DEC‘15 | Vol. 5 No. 8
4 PRO DESIGNERS SHARE THEIR TOP DECORATING TIPS EAT, DRINK, SHOP: EXPLORE KC’S WESTSIDE CHRISTMAS DINNER FOR LOCAL SENIOR CITIZENS
PEOPLE /
EMILY BROWN, EMILYHART BRIDAL
LIVING /
BEWARE THE “SITTING DISEASE”
STYLE /
FESTIVE FASHION
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CONTENTS DEC ‘15
AROUND TOWN 12 EAT, DRINK, SHOP: THE WESTSIDE
IN FOCUS 16
EMILYHART BRIDAL HELPS YOU SAY YES TO THE DRESS
PETS 18
SHOULD YOU GIVE A PET AS A PRESENT?
APP OF THE MONTH 19
WAKE UP TO A COMPLETE STRANGER IN YOUR EAR
FASHION 20 AGING WELL 28 SENIOR CITIZEN CHRISTMAS DAY DINNER: SPREADING THE CHEER, YEAR AFTER YEAR
HOME & GARDEN 30 4 LOCAL DESIGNERS OFFER UP THEIR HOLIDAY DECORATING TIPS
20
48
HEALTH 32 PREVENTING THE SITTING DISEASE
FINANCE 34 HOLIDAY DECORATING ON A DIME
PARENTING 36 INSIDE THE TOY BOX
OUR WORLD 38 BUYING LOCAL FOR THE HOLIDAYS
MIND & BODY 40 MEDITATING ON MINDFULNESS
IN FOCUS 42 THE POWER OF SCENT
44
40
GOOD TASTES 44 SEARED SEA SCALLOPS WITH PORK BELLY, PICKLED PEARS AND BUTTERNUT SQUASH PUREE
TRENDS 46 BUY NOW, WEAR INTO 2016
7 THINGS 48 HAPPENINGS 50
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WELCOME FROM THE EDITOR
WHAT TO EXPECT: SANTA EDITION devil-sized whirlwind about one particular subject: Santa. Where’s the parenting manual for Santa questions? Cunning, intelligent, cut-to-thechase questions like, “Mama, if Santa’s so fat, how does he fit down the chimney?”
I like parenting manuals. When I was pregnant, I memorized What to Expect When You’re Expecting. I even jumped the gun and read all 400 pages of What to Expect: The First Year before I had actually delivered my first child, Kate. And when she turned 10 months old, I devoured What to Expect: The Toddler Years just to make sure I was adequately prepared for the tantrums she would throw — sometime in the next four years. The What to Expect series was my rock. My beacon of hope that all these strange new feelings/noises/behaviors had a perfectly reasonable explanation. And for the most part, they did. But Kate, at age 4, was a remarkably curious little whippersnapper who darted through life at lightning speed and paused only to ask a zillion questions about the most insane things. And the holiday season, with its gift-procuring and all-around holiday hullabaloo, had her in a Tasmanian
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And so it went. For three weeks it was a constant barrage of impossible questions and terrible answers from me. The only bright spot was when my husband stepped in to make Kate laugh, which occasionally made her forget the original question. For instance: Kate: “Mama, why does Santa have to put presents in socks or stockings?” Me: “Um, because …” Hubby: “Because he likes STINKY FEET!” Cue Kate erupting into a fit of giggles and waving her feet in our faces. Crisis averted. Sometimes, I reverted to what we’d seen in Christmas movies to answer Kate’s questions. After all, if she’d seen it in a movie, it had to be true, right? And, finally, there was the blatant lying. Kate had fallen in love with the song, “I Want a Hippopotamus for Christmas.” It spawned more questions than you can
imagine about hippos, their behavior, their anatomy, their suitability as a pet, and finally, their ability to fit down our chimney. One day when I just could not take one more stinkin’ question about hippos, and specifically whether one could be squeezed into Kate’s stocking, I said, “Honey, Santa has a policy about delivering live animals. He just can’t do it. Some of them are too big for his sleigh, and others would just get too cold being in the North Pole. They might not be able to live.” And what do you think she replied with? Of course. Another question. “Could Santa deliver a dead hippopotamus?” Please. Somebody write me a new manual.
Lindsay Weiss
SIMPLYKCMAG.COM | 9
1299 PUBLISHER
MACH PUBLICATIONS, LLC
EDITOR
LINDSAY WEISS
MANAGING EDITOR ASHLEY PUDERBAUGH
PHOTOGRAPHY
SAMANTHA LEVI OF SAMANTHA LEVI PHOTOGRAPHY JEFF EVRARD OF SATURDAYS KC PHOTOGRAPHY
CONTRIBUTING WRITERS
LINDSAY WEISS, DEBORAH EAKIN OSBORNE, BRIDGET MASON HESS, LESLI LUNDQUIST, SAMANTHA LEVI, MELANIE KNOPKE, MARY EDWARDS, JULIE BURTON, BETHANEY WALLACE, BRENNAN HALLOCK, TINA KLUGS
ART DIRECTOR
JULIE FAERMAN, WHOO DESIGN
ADVERTISING
SUZANNE STEINER - 913.608.6305, SALES@SIMPLYKCMAG.COM
INQUIRIES
SIMPLY KC MAGAZINE 11730 W. 135TH ST., STE. 116, OVERLAND PARK, KS 66221 913.608.6305 – PHONE | 866.372.9492 – FAX CONTACT@SIMPLYKCMAG.COM / WWW.SIMPLYKCMAG.COM
LIKE US ON FACEBOOK! JOIN US ON INSTAGRAM! JOIN US ON PINTEREST!
COVER / FASHION
PHOTOS Samantha Levi of Samantha Levi Photography • MODELS Claudia Donnell (cover model) and Angie Heck from Hoffman International, 4800 W. 135th St, Ste. 230, Leawood, KS, 913.642.1060 • MAKEUP Melissa Evans • HAIR Allie Osner for Oliver’s Hair Salon, Rosana Square, 7590 W. 119th St., Overland Park, KS, 913.338.2266 • WARDROBE STYLIST & FASHION CONSULTANT Wlaa Style, wlaastyle. com, wlaastyle@gmail.com, 913.908.2707 • WARDROBE & ACCESSORIES Tulip, 606 W. 48th St., Kansas City, MO, 816.756.5404
CORRECTION November’s fashion was shot on location at Three Points Event Space, 1511 Baltimore Ave., Kansas City, MO SIMPLYkc Magazine is published monthly by Mach Publications, LLC. No portion of this publication may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, without the written permission of SIMPLYkc Magazine. All rights reserved. SIMPLYkc Magazine accepts no infringement or other responsibility for unsolicited or contributed copy, artwork, photography, or advertisements. No representation is made as to the accuracy hereof and is printed subject to omissions and errors. Opinions and statements in SIMPLYkc Magazine are contributed by authors and or advertisers and do not necessarily represent the opinions of SIMPLYkc Magazine. Photography and material in the publication as well as design may not be copied or reproduced in any form without written permission. References for copy will be made available upon written request. All rights reserved. ©2015, Mach Publications, LLC.
