SIMPLYkc Magazine December 2017

DEC ‘17 | Vol. 7 No. 8

PEOPLE

DR. EVELINA SWARTZMAN

LIVING

SELF-CARE TIPS

STYLE

LOCAL GIFT GUIDE

Holiday I ssue

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CONTENTS

THE LIST 9

ONE-OF-A-KIND GIFT GUIDE

WHO WHAT WHERE 12 MEET AIMEE CAVALLARO-WHITTON

AROUND TOWN 14

PLANT SEEDS OF HOPE AND HAPPINESS THROUGH SELFLESS GIVING

INFOCUS 18

REVIVING ‘DOWN THERE’: DR. SWARTZMAN AT WOMEN’S HEALTH ASSOCIATES

DEAR KACIE 20

HOW TO MEND A BROKEN SIBLING RELATIONSHIP

22

34

FASHION 22 INFOCUS 28

GILDED LILY: FRENCH-INSPIRED WITH VINTAGE ROOTS

INFOCUS 32

FREEDOM + CREATIVITY = THE PERFECT ATMOSPHERE FOR SUCCESS

BE WELL 34

SELF-CARE TIPS FOR THE BUSIEST TIME OF THE YEAR

INFOCUS 38

IT’S NOT ABOUT CHANGING THE OUTCOME; IT’S ABOUT AFFECTING THE JOURNEY

BECAUSE I SAID SO 40 14

(WO)MAN COLD

42

PARENTING 42 CHORE GAME

GOOD TASTES 44 SPREAD A LITTLE LOVE

APP OF THE MONTH 47 YOUR GUIDE TO 30-MINUTE HEALTHY MEALS

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44

7 THINGS 48

7 BRANDS THAT GIVE BACK

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PUBLISHER’S NOTE

OH, WHAT FUN! One of my favorite parts of the holiday season is listening to traditional Christmas music. As soon as Thanksgiving has wrapped up, I switch into Christmas mode — and the music is what gets me there.

Of course, the holidays aren’t complete without a beautifully trimmed tree with plenty of gifts underneath it.

Have you completed your holiday shopping yet? I often find myself procuring gifts at the very. last. minute.

Online shopping has been a saving grace for me over the last few years — between managing the magazine, raising a family, running to and from all the kids’ activities, and hitting up social events, it’s hard to find time to browse the stores for that perfect present.

In case you’re facing the same dilemma, our holiday gift guides will help you have your shopping wrapped up (literally) in no time. In the following pages, you’ll find goodies from local stores (page 9), a list of local charities you could donate to in someone’s name (page 14), and a compilation of seven brands who give back when you buy one of their goods (page 48).

As 2017 comes to a close, each of us at SIMPLYkc Magazine offers the warmest holiday wishes to you. I hope this season finds you and

Suzanne Steiner, Publisher

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Photo / Jenny Wheat

your family abundantly joyful.

THE LIST

Written by Vanessa Zambo Photos by Adrienne Maples

One -of -a -Kind Gift Guide

It’s that time of year again — family, friends, food, and fabulousness. But, let’s face it: Buying gifts for loved ones is not the easiest thing. Lucky for you, we’ve compiled a great list of the big and stocking-sized gifts that’ll put a smile on their faces and yours.

3.

5.

1.

9.

2.

4.

8..

7.

6.

1. Prairie Candle ($35), Ulah, 4707 Rainbow Blvd., Westwood, ulahkc.com 2. Kansas City Coasters ($8 each), Made In KC, 8231 Corinth Mall, Prairie Village, mikcmarket.com 3. Gifted toffee ($27 for 16-oz, $18 for 8-oz, $11 for 4-oz), Cedar Street Toffee, cedarstreettoffee.com 4. Prairie Cologne ($90), Ulah, 4707 Rainbow Blvd., Westwood, ulahkc.com 5. Earrings ($110), bracelet ($185), ring ($99), Glitters, 4250 W. 119th St., Leawood, glitters.com 6. My Skin Buddy ($265), Heidi Talbott, 12020 Blue Valley Parkway, Suite 115G, Overland Park, faceandbodyskincare.com 7. Succulent Garden ($60), Flowers by Emily, 5230 W. 116th Place, Leawood, flowersbyemily.com 8. The Derrick socks, ($12), Sock 101, theschoolofsock.com 9. Grapefruit POM Body Lotion ($16), Matcha Love Bath Bombs ($7), Cranberry Orange POM Sugar Scrub ($7), SKIN KC, 6247 Brookside Plaza, KCMO, skinkc.com Vanessa Zambo, senior vice president for Terracon, a national engineering firm, has taken her executive experience into the creation of a workwear fashion and business blog called STOMP (stompatwork.com). Her last 20 years have included numerous national awards in marketing, speaking events across the country, guest speaking on podcasts and TV, experiences studying and traveling abroad, and a love for all things KC.

