steps of Faith by donating directly through their website or by attending the event. Every dollar raised brings
an amputee closer to the gift of mobility, transforming not just their life, but their entire world.
In the spirit of gratitude, now is the perfect time to make a difference.
“The cliches about fundraising are true—every dollar really does add up. We have people that give us a big donation every quarter and we have someone in Indonesia that donates just over one dollar each month. They all are seen, felt, and make a difference. What Steps of Faith does is an essential and time-sensitive work. As an amputee myself, I can assure you that anyone who donates is truly changing someone’s life by restoring their mobility and opening up a whole world of possibilities for them.”
To donate and learn more, visit stepsoffaithfoundation.org
This season, let Kylie and Forrest, the daughter-father Operators of 135th and Ward Parkway Chick-fil-A, help you elevate your holiday table.
Whether it's a cozy family dinner or a festive gathering, Chick-fil-A catering is the perfect way to serve up everyone's favorite flavors with style.
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Optimal Health and Wellness Goes Above and Beyond the Conventional Medical Model
ARTICLE BY LINDA DITCH
PHOTOGRAPHY BY WEST ELM PHOTOGRAPHY
The difference between the Optimal Health and Wellness experience and a conventional doctor's office is evident the moment you enter. The reception area is a calm, welcoming space. The facility features soothing colors, beautiful lighting, and a cascading waterfall wall. The treatment rooms are more serene than the traditional cold, sterile space.
“We strive to build relationships with our patients to help them best address their wellness and aesthetic needs.”
Perhaps most telling is the time spent talking with the practitioner, who will take more than the typical 15-minute shuffle-through getting to know you and listening to your concerns.
The Optimal clinic staff also wants patients to feel loved and cared for when they walk through the doors. They create a family atmosphere, not only between themselves but also with their patients.
Optimal offers more than primary care services. The clinic also addresses hormonal imbalances in both women and men, weight loss, pain management, nutrition deficiencies, and med spa and aesthetics procedures--facials, peels, laser hair removal, medical grade skincare, etc.
Amanda Woodworth, MSN, FNP-C, WHNP-BC, who co-owns Optimal with Bryan Woodworth, MA-B, CRNA, answered questions about what people can expect from the clinic.
Woodworth: We have several patients who express frustration with the traditional model. They lack time with their provider, do not feel validated in their concerns, or are looking for more comprehensive care. We have the ability to balance primary care, hormone replacement, weight loss, and aesthetics to provide an integrative health approach.
Woodworth: We strive to build relationships with our patients to help them best address their wellness and aesthetic needs. We follow evidence-based guidelines but also focus on the patient holistically in terms of their lifestyle and sense of well-being.
We also offer a relaxing and upscale environment to put patients at ease during their visits compared to traditional medical offices. Our mission is to help patients feel and look their best.
Woodworth: Bio-identical hormone replacement, medical weight loss, medical grade facials, and peels, as well as aesthetic services such as neurotoxins and dermal fillers, as well as laser treatments. We also offer medical-grade skincare and a reputable, pharmaceutical-grade supplement line.
SEE YOU HAVE
Woodworth: We are in a network with almost all commercial insurance plans. This allows us to bill applicable healthcare services such as preventative visits, sick visits, and labs through insurance. We also offer competitive and transparent selfpay prices for visits, lab panels, and supplements. For aesthetic services or those not traditionally covered by insurance, we offer Cherry financing payment plans.
Woodworth: We offer primary care services such as preventative visits and screening labs. Some of our patients utilize us as their primary care provider and enjoy having a comprehensive office for all their medical needs. However, we are happy to work alongside other providers and specialists if patients wish to keep a larger care team. In these cases, we may ask patients to complete a release of records to allow us access to past medical history that may pertain to their overall health and concerns they would like us to help them manage.
Optimal Health and Wellness is located at 13334 Pawnee Lane in Leawood . To learn more, log into OHWKC.com . There, you will find a complete listing of the clinic's services and information about the providers.
This is the best way to keep an eye on your insurance rates
ARTICLE BY JUDY GOPPERT
PHOTOGRAPHY
BY BONNIE MITCHELL
Darien Lame, Farmers Insurance, understands the ups and downs and roller coaster that the insurance industry has become ever since covid hit in 2020.
“Corporations within the industry are still trying to make adjustments needed in order to be profitable again. Natural disasters such as wildfires, hurricanes, tornados, hail storms and earthquakes have all had large negative financial impacts on the industry as a whole and it has created financial instability for some of the biggest companies,” he explained, continuing,
“On top of the natural disaster issue we've seen, inflation has been another hot topic within the insurance industry that has been, and still continues to be a large burden across America. With homes and automobiles being two of the industries impacted the most, it has created a lot of internal changes for just about every insurance carrier. Carriers have been forced to re-evaluate and make continuous changes to everything from their preferred target markets (who they want to have the most competitive priced products for), to what areas of the US they do or don't want to insure autos and homes in, to how each line of business is priced within certain areas.”