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AROUND TOWN
This page / Novel
EAT, DRINK, SHOP:
The Westside BY MELANIE KNOPKE
The beauty of Kansas City is the diverse neighborhoods that give our city culture and character. The Westside is currently an up-and-coming area with some of the best restaurants in town, all within a one-block radius. Whether you are looking for fine dining or just a great beer and burger, the Westside has it. Here are a few must-try spots at the intersection of 17th and Summit.
DINNER & DRINKS
NOVEL Nestled in an old home sitting on a hill is arguably one of the top restaurants in Kansas City. The inviting, warm atmosphere is perfect for a date night or special celebration. Novel is known for its handcrafted cocktails and, of course, the food. The menu is a perfectly edited selection of dishes that will blow your mind from start to finish.
Insider tip The chicken may very well be the best you will ever have.
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WESTSIDE LOCAL This eclectic spot is casual, farmto-table dining at its best. Westside Local focuses on fresh ingredients, which you can taste in each amazing dish. The restaurant also features a beer garden that boasts an extensive beer list. Pair a unique draft with one of Westside Local’s delicious burgers, and you have hit a homerun. The eatery also offers an amazing “blunch” from 11 a.m.–3 p.m. Sunday.
INSIDER TIP You will die and go to food heaven with the Westside Mac ‘n’ Cheese!
QUICK EATS
CHEZ ELLE This creperie and coffeehouse will transport you to a quaint Parisian corner cafe. Chez Elle uses only the freshest ingredients to make its sweet and savory crepes. The cafe also offers gluten-free and vegan options of its popular crepes.
This page / Little Freshie / Lindsay Laricks
INSIDER TIP The Nutella + Banana Crepe and a French-press coffee is the perfect combo!
FERVERE Sorry, gluten-free eaters. This tiny bread shop on Summit is full of bready goodness. It bakes up fresh loaves of gourmet goods Thursday through Saturday. Make sure to call in your order ahead of time — Fervere sells out quickly! The bakery’s Olive Rosemary bread is to-die-for. It consists of organic wheat flour, kalamata olives, rosemary, organic wheat starter, sea salt, water. And a crowd favorite is the Cheese Slipper, which is made of organic wheat flour, Tillamook medium-aged cheddar, Alama Creamery smoked cheddar, shredded cheddar, Cedar Grove garlic cheese curds, olive oil, yeast, sea salt, and water.
INSIDER TIP Stop in on a Saturday for the coveted rye chocolate chunk cookies, which are made with Christopher Elbow chocolate!
LITTLE FRESHIE Both adults and kids will enjoy this soda fountain and espresso bar. The soda fountain serves up snowcones, sodas, or floats made with its all-natural, housemade flavors such as mango ginger, blackberry
lavender, or raspberry rose. Little Freshie also offers sweet treats like Macarons, cookies, and scones. You can order lunch there, too, from 10:30 a.m. until it sells out.
INSIDER TIP Sweets aside, Little Freshie’s almond butter and apple sandwich is the perfect mix of savory and sweet.
SHOP
Dry Goods operated in the 1920s and ’30s. Here, you will find everything from clothing to artwork and gifts made by more than 20 local companies and artists. For example, you’ll discover handmade throw blankets by Happy Habitat, KC prints and artwork from Josh Dubios, a great selection of T-shirts from Loyalty KC, apparel from Bellboy Apparel and Charlie Hustle, as well as socks by Sock 101.
INSIDER TIP Westside Story also sells antiques
WESTSIDE STOREY This adorable shop is housed in the building where Stern’s
and sports memorabilia — it’s a great spot to find something for the “guy who has everything.”
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IN FOCUS EMILYHART BRIDAL HELPS YOU SAY YES TO THE DRESS BY TINA KLUGS Photos / Jeff Ervard
EmilyHart Bridal is not your average bridal shop. Evidence of this can be seen on the shop’s Instagram account, which is full of pictures of brides holding a sign that says, “She said yes!” Yes to the dress, that is. EmilyHart Bridal, located at 12450 Blue Valley Parkway in Overland Park, carries a wide array of gown styles and sizes for brides, bridesmaids, f lower girls, and mothers of the bride. “When I shop, I love to look for items that are unique and different from what everyone else has,” says owner Emily Brown. “I want to offer the same experience to my brides. I want them to know that when they purchase something from me, they won’t find it anywhere else in the city and it will be as individual as they are.” The shop carries many top bridal designers, including Emmaline, a line sold nationally and internationally and designed and manufactured by Brown herself. Most bridal designers do not make any custom changes or alterations, but Brown can change an Emmaline gown just about any way you can think of. There is even a team on-site that does alterations. “I have so much fun designing each season’s new collection,” Brown shares. “The designs are inspired by what my current brides are asking for, whether it’s lace, sleeves, or low backs.”
Emily Brown, owner of EmilyHart Bridal, designs and manufactures her own line of wedding gowns.
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For a business that advertises mainly via word-of-mouth, EmilyHart Bridal is definitely getting noticed. Brown attributes the shop’s success not only to its extensive selection of dresses, but also to personalized attention by her staff. “It’s so great to be a part of a team that cares about what they do,” she says. “We really work hard to get to
know you and figure out what you are looking for, all the while hopefully becoming a friend. Our testimonials can prove that.” It’s hard to believe that EmilyHart Bridal had such humble beginnings. The thriving, glamorous business started out as a small bridal shop in Paola, Kan. The shop, which had been in business for more than 30 years, was then known as Sandy’s Bridal Shop. It was well-known for its customer service and selection, but was full of opportunities for improvement. Enter Brown, a success-oriented entrepreneur with a knack for business. Brown, who has a background in design, was working on opening an interior design studio in 2007 when the owners of Sandy’s Bridal Shop approached her about purchasing their shop. She took a leap of faith and bought the shop, which she renamed to EmilyHart Bridal (“Hart” after her late grandmother). In 2010, she designed and built a new shop in Leawood to be closer to her clientele. EmilyHart Bridal grew so fast that she had to hire more employees and add inventory. The shop began busting at the seams, and soon it was time to move again. In 2015, Brown took another leap of faith and relocated to the shop’s current building, which she chose for its central location and ability to expand. The newest space is, in Brown’s words, “just perfect” and “the dreamiest yet.” Crystal chandeliers adorn the store, and well-placed track lighting highlights the crystal embellishments on rows of gowns and accessory displays. Near the front of the store is The Jewelry Bar, a buffet covered in glittery jewels for brides to try on and purchase. Floor-length mirrors lean against the walls in front of large pedestals where brides can show off their potential future gowns, and guests can watch while lounging on cozy couches decorated with whimsical pillows that say, “Mr.” and “Mrs.” Another recent addition to the shop — and a big hit with brides — is the “Say Yes Champagne Bar,” a Pinterest-worthy buffet full of champagne. A bottle of champagne is provided to all brides who purchase a gown, or “say yes” to the dress. EmilyHart Bridal is connected to Bella Hair Co., Johnson County’s premier eco-friendly salon that specializes in bridal. The salon offers hair and makeup services, as well as specialoccasion styling. Brown’s hard work and dedication to her business has paid off, both professionally and personally. Her goals were not only to sell dresses, but also to create experiences that people can look back on fondly. “Purchasing a wedding dress is an emotional experience, and to be a part of this moment is an honor for me and my employees,” she says. If you are in the market for a wedding gown, or know someone who is tying the knot, look no further than EmilyHart Bridal (emilyhartbridal.com), as it truly is a one-stop shop for all of your bridal needs. At its newest spot in Overland Park, EmilyHart Bridal boasts plush couches, a champagne bar, and other features that make the dress-buying process more fun.