SIMPLYKCMAG.COM | 9

PUBLISHER Suzanne Steiner suz@simplykcmag.com MANAGING EDITOR Ashley Puderbaugh PHOTOGRAPHY Adrienne Maples of Adrienne Maples Photography Jenny Wheat of Wheat Photography Samantha Levi of Samantha Levi Photography Jami Marshall of Electric Imagez CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Julie Burton, Ann E. Butenas, Rebecca Fischer, Brennan Hallock, Gina Reardon, Vanessa Zambo ART DIRECTOR Julie Faerman ADVERTISING Brandy Barrish, Sales Manager 816.223.9395, brandy@simplykcmag.com INQUIRIES SIMPLYkc Magazine 11730 W. 135th St., Ste. 116, Overland Park, KS 66221 913.209.9394, contact@simplykcmag.com simplykcmag.com

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COVER & FASHION IMAGES PHOTOS Adrienne Maples, Adrienne Maples PhotoStudios, amaples.com, 913.549.3335 @amaplesphoto MODEL Leah Blefko, Jimmy Rea and Emma Stamper, Voices &, 118 Walnut, Suite 120, Kansas City, MO, 816.753.4261, voicesand.com, @voicesandmodels WARDROBE Women’s: SCOOBIE Boutique, located inside Trendz, 5307 151st St., Leawood, KS, 913.685.5916, and The Garment District, 1350 Main St., Kansas City, MO, 816.221.4387, shopscoobie.com, @shopscoobie. Men’s: ULAH, 4707 Rainbow Blvd., Westwood, KS, 913.777.8734, ulahkc.com, @ulahkc HAIR David Bartram for Oliver’s Hair Salon, Rosana Square, 7590 W. 119th St., Overland Park, KS, 913.338.2266, oliverssalon.com, @olivershairsalon & @wstein78 MAKEUP Jami Roth, @mua_jamiroth

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(913) 677-3113 womenshealthkc.com MonaLisa Touch is a registered trademark of DEKA M.E.L.A. Srl – Calenzano - Italy. ©2015 Cynosure, Inc.

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WARDROBE STYLING & FASHION CONSULTANT Amani Skalacki, @amani.stylekc SHOT ON LOCATION Midland Holiday Pines, 18541 Midland Drive, Shawnee, KS 66218

PUBLISHER’S NOTE IMAGE PHOTO Jenny Wheat, Wheat Photography, 115 W 18th St #200, Kansas City, MO, 816.695.9542, @wheatphotography WARDROBE Standard Style, 451 W 47th St, Kansas City, MO, 913.685.4464 HAIR Katie Zehel, Oliver’s Hair Salon, Rosana Square, 7590 W. 119th St., Overland Park, KS, 913.338.2266, @olivershairsalon MAKEUP Jami Roth, @mua_jamiroth 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. ©2017, Mach Publications, LLC.

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, o h W

Photo / Jami Marshall

WHAT, WHERE Meet Aimee Cavallaro-Whitton Who: What:

Where:

AIMEE CAVALLARO-WHITTON My partner, Amy Huber (on the right), and I are a couple of moms who share a love of family, antiques, and estate sales. Between the two of us, we have been sales executives, business managers, advertising, and marketing managers for some of Kansas City’s Fortune 500 companies. Over the years, we’ve spent a lot of our free time shopping at antique stores and estate sales. We enjoyed estate sales so much that we began to plan our weekends around them. It’s a true passion, which is why we started our own estate sale company (Hudson Ward LLC).

We are so proud of the business we’ve built and the presentation we put into every home we represent.