We all know everything is more expensive now, including insurance! With labor and material costs going up, it has caused a large increase. The increase in values of homes and autos have had a direct impact on how much it costs to insure those assets. Cars and homes are costing more to build and replace, which means record breaking financial losses for insurance companies.
“Missouri and Kansas both rank in the top 10 in the United States for average cost of auto insurance right now. Farmers, thankfully, has been in very good financial shape since before covid, and we now find ourselves being in significantly better financial shape than the majority of our competitors,” he continued.
“This brings huge value to our clients and allows us to have rate stability not only in today’s tough market, but also allows us to continue to have competitive pricing and stable rates moving forward into the foreseeable future as well.”
Having an agent you know and trust has become more important.
“I have put more of an emphasis on client relations and household reviews internally within my office over the last several years. The value this brings to our clients is huge in the sense that they know we have their best interest at heart, regardless of if it is in a claim situation or simply having an annual policy review to make sure that coverages are all where they should be and that our clients are getting the best deal possible for them,” he stressed. “My clients appreciate the personal attention and I pride myself in offering them the best service they can get.”
Regardless of whether it’s Home, Auto or Commercial insurance, he sees prices constantly increasing, and he has noticed a lot of new clients have been bringing their business to his agency because he offers options to minimize the monstrous spikes in premiums or get them on a more competitive product.
Call Darien Lame at his office, 913-5860020, or mobile, 816-752-0662
“MY CLIENTS APPRECIATE THE PERSONAL ATTENTION AND I PRIDE MYSELF IN OFFERING THEM THE BEST SERVICE THEY CAN GET.”
Living in a city with its own regional style of barbecue, smoked meats are always on the menu in Kansas City. No one knows that better than the family that runs Fritz’s Meats & Superior Sausage in Leawood, Kansas.
Fritz and Rose Plapp first opened Kansas City’s oldest smokehouse in 1927, originally located in Midtown on 39th Street. Using old-world recipes he learned in Germany, Fritz worked hard and built a
OPERATING A FAMILY-RUN BUSINESS SMOKING MEAT FOR 97 YEARS, FRITZ’S HAS UNDOUBTEDLY EARNED ITS PLACE ON BOTH OUR LUNCH AND HOLIDAY TABLES.
loyal following of fans who appreciated his superior sausage-making skills, becoming known for making quality sausages and hot dogs with no fillers.
As the family butcher shop and smokehouse continued to grow, and they eventually moved into a larger location on State Line Road in 1969, where now the fourth generation are still running the shop using only quality cuts of meat with everything still made by hand in their USDA inspected facility.
Here you’ll find 18 different varieties of sausages from kielbasa to chorizo, plus summer sausage, jerky, smoked
hams and turkeys, brisket, ribs, chops and lunch meats all still made with Fritz's original recipes.
As the holidays approach at the end of the year, Fritz’s is busy around the clock, as customers come from all over to have them smoke their Thanksgiving turkey or holiday ham. Fritz's will custom smoke anything you bring or buy from them for only $2.00 per pound year-round.
They also happen to serve a heck of a lunch deal made from the quality meats they sell, which makes them a very popular spot for lunch. Daily lunch specials are generous and include items like half a
slab of St. Louis pork ribs, pulled pork or a barbecue beef sandwich, half of a smoked chicken and a specialty of theirs is their sausage burnt ends smothered in barbecue sauce. Other lunch time offerings include grilled sausages, bratwurst and hot dogs, along with and classic deli sandwiches with many items priced less than $6.
Their most popular sandwich is the Bette Rogers, and it is a mouthful. It comes piled high with their smoked brisket, ham and bacon topped with marinated artichokes, roasted red peppers, mayonnaise and spicy mustard served on a soft Roma roll. Think an Italian barbecue sandwich.
For those looking for something a bit simpler, but no less meaty, there is the Fritz’s Special which comes with beef, turkey, ham, cheddar and Swiss cheese and can be topped with lettuce, tomato, pickles, mayonnaise or mustard.
Operating a family-run business smoking meat for 97 years, Fritz's has undoubtedly earned its place on both our lunch and holiday tables.
Fritz’s Meats & Superior Sausage is open Monday through Friday from 8:00 am to 5:30pm and Sunday from 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Fritz’s Meats and Superior Sausage, 10326 State Line Road, Leawood, Kansas, 913-381-4618, fritzskcmeats.com
For 25 years, the Luminary Walk has continued to glow, not only as a symbol of holiday wonder but as a cherished community tradition. Over the years, nearly 300,000 guests have embraced this event, building memories that span generations.
Over the most recent decade, Luminary Walk has raised over $2.2 million to support the growth and preservation of the Overland Park Arboretum & Botanical Gardens, making it a vital piece of the community’s cultural and environmental fabric. “This year, as we
celebrate the 25th anniversary, the Luminary Walk shines brighter than ever, with new eye-catching holiday light installations adding even more wonder to the experience,” noted Brit Waye, Community Engagement Manager. “We invite everyone to join us in commemorating this milestone.”
As part of the celebration, the event offers three unique experiences to match your ideal holiday outing.