At its newest spot in Overland Park, EmilyHart Bridal boasts plush couches, a champagne bar, and other features that make the dress-buying process more fun.
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PETS
BY MARY EDWARDS
Should You Give a Pet as a Present? With the holidays barreling around the corner, tons of kids will be waking up in the wee hours of the morning hoping for a box containing a furry friend. However, pets as presents can often bring an entire new set of obstacles. Avoid a gift-giving flub by following these tips about pets as presents.
1. Talk to the gift receiver. Whether it is a rambunctious puppy for Christmas or a snuggly bunny for Easter, taking care of a pet is no walk in the park. It can be made even more difficult if you aren’t prepared. If the person receiving the pet hasn’t explicitly stated that she wants a pet, check with her first. A good rule of thumb is that animals make great gifts, but not good surprises.
2. Consider the age of the receiver. Not only will this help determine if the gift of a pet is right, it may determine what kind of pet you give. A 5-year-old begging for a puppy isn’t going to be able to take on the responsibility of that animal. However, Guinea pigs or hamsters make great first pets and can begin instilling the traits needed for an animal that requires more responsibility.
3. Think about the cost. If you’re adopting a dog or a cat, expenses will definitely go beyond the simple adoption fee. According to petfinder.com, a cat can cost $350 to $400 a year, and a medium-sized dog can cost from $400 to $500. If you’re buying the pet for someone else, make sure he is capable of taking care of the costs associated with it.
4. Will the new owner bond with the animal? Here’s a tough one. There’s nothing more
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special than being able to go to a shelter and picking out the dog or cat you feel you’ve bonded with. It’s an important moment in a pet-owner relationship. Consider creating a coupon or “gift certificate” for the new owner. This way she can go to the shelter herself and pick out the perfect addition. This also won’t put pressure on the new recipient. If she doesn’t want the pet, she’s off the hook. Petfinder.com has created a Pet Promise Certificate, and it’s a fun way to gift a pet without
the burden. Bringing a pet into someone’s life isn’t a choice to be taken lightly. Consider both the recipient and the animal. If the gift isn’t a good arrangement, two parties are affected by the decision. Dogs, cats, birds, bunnies, and any other creature can bring so much joy to an individual or family — but only when it’s the right fit.
APP OF THE MONTH
YELL AT YOUR FRIENDS, ALL IN THE NAME OF FUN The gist: Are you ready for a fantastical, white-knuckle bonding experience with
three of your closest friends? Then try out Spaceteam, an app for both iOS and Android. (iPhone and Android users can play together over Wi-Fi.) Players are assigned a random control panel with buttons, switches, sliders, and dials. You must follow time-sensitive instructions to ensure your ship outruns an exploding star. The twist is that those instructions are sent to your teammates — and your teammates’ instructions are sent to you — so you end up yelling over each other to ensure your ship doesn’t explode.
The cons: Galaxy S6 and Note 5 users may be out of luck. At time of printing, the app didn’t work on these phone models.
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Take a fresh approach to your holiday party looks this year. Level up casual ensembles with fun prints, and brighten formal pieces a with a pop of color.
Let’s Get This Party Started
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Photos / Samantha Levi of Samantha Levi Photography Models / Claudia Donnell and Angie Heck from Hoffman International Model & Talent Agency Makeup / Melissa Evans Hair / Allie Osner for Oliver’s Hair Salon Wardrobe Stylist & Fashion Consultant / Wlaa Style
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Boutique: Tulip 606 W. 48th St, Kansas City, MO 816.756.5404
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AGING WELL
BY DEBORAH EAKIN OSBORNE
Senior Citizen Christmas Day Dinner: Spreading the Cheer, Year After Year KC has many wonderful holiday tradi-
The dinner started in 1977 by then-officer Richard White of the Kansas City Police Department. It was meant to be a community
tions, including one you may be completely unaware of. The Kansas City Senior Citizen Christmas Day Dinner is not just another Christmas-themed meal held on a random date during the month of December. This dinner does, in fact, take place on Christmas Day.
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Christmas project for seniors in the Westport area who would normally be without family on Christmas. Thirty-five guests attended that first event, which was held at the Granada Royale (now Embassy Suites). Year after year, the guest list increased as seniors brought more friends who would otherwise be alone on Christmas. Guests looked forward to seeing familiar faces and became like family to one another. Today, nearly 800 people attend the dinner. Two other locations have since been added: the Open Door Bible Baptist Church in Kansas City, Missouri (north), and Christ United Methodist Church in Independence.
A
little help from friends.
For years, the Cedar Lake Village senior community has been a leader in providing housing and services for people 55 and older. Housing and care options include villas, apartments, assisted living apartments and, now, memory care assisted living suites. Be one of the first 24 residents or reserve a memory care assisted living suite prior to March 31, 2016, and receive $100 off the monthly occupancy rate for the first 12 months of occupancy. For more information about any of the services offered at Cedar Lake Village, please call (913) 780-9916 or visit www.cedarlakevillagekc.org. 15325 S Lone Elm Rd Olathe, KS 66061 All faiths or beliefs are welcome. 15-G1605
Now retired, White continues to serve as director of the Senior Citizen Christmas Day Dinner. He most enjoys experiencing the giving and receiving of love of other people. Exchanging hugs and wishing one another “Merry Christmas” embodies the spirit of the dinner, he shares. It serves as a reminder of the original Christmas greeting. “Joy to the world, the Lord has come.” White notes that it is not just one type of church or one police department that puts this event on; it continues to be a community effort. When it comes to putting on the Kansas City Senior Citizen Christmas Day Dinner, White says his greatest challenge is maintaining financial support. In the past, he has depended on a number of small businesses for support. But, because of the economical challenges in the last few years, many of those small businesses are no longer around. If you are interested in helping with the Kansas City Senior Citizen Dinner by serving or making a donation, or would like to attend as a guest, visit kcseniorcitizendinner.com.
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SIMPLYKCMAG.COM | 29
HOME & GARDEN
BY BETHANEY WALLACE
4 LOCAL DESIGNERS OFFER UP THEIR HOLIDAY DECORATING TIPS “The holiday season” can mean something different to everyone. From the actual holidays that we celebrate this time of year, to the very traditions that make them special, each of us approaches the season from a unique perspective. For instance, some think spiced cider and Christmas trees, others think red flannels and pumpkin pies, while still more think of Grandma’s favorite recipes, sitting around the fire, or simply how they feel once the weather turns cold. There are simply so many ways to look forward to an entire season of giving. For the nesters out there, that means — what else? Decorating! Whether it’s for a particular holiday bash or the entire winter season. And with the help of some of Kansas City’s own local designers, we’ve worked to harness that spirit.
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We’ve put together a holiday decor guide that mixes fun with flare. Check out these pros’ advice to gain tips and help make your home (or office) festive and fabulous.
Shawna Hampton / Love and Home Interior Design lovehomeinteriordesign.com “Nature is a classic holiday theme. Feathers, twigs, pinecones, leaves. For holiday decor on the cheap, go on a nature walk and collect whatever neat objects you find. Spray paint them gold or silver and then arrange your collections in affordable glass vases from a craft store, or string together a mantle garland. You could even attach strings or hooks to things like painted acorns or rocks for ornaments. “Also don’t be afraid to mix metals with your holiday decor. Gold and silver, or dark bronze and copper — it all looks really
elegant when contrasting metal tones are mixed together. It adds depth and character to your holiday display. Try to stick to no more than two metal tones that are obviously different. For example, gold and copper would look odd because their yellow and orange tones aren’t different enough. But gold and silver together look great.”
Lindsay Dress / Sadie + Stella sadieandstella.com “When it comes to holiday decorating, I am all about the tablescape. Create a dimensional table setting by mixing patterns and metals, stack patterned plates, and include your own floral arrangement. To go against everything you might know to be true, more is more.”
Keith Wardlaw / + Modern Design plusmoderndesign.com
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“I like to keep it simple, clean, and elegant when decorating for the holidays. I tend to use silver, gold, and white often. Example: three simple cylinder hurricanes of different heights filled with gold ornaments, silver ornaments, and white ornaments all in separate hurricanes. You can obviously use different colors or materials as well. If you are going for a more modern/rustic design, you could use red berries, evergreen, and white plume feathers. This can be used on a mantle, dining table, coffee table, etc. “When decorating a holiday tree I also tend to do the unexpected. Over the years, I have used a ladder decorated as a tree and even an ornament mobile that looks to be suspended in the air in the shape of a tree. This is simple and fun to use your imagination. This can be accomplished by creating the tree shape with whatever you can come up with.”
Jess Zimlich / 26 and Not Counting 26andnotcounting.com “When it comes to holiday decorating, I love adding rustic elements to the home that ignite the sense of smell. There’s something about fresh pinecones, a cinnamon candle, or a real Christmas tree that takes the ambiance of a room to a whole new level.”
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HEALTH
BY JULIE BURTON
Preventing the Sitting Disease A career change can bring a person job satisfaction, better pay, and the opportunity to climb the corporate ladder a little higher. Mike Roush of Shawnee wasn’t expecting that ladder to hurt his back.
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back was due to switching from standing to sitting all day.” While the medical community does not recognize the “sitting disease” as a diagnosable disease, the effects from sitting for the greater portion of the day can take a toll on the human body. Many of us are required to work in front of a computer every day. While this may not seem like a high potential for injury, sitting all day can pose health concerns.
Roush, a former high school teacher of nine years, became accustomed to standing on his feet for 80 percent of his day. Then, Roush made a career change into corporate sales. He had to adjust to sitting at a desk all day at Pulse Systems, a medical software company.
Dr. Steven Flanery, a chiropractic physician at Flanery Chiropractic Clinic in Leawood, explains that it doesn’t take a weak back for the aches and pains to appear. “Our bodies are built for motion, plain and simple,” he says. “And when we don’t move our joints and muscles, it’s painful.”
“I’m not a wimp with a weak back,” Roush says. “I assumed the pain and stiffness in my
Cumulative trauma disorders occur when repetitive motions put constant strain on the
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soft tissues such as muscles, ligaments, tendons, and joints. The joints become painful. “I like to tell my patients to imagine bracing your knee in one position for months,” Dr. Flanery explains. “The joint will start to degenerate. When the brace comes off, moving the knee again will be painful. The same thing happens to your joints when you sit for a long period of time.” But it’s not just the joints and soft tissues that suffer. There are structural changes in the body, as well. In its natural state, your spine curves in an “S” shape. The curves of the “S” help your body’s shock absorption when you move. Continuous sitting puts strain on the “S” and your spine will start to take on a “C” shape. This is due to gravity. Gravity is constantly pulling you forward into a spinal flexion position. For every inch that your head moves forward, it
doubles the amount of weight on the upper body muscles. “Your head can easily turn into a 45 pound weight while you work,” Dr. Flanery warns. This can cause tightness in the chest, neck, and shoulders, called Upper Crossed Syndrome. Dr. Flanery provides tips for avoiding the sitting disease:
• S tand up and move. Take a break from sitting at least once an hour. Stand up and do a couple squats. Walk up a flight of stairs. Toss a ball back and forth with a co-worker. Do something to get the blood flowing.
• E xercise. Going hard at cardiovascular and weight training are great after work but you need to keep blood moving all day, Dr. Flanery says. Eight hours of sitting followed by one hour of working out is
not enough to prevent aches in the back. Continue to do small exercises throughout the day.
•R emember two-to-one at the gym. When weight training, focus on strengthening your backside twice as much as your front muscles, such as the chest. Sitting is the worst thing to do for a lower back. The back muscles need more strength training than the front.
• C hange desk equipment. Companies are getting better at corporate wellness. Ask your company about purchasing ergonomic chairs to help support the back. Keep your computer screen up at eye level or higher. Avoid looking down at your computer screen. Some companies may even provide step-tracking devices.
• B e conscious of your posture. The more you think of your posture, the more you will correct it. The easiest way to
correct posture is imagining a string pulling you up from the top of your head. This will keep your spine in a neutral position.