The Traditional Luminary Walk: Step into a world of festive family fun. Explore the Arboretum’s glowing
Gnome and Fairy Villages, wander through the Marder Garden by candlelight, and enjoy the Children's Garden, alive with vibrant colors. Photos with Santa, complimentary hot cider, and live musical performances fill the air with joy. Treat yourself to on-site favorites like Jack Stack Barbecue and Jack’s Kettle Corn.
Adults-Only Candlelight Stroll: Seeking a peaceful night out? The Candlelight Stroll is an intimate option for those who want to enjoy the magic of the holidays without the hustle and bustle of kids-in-tow. Wander candlelit pathways, admire the dazzling lights, and enjoy live performances and enchanting gnome houses—all without children. Wine and hot adult beverages will be available for purchase to keep you warm as you stroll through the woods.
For a serene, low-sensory experience, Electric Glow is ideal. With limited attendance, this weeknight version focuses solely on the electric lights, allowing guests to fully appreciate the beauty of the illuminated gardens and the intricate details of the gnome and fairy houses. It’s a quiet way to take in the magic without the crowds.
The 25th anniversary Luminary Walk runs on select nights from November 25 to December 30. Get your tickets at opabg.org
Fall essential oil combinations provide a warm and cozy scent while also protecting from sickness prevalent in the colder season. Follow these oil combinations to create your own seasonal scent.
DIRECTIONS :
Combine the following essential oils with a base oil (coconut oil).
INGREDIENTS:
• Cinnamon: Antibacterial; Antiviral
• Clove: Antibacterial; Antiseptic
• Lemon: Uplifts; Kills Bacteria Reduces Inflammation
• Oregano: Antimicrobial; Antioxidant
• Eucalyptus: Decongestant; Provides Healing
HOW TO USE:
Apply to wrists or feet. Do not use it on your face.
DIRECTIONS:
Combine the following essential oils.
INGREDIENTS:
• Orange: Reduces Stress; Antimicrobial
• Eucalyptus: Decongestant; Provides Healing
• Cinnamon: Antibacterial; Antiviral
• Black Pepper: Supports the Nervous System
• Clove: Antibacterial; Antiviral
• Rosemary: Reduces Stress; Helps with Respiratory Fatigue
HOW TO USE:
Fill the diffuser with water and apply the desired amount of drops.
ARTICLE BY CELENA CISCO
SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 23 (ALL DAY)
Begin your holiday shopping and family traditions with all the sights, sounds & beauty Park Place brings!
11AM : Arrival of Santa (& The Grinch - The Ice) 11AM - 4PM : Photos with Santa 11AM - 3PM : Skate with The Grinch 2PM - 4PM : Strolling Dickens Carolers
SATURDAY NOVEMBER 30 (ALL DAY)
Enjoy in-store specials, festive tastings, and holiday cheer! Sip and shop small while strolling with Santa, The Grinch , and Dickens Carolers!
11AM : Shops open and ice skating begins 11AM - 6PM : Photos with Santa 11AM - 3PM : Shop with The Grinch 1PM - 5PM : Strolling Dickens Carolers 1PM - 4pm : Holiday Shop & Sip
EVERY SATURDAY UNTIL CHRISTMAS (11AM - 4PM)
Take photos with Santa and special guests as they bring joy to Park Place every Saturday until Christmas!
SUNDAY, DECEMBER 15 (8AM)
Dress festive and start the day strong with a great run/walk through Leawood, all while supporting Operation Breakthrough! Open to all big Santas and Lil’ Elves, alike. KCSantaRun.com to register!
Visit ParkPlaceLeawood.com for more details.
Park Place is located on the northeast corner of Nall Avenue & 117th St., just north of AMC 20 Theatre.
ARTICLE BY MADELINE LEBLANC
As the vibrant colors of summer slowly yield to the warm and earthy hues of autumn, there’s a distinct charm in the air at the arrival of fall. It’s a season filled with the crisp rustling of leaves, cozy sweaters, and the promise of pumpkin-spiced everything. What better way to embrace the changing seasons than by indulging in a delightful treat that captures the essence of both summer’s sweetness and fall’s rich flavors?
My recipe for “Acorn Donut Holes” combines the light, airy sweetness of summer donuts with the warm, comforting tones of fall. Grab your ingredients and let’s get started!
Ingredients:
• Donut holes
• Melting chocolates
• Fall sprinkles
• Pretzels
Instructions:
1. Pour your fall sprinkles into a small bowl for dipping. Lay wax paper down.
2. In a small microwave-safe bowl, melt the melting chocolates in the microwave, about 15-20 seconds. Carefully watch to ensure they don’t burn.
3. Dip the top of each donut hole into the melted chocolate, covering about halfway down the donut.
4. After dipping, immediately dip the chocolate-covered portion of the donut hole into the bowl of sprinkles, coating it with the fall sprinkles.
5. Insert a pretzel into the top of the “acorn” to create the acorn stem.
6. Carefully place the decorated acorn donut holes on the wax paper to let them cool and allow the chocolate to set.
7. Once the chocolate has hardened, your acorn donut holes are ready to enjoy!
These delightful treats are perfect for fall and make for a fun and tasty dessert or snack. Enjoy!