•C hiropractic care. Much like the rest of your body, your spine and joints should be checked by a chiropractor for optimal function. After two weeks of working in corporate sales, Roush made adjustments to his sitting routine. His hunch regarding the source of this back pain was correct. Now, Roush participates in the company-wide wellness challenges. He keeps a football near his desk to toss around during his breaks. Shifting from teaching to corporate sales is a major career change — but the physical education remains the same.
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FINANCE
HOLIDAY DECORATING ON A DIME BY BRIDGET MASON HESS
There’s nothing like holiday entertaining to kick my nesting and decorating motivation into high gear. Yet, my house dreams are usually bigger than budget and time allows! So, I’m focused on finding easy, affordable ways to make the home I have more beautiful than ever this December. I scoured Pinterest and my favorite decorating books and blogs for inspiration, and came up with these budget-friendly ideas.
My Holiday Home Game Plan: De-clutter. First things first; remember that less can be more when you are decorating. Before I take out any of my Christmas decorations I will go through my house and box up much of my everyday decor so I don’t have too many knickknacks cluttering shelves and tabletops. This will create a clean slate and prepare me for success on my next step.
Create focal points. Use groupings
Scrub. Deep clean the house! Dust for
Bring nature indoors. Fresh greenery,
cobwebs and wipe down mantels, baseboards, and door frames. Shine chandeliers, wash curtains, and vacuum under furniture. Every home is more beautiful when it is clean and fresh. Don’t be overwhelmed by this project — turn on some upbeat holiday music, light a favorite candle, and carve out two or three hours to focus on it. When your time is up, consider it good enough.
plants, and flowers are another inexpensive way to make a beautiful holiday home. You can’t go wrong with fresh garlands and ribbon. I also love the look of greenery and branches of white lights clustered inside baskets, buckets, or vases — this is my plan to create a new decoration for next to nothing.
Paint something. Painting is inexpensive, not hard to do yourself, and makes a great impact. If you don’t have the time to give your walls a fresh coat of paint, consider painting a picture frame, a chair, or a small end table. My plan to freshen up my home for holiday entertaining is to give the kitchen island a fresh coat of paint and add a fun pop of color to a hand-me-down table I like to dress with seasonal decorations. Two of my go-to decorating blogs for DIY painting tutorials and affordable decor inspiration are missmustardseed.com and centsationalgirl.com. But there are so many more great ones out there!
Rearrange furniture. Consider creating a cozy winter reading nook or
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conversation circle — or even a gift-wrapping station — this holiday season. A fresh furniture arrangement can give a room a whole new look.
and layers of decorative items clustered together to create focal points and make a bigger impact. I love to find a picture in a magazine or online of a mantel or shelf I love and try to mimic it. I usually accomplish this by recycling items I already have or by adding just one or two new pieces.
Give new life to old decorations. Make old decorations fresh by using them in a new way. One of my favorite holiday decorations is filling vases and bowls with old bulb ornaments. I also plan to make a paper garland from old Christmas cards this this year — another easy project using what I already have.
Finish with fragrance. High-quality candles with a great scent and a fresh Frasier Fir Christmas tree are two areas where I’ll splurge. There is nothing more cozy and inviting than filling your home with beautiful fragrance. If allergies keep you from getting the real tree, go for a few great scented candles to create an inviting holiday home.
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PARENTING
BY JULIE BURTON
inside the Toy box It’s a robot that picks up your room. It’s a spaceship flying to Mars carrying a flag with your name on it. It’s a castle with the king and Adult Coloring Books
queen waving, but then they see a giant sea monster in the distance … RUN! The cardboard box — it might just be the greatest toy in the world. It’s run-on imagination. Open-ended toys don’t do anything but require a child to think. Some may even call them retro in a world where touchscreens and batteries are in high demand.
Rubix Cube
Open-ended toys can be used 100 different ways. They are usually not age-specific or even gender-specific.
Circuits
Tobbles
A 2-year-old, for example, plays with building blocks. The blocks will help her learn shapes and practice fine-motor skills. A 5-year-old plays with the same building blocks. But the 5-year-old is learning math, physics, and problemsolving. And, at the same time, both children are having fun playing because it’s unstructured play — it gives them the opportunity to explore without rules. Kids don’t need help or an explanation. They just need their imaginations. And luckily, we have a toy store that sells only these types of open-ended toys. Simply put, Fat Brain Toys doesn’t run on batteries. Mark and Karen Carson founded Fat Brain Toys 13 years ago in Omaha, Nebraska. Their concept provides children with toys they can learn from rather than simply be entertained with sound and flashing lights. Stomp Rocket Lisa Bates, manager at Fat Brain Toys in Overland Park, shares with us some popular imagination toys for everyone from newborn to 100 years old.
Geomags
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INFANTS: This is a time when the brain grows the fastest. Contrast and texture are the only stimulation a baby needs
— washable baby books are a good choice for tiny ones. As the baby grows, the round “bowls” called Tobbles, developed by the production team at Fat Brain Toys, provide the visual simplicity but let kids can stack, spin, balance, wiggle, tilt and, well, tobble them. TODDLERS: Toddlers need entertainment or they start living up to the “terrible twos” label. Bates suggests Squigs. They are used to construct almost anything from suction. “Most adults look at these and don’t know what to do. A kid will look at these and make 100 different things,” Bates says. “They’re great to take to restaurants because there’s no clean up and the kids are entertained.” Geomags are also a hot seller. They are different variations of building sticks with magnets attached at the ends. “Anytime there’s magnets involved with kids, it’s always entertaining. There’s something about the magnetic field. It’s magic,” Bates says, laughing. PRESCHOOL: These kids need to get rid of energy. Stomp Rocket is a good toy to run and stomp on because the rockets run on foot power. The bigger the kid, the higher it soars. And when the weather doesn’t make running outdoors ideal, the Super Skipper is small enough to keep indoors but also requires an energetic kid to jump. SCHOOL-AGED: “This is the age boys’ and girls’ gifts start to differentiate, but only because adults tend to buy that way,” Bates explains. “We try to stay unisex but we’re realistic too.” Snap Circuits is a game that teaches how electronics work. This is a game that can grow with the kids in complexity. “The game has instructions without few words, so even the ones learning how to read can figure it all out,” she says. TWEEN, TEEN, TO 113: We are all kids at heart. Put a toy in front of anyone and they’ll try it. Games and puzzles have been around for a long time and the Rubik Cube and Chinese Checkers and its different variations are becoming popular again. 3-D puzzles are a good time-passer. But the newest trend might be the most surprising — adult coloring books. It’s kindergarten all over again.
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The more simply a toy is made, the more the child needs to use creativity. A complex toy does the work on its own. Much like the building blocks, any kid can find a way to use an open-ended toy. It all depends on the child’s mood and creative interpretation. Everyone wins. The best part of receiving a gift during the holidays — after all that wrapping paper is pulled off and the toy is taken out — there still sits a cardboard box. Or maybe it’s a castle. Or a spaceship. Or a robot.
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OUR WORLD
BY MARY EDWARDS
BUYING LOCAL FOR THE HOLIDAYS Kansas City has grown to be a mecca for wonderful
this is the place. This downtown store turned the
locally made items. It seems like new stores special-
“flyover states” into something hilariously great.
izing in locally made items are popping up just about everywhere, and buying local helps impact our environment in a positive way. Here are some great local stores that sell Kansas City-made gifts.
URBAN PROVISIONS: Deemed a modern general store, this East Bottoms shop sells items made by Kansas City artisans. From Kansas City-
This store sells wonder-
ful KC-themed shirts. They’re understated with a fantastic eye for design. Normal Human also makes the shirts here, so you can see how they are printed.
CHARLIE HUSTLE:
Most Kansas Citians will
recognize the KC heart T-shirts, but this store sells
themed doormats to cocktail mixes, there’s some-
shirts that span the entire Midwest. Charlie Hustle
thing here for everyone.
shows its KC pride through shirts ranging from
RAYGUN: Although this store is originally out of Iowa, Raygun’s focus is on the Midwest. If you need shirts or other assorted items with a sense of humor,
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NORMAL HUMAN:
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Boulevard-themed to collegiate. The online store is per fect for helping you show off your Kansas City pride.
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MIND & BODY
BY BRENNAN HALLOCK
Meditating on Mindfulness The word “mindfulness” has been in the English language for centuries, but only the last couple decades has it seen a sharp increase in usage. This is because mindfulness has become popular as a therapy. Mindfulness involves simple techniques requiring you to clear your mind, focus your attention, and heighten your awareness to internal and external sensations. Experts believe mindfulness helps the body and mind in many ways, including as stress relief.
Society pulls our attention in many directions at once. It’s sometimes hard to keep stress levels in check and maintain a clear focus on the important aspects of life. The 2014 Stress in America study conducted by the American Psychological Association reveals that we Americans are not good at dealing with stress — and it’s a detriment to our health. “Constant bad stress wears on the mind and body, causing depression, anxiety, sleep deprivation, memory and cognitive impairment, weight gain, and heart disease,” confirms Olufemi Sharp, a licensed professional counselor and mindfulness teacher in Kansas City, Missouri. “This condition impedes your ability to live healthy and happy.”
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The National Geographic and The Washington Times even call stress the “silent killer.” Being that stress has become such a serious issue, it is not surprising remedies such as mindfulness have become more popular. “Mindfulness takes from traditions of Eastern religions and is focused on not allowing our mind to hijack our thoughts,” says Jeff Peterson, a licensed psychotherapist, licensed counselor, and mindfulness therapist in Kansas City, Missouri. “People who are lost in the thoughts of the past sometimes become disconnected from their surroundings.”
Mindfulness has gained in popularity as people become more aware of the toll stress takes on their bodies. People who suffer from anxiety can experience many benefits by turning to mindfulness therapy or applying mindfulness techniques at home. “We live in a society focused on attention, which is a commodity,” Peterson explains. “We only have so many hours every day. If our attention is lost in our mind, we lose attention on the present.” Losing your focus and letting your mind dictate feelings can be harmful not only to your health, but also to your relationships. Relationships require nurturing, adjustment, and attention. Sharp suggests the best way to incorporate mindfulness into your relationships is by “slowing down and being wide awake in all of your waking moments. It’s about being present, open, gracious, and vulnerable in the moment with your lover or friend.” Mindfulness is more than simply meditation, but meditation is an important part of practicing mindfulness. Clearing your mind and focusing on things of value and importance is the purpose of meditation, and this is precisely the goal of mindfulness as well. Mindfulness experts encourage you to practice five basic techniques: mindfulness meditation, body sensations, sensory, emotions, and urge surfing.
1. Basic mindfulness meditation: This practice is similar to religious meditation in that it involves quietly sitting and focusing your mind on your breathing or a single word. Thoughts should be allowed to pass without scrutiny. If you are just beginning, Sharp recommends sitting quietly for 10 minutes every day. If you find random thoughts intruding, she says you should focus on your breath to bring you back into the moment.
2. Body sensations:
This involves acknowledging insgnificant body sensations such as a breeze or an itch, but letting them pass.
3. Sensory: This is similar to body sensations, except you are noticing sensory perceptions (sights, sounds, smells, tastes, or touches) and allowing them to pass without judgment.
4. Emotions:
This is a nonjudgmental acknowledgment of emotions passing through your body. Acknowledge the emotions as they come, even identifying them, then allowing them to pass.
5. Urge surfing: This involves the recognition of desires and cravings and allowing them to pass. Focus on the fact that the urge will subside rather than what you crave. Mindfulness can be effective in preventing excessive stress and damaged relationships. You should practice consistently, though, to reap the most benefits “It’s a true skill to be balanced or in the moment,” Peterson explains. “It’s something you will always practice, not something you can master and move on from.” It is a skill that, when practiced, should pervade the entirety your life — calming, focusing, and improving you.
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IN FOCUS
THE POWER OF SCENT BY JULIE BURTON Photos / Jeff Ervard
Imagine a pumpkin pie. The image of a pumpkin pie is what it is. But if you were to imagine smelling the pumpkin pie, even tasting it, it may spark an emotion. You might feel comforted. You might even laugh at a memory of your grandma spraying your mouth with whip cream. Out of the five senses, your sense of smell is the most sensitive — triggering emotion and even playing a major role in our taste as well. Chelsea Hunt, manager at Blend in Hawthorne Plaza, knows the power of scent. She also knows every nose that walks inside Blend is unique. Blend offers you the opportunity to design your own fragrance by mixing scents in an oil form. The oils have a silky texture and are easily absorbed into the skin. Blend carries more than 400 different perfume and essential oils to mix. The oils do not contain alcohol or other chemicals. “With traditional perfumes, I feel like the smell is always overwhelming at first,” she says. “Then it will fade away. The oils are amazing because their scent will last all day, exactly where you place them.” The custom fragrance can be used in its pure form as a cologne or perfume. The oils also can be infused into lotions, bath gels, exfoliates, bubble bath, hand wash, or hydrating mist. “By far, the most popular scent is white tea,” Hunt shares. “It has a nice, clean smell to it.” Manager Chelsea Hunt says her store, Blend, is perfect for finding stocking stuffers for nearly everyone on your holiday shopping list.
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At Blend, you can follow the crowd with the most popular scent or design
your own — it’s all up to you. The scents range from f lowery and clean to musky and spicy. Blend also carries “designerinspired” oils, which are replica designer scents of the perfumes you can find in any department store. With the amount of scents to mix and match, coffee beans are always on hand to clear your scent palette. Most people stop in and blend their own fragrances, but there is space available for a large group of people. Blend offers custom scent parties at no charge other than the cost of the product. “We see bachelorette parties, girls’ nights out, and even kid parties. The little girls are sent home with their own scented bubble bath,” Hunt says with a laugh. Although fragrance oils are popular, the essential oils have seen a recent boost in popularity. Essential oils have been around for thousands of years but are becoming mainstream. “We have definitely seen an increase in the essential oil sales,” she says. “I think people are becoming more aware of the health benefits of them.” Essential oils provide a therapeutic benefit. An essential oil is a liquid that is distilled from the leaves, stems, flower, bark, or roots of plants. To put it simply, it is a highly concentrated form of a plant. One drop of an essential oil goes a long way. Essential oils are used in three different ways: inhaled, applied to the skin, or ingested.
Blend carries more than 400 different perfume and essential oils to mix.
After all, a pumpkin pie is not just a pie. Its scent may just be home. Blend (myblend.us) is located in Hawthorne Plaza at 4941 W. 119th St. in Overland Park. Find out more on Blend’s Facebook page or call 913.469.1737.
The active ingredients in essential oils are absorbed into the skin the same way as pharmaceuticals such as hormone replacement therapy cream or nicotine patches. Likewise, airborne essentialoil molecules that are inhaled directly or by infusing the oils into the air are carried to the lungs and into the bloodstream. “We have a migraine blend of essential oils that people keep coming back for,” Hunt says. “It’s rubbed onto the temples for migraine relief. People swear by it.” Lavender is also a popular oil to help with stress and sleep. Frankincense can be rubbed onto the face or skin to help fade dark “aging” spots. And applying Thieves to the bottom of the feet is said to help boost immunity. “Honestly, we’ll find recipes on the Internet and then create the oil blend here in the store,” Hunt says.
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Custom fragrance oils and essential oils range from $5 to $30. Blend also sells candles. Its most popular candle is Frasier Fir, which smells just like a fir tree. The candles and other home, body, and bath items rotate seasonally. You will find a range of small, quirky gift items at Blend, such as kitchen towels and f lasks with a humor f lare to them. “This place is really the best stocking-stuffer store,” she explains. Helen Keller was right when she said, “Smell is a potent wizard that transports you across thousands of miles and all the years you have lived.”
Located in Mission FarMs
Sizes 2-20
10683 Mission Rd. • Leawood, Ks
913-381-5167
SIMPLYKCMAG.COM | 43
GOOD TASTES
BY RYAN SNEED Photo / Landon Vonderschmidt
Seared Sea Scallops with Pork Belly, Pickled Pears and Butternut Squash Puree Ahhhh, the perfect holiday dish! This time of year, I like to cook up comfort food with a twist. It’s fun to have our guests underestimate a dish and then be blown away when the plate is set in front of them. Surf and turf is great at bridging the gap of the indecisive and of the seasons. However, it can be dated in its presentation; a problem this unique dish solves. I bring together fresh scallops seared in the drippings of the pork belly. (The only way it should be!) Pickled pears offer a tart but spicy counter flavor to the rich proteins, and the butternut squash puree introduces the seasonality of the dish with a harmonious handshake of culinary satisfaction. This recipe serves four to six people.
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Pork Belly
Seared Seas Scallops
Butternut Squash Puree
Spicy Pickled Pears
Ingredients
Ingredients
Ingredients
Ingredients
4 tablespoons chili powder
12 large, fresh sea scallops
1 butternut squash
1 cup of rice wine vinegar
2 tablespoons butter, softened
1/4 cup tap water
1 tablespoon finely ground coffee
(not frozen)
2 tablespoons ground cumin
Kosher salt
1/2 teaspoon Kosher salt
1 tablespoon granulated sugar
1 teaspoon kosher salt
4 tablespoons cold unsalted
Pinch of white pepper
1 tablespoon Kosher salt
2 tablespoons of orange juice (fresh squeezed is best)
1 teaspoon fresh ginger, minced
2 teaspoons smoked paprika 3 tablespoons of salad oil 8 oz of slab bacon, cut into rectangles about 2-in. x 1-in. by 3/4-in. thick
Directions Combine the dry spices in a bowl. Warm a cast-iron or heavy sauté pan over medium-high. When hot, pour in the oil. Dredge the bacon chunk in the chile spice on all sides and sauté until a darkbrown crust forms. Flip over and repeat on the other side. When the bacon is crispy on both sides, remove it and set it aside to keep warm. Keep the drippings in the pan. While the bacon is cooking, season the fresh scallops with salt on both sides and set aside on paper towel for 5 minutes.
butter
Directions Reheat the bacon drippings in the pan until they begin to smoke, then place the salted scallops in the drippings and sauté on each side until a dark-brown crust forms. This will take only a minute per side if the pan is hot enough. Flip the scallops over, add some cold butter, and baste the scallops with the melted butter/ bacon drippings combo after flipping. Serve atop butternut squash puree and with spicy pickled pears.
Orange zest
1/2 teaspoon black peppercorn
1 tablespoon honey
1 tablespoon lemon juice (fresh squeezed is best)
2 tablespoons butter
Lemon zest
Directions
1 fresh pear (whichever is in season), cored and sliced into 1/16-in. slices
Preheat the oven to 350 degrees. Cut the squash in half and remove the seeds. Rub each half with the softened butter, salt, and white pepper. Bake the squash skin side down for about 30 minutes, until soft. Remove the squash from the oven. When it’s cool enough, scoop out the flesh and put it in a food processor with the orange juice, orange zest, and honey. Add the remaining butter and process until very smooth.
1/4 fresh red jalapeno, seeded and sliced into very thin rings
Directions In a sauce pot, combine the vinegar, water, sugar, salt, fresh ginger, black peppercorns, lemon juice, and the lemon zest. Bring the mixture to a boil and then simmer for 5 minutes over low heat. Strain out the spices and cool the brine. Once cool, add the thinly sliced pears and red jalapenos. Allow this to marinate for a day before serving.
Ryan Sneed is corporate executive chef for Relish Catering and Merriment whose mission is to exceed expectations with innovative cuisine and creative presentation. When he isn’t busy managing the culinary operations for Relish and all 14 KC Hopps restaurants, he is enjoying time with his wife, Megan, and their three children.
SIMPLYKCMAG.COM | 45
TRENDS
BY MELANIE KNOPKE
BUY NOW,
WEAR INTO 2016
We saw many trends on the runways that will be carrying over into 2016. It’s always nice to get a little more bang for your buck — especially when it comes to trends. So, here is a short list of what you can buy now, wear now, and carry over into 2016.
LACE
’70s BOHO CHIC
FLORALS
SUEDE
THE COLD SHOULDER
’70s BOHO CHIC: This look isn’t going anywhere! We still love our skinny jeans, but now is the time to invest in a great pair of updated flares. Look for mixed prints, chiffon dresses, and Mongolian fur jackets. Vest, jeans, and thermal tee from Alysa Rene Boutique in Leawood (alysarene.com).
your must-have piece going into 2016. We are seeing the return of suede skirts, the suede vest, and, of course, a classic suede jacket. Faux suede jacket from Etiquette Boutique in Leawood (parkplaceleawood.com).
SUEDE: Store your leather and invest in suede for the upcoming year. This will be
FLORALS: Floral prints bloomed this season, and they will carry over nicely
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into spring. The floral print no longer seems to be a trend, but rather a classic pattern that can add some dimension to your wardrobe. From bold to tiny, ditsy florals, there’s a flower out there for everyone. Dress from Etiquette Boutique in Leawood (parkplaceleawood.com). LACE: A material that used to mostly be used in evening wear is now a staple every woman should own. For 2016,
look for “see-through” lace as a trend. It’s meant to be layered with pretty underpinnings or even a swimsuit. We will definitely be seeing lace used in ways we have never seen before. Top by Free People from Alysa Rene in Leawood (alysarene.com). THE COLD SHOULDER: This is one trend I am excited to see stick around. You will find cutouts on everything from blouses to sweatshirts and dresses. Romper from Alysa Rene Boutique in Leawood (alysarene.com).
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SIMPLYKCMAG.COM | 47
7 Parties
NEW YEARS EVE
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1
Noon Year’s Eve
2
NYE Live!
3
New Year’s Swingin’ Eve at Union Station
4
NYE at the Temple VI
5
The Black Party
6
The White Party
7
NYE Limo Crawl
This one is for the kiddos only! From noon to 7 p.m., Union Station hosts the third annual Noon Year’s Eve at Science City. This is the place where kids can go to enjoy a fun, safe, and educational party. The celebration includes science demonstrations, stage shows, robotics fun, activities, special guests, and a balloon drop (with 3,000 balloons).
Feel like you’re missing out by not being in New York City’s Time Square for the ball drop? Then head to the Kansas City Power & Light district for NYE Live!. It features a ball drop, champagne toast, and fireworks. $60–$125.
Union Station’s centennial New Year’s Eve party promises to be the bee’s knees. The King of Swing, aka the Dave Stephens band, headlines the evening. A ticket gets you an awesome dance party, hot appetizers, a midnight champagne toast, and party favors. $60–$90.
More than 2,000 KC young professionals head to this party in the heart of downtown every year. Held at the Scottish Rite Temple, the party boasts a DJ on each of the four floors, a laser-light show, and six hours of unlimited drinks. $60–$100.
At this party, Californo’s in Westport features multiple levels of party time. Dance all night to music from DJ Architekt at the main stage, party on the deck, or take a break from the dancing in the swanky lounge. Drinks are included with price of admission. $70–$110.
Dress in your finest whites at this 18+ party. The event promises three DJs, aerial performances, an awesome dance party, and more. $55–$65.
In its second year, the NYE Limo Crawl starts at The Well on Wornall in Kansas City, Missouri, and includes several bars in Waldo, Brookside, and the Plaza. You can hop on and off the limo buses, which come about every 15 minutes. It’s BYOB on the limo, so you can keep the party going in between stops. $45, but get 50 percent off the ticket price with discount code “mdo”.
Country Club Plaza 606 W. 48 t h S t r e e t K a n S a S C i t y , Mo
816-756-5404 tulipfashions.com
SIMPLYKCMAG.COM | 49
HAPPENINGS DEC 3 Murals in Sound Blue Room Jazz Club 816.474.6262 americanjazzmuseum.org 7–9 pm
DEC 5 Santa’s Wonderland 2015 Penguin Park, North Vivion Rd, KCMO kcparks.org 5:30–7:30 pm
DEC 3–6 Handel’s Messiah, performed by the KC Symphony, Independence Messiah Choir & KC Symphony Chorus Kauffman Center for the Performing Arts, 1601 Broadway, KCMO kcsymphony.org
DEC 5 Reduced Shakespeare Co.: The Ultimate Christmas Show (Abridged) Johnson County Community College, 12345 College Blvd, OPKS jccc.edu/performing-arts-series
DEC 3–24 The Santaland Diaries KC Repertory Theatre, Copaken Stage, 13th St and Walnut, KCMO kcrep.org DEC 4–6 Kansas City Christmas, performed by Heartland Men’s Chorus Folly Theater, 300 W 12th St, KCMO hmckc.org DEC 5 A Visit From St. Nicholas Shoal Creek Living History Museum, Hodge Park, 7000 NE Barry Rd, KCMO 816.792.2655 shoalcreeklivinghistorymuseum.com 10 am–4 pm
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DEC 8 Kansas City Jazz Orchestra: “A Swinging Kansas City Christmas!” Kauffman Center, 1601 Broadway, KCMO 816.994.7222 kauffmancenter.org DEC 9 Classics Uncorked: Winter’s Dream Kansas City Symphony, Kauffman Center, 1601 Broadway, KCMO kcsymphony.org DEC 11 The Ugly Christmas Sweater Party Tower Tavern, 401 E 31st St, KCMO kcsweaterparty.com 7:30 pm
DEC 11–13 The 8th Annual Barn Players 6 x 10 10-Minute Play Festival The Barn Players Theatre, 6219 Martway, Mission, KS 913.432.9100 thebarnplayers.org DEC 11–20 Doc Severinsen with the Kansas City Symphony Kauffman Center for the Performing Arts, 1601 Broadway, KCMO kcsymphony.org DEC 11–23 A Spectacular Christmas Show Musical Theater Heritage, Crown Center, 2450 Grand Blvd, KCMO 816.545.6000 musicaltheaterheritage.com 7 pm Thursday, 8 pm Friday, 2 and 8 pm Saturday, 2 pm Sunday DEC 12 Nite-O Shoal Creek Living History Museum, Hodge Park, 7000 NE Barry Rd, KCMO shoalcreeklivinghistorymuseum.com 7 pm
DEC 12 Jammin at the Gem Holiday Concert: Julian Vaughn Gem Theater, 1615 E 18th St, KCMO 816.474.6262 americanjazzmuseum.org 8 pm DEC 17–20 Christmas Festival with the KC Symphony Kauffman Center for the Performing Arts, 1601 Broadway, KCMO kcsymphony.org DEC 29–30 Cirque Dreams: Holidaze Kauffman Center for the Performing Arts, 1601 Broadway, KCMO kauffmancenter.org DEC 31 Big New Year’s Eve Party With The Nace Brothers, Samantha Fish, and more Knucklehead’s Saloon, 2715 Rochester, KCMO 816.483.1456 knuckleheadskc.com
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