FAVORITE PLACE TO EAT IN KC I am Italian and grew up in an Italian-American community in KC. Being very traditional, my favorite restaurants, Jasper’s and Anthony’s, are Italian. Both different, but both delicious.

FAVORITE DRINK IN KC My husband and I have frequented several places over the years. We love to have cocktails on a Friday or Saturday night. Some of our favorites have been wine at The Tavern, sangrias at La Bodega, and have enjoyed having drinks at The Rieger while taking in the unique atmosphere.

FAVORITE PLACE TO SHOP IN KC In my pre-estate sale days, one of my favorite places to shop was Mission Antique Mall. I frequented that antique store probably once a week. I have several beautiful pieces in my home from that wonderful place. They also have a darling little café inside of the mall.

FAVORITE HIDDEN GEMS IN KC My favorite hidden gem is estate-sale shopping. So many people have never been to an estate sale. You can buy literally anything at an estate sale. Louis Vuitton handbags, fine China, leather couches, dishes — pretty much anything you can dream of.

Not just antiques, but new furnishings and household items. I would say if you’ve never been to an estate sale, you should give it a try one weekend. But beware: It does become addicting.

FAVORITE PLACES TO TAKE OUT-OF-TOWN GUESTS I take my guests to the places KC is known for: the Plaza for dinner, The NelsonAtkins Museum of Art for culture, and downtown for a concert and cocktails.

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apparel / home / gifts

Thanks for shopping with local small businesses this holiday season!

A Men’s Apparel & Lifestyle Store at Woodside Village www.UlahKC.com // 4707 Rainbow Blvd. // Westwood, KS 66205 ‘TIS THE

to shop Kansas City’s favorite local art

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AROUND TOWN

Written by Ann E. Butenas / Photos from Children International, Spay & Neuter Kansas City, Water.org

PLANT SEEDS OF HOPE AND HAPPINESS THROUGH SELFLESS GIVING At this time of year, it’s not uncommon to be asked for donations to a variety of charities. The holidays are a great time to give, but you also want to ensure your hard-earned money is given to charities that speak to your heart. We’ve compiled a list of organizations, all of them based locally, that could benefit from your compassionate donation.

CHILDREN INTERNATIONAL children.org “Our primary focus is to invest in children and youth in the neediest parts around the world,” says Susan Eshleman, president and CEO of Children International (CI). “We focus on the first two decades of their lives with the goal to help them break the generational cycle of poverty.”

This year’s campaign — “change the present” — encourages us to re-think what “the present” looks like. Instead of bows and wrapping paper, think in terms of giving a gift that invests in a child now to ensure she has a better future. Ways to give include sponsoring a child; making a one-time donation; or providing a recurring donation.

“You can help change the present, literally, for a child,” she says, “so he or she has a fighting chance of breaking the cycle of poverty.”

HEART TO HEART INTERNATIONAL heartotoheart.org Strengthening communities through improved health access, providing humanitarian development, and administering crisis relief worldwide is the foundation upon which Heart to Heart International stands. It imagines a world in which every person has access to a healthy life and every community has the capacity to make that access a reality.

To achieve this mission, this charity engages volunteers, collaborates with partners, and deploys resources. You can provide monetary donations or give your time as a volunteer.

CI offers these young children a place to go in the form of community centers, which provide access to doctors, dentists, libraries, and playgrounds, while also providing a team of staff and volunteers worldwide. These teams deliver programs and services and help measure the impact of the organization’s four key areas of focus: health, education, empowerment, and employment.

“We are directly helping more than 250,000 kids worldwide in 10 countries,” Eshleman says.

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“If you have a medical background, you can assist with disaster relief,” says Director of Marketing Brian McDonell. “You can also choose to work in the warehouse at our corporate office in Lenexa. We have volunteer groups come each Tuesday and Thursday to sort products and assemble hygiene kits.”

About 6,000 volunteers provided help to the charity last year. Thanks to those volunteers, 98% of all of donations received went directly to programs and those in need.

SPAY & NEUTER KANSAS CITY snkc.net If you have a soft spot in your heart for animals, this organization is for you. Every dollar received helps this charity ensure no pet is turned away for the medical services and supplies it needs. Spay & Neuter Kansas City (SNKC) assists pet owners on both sides of the state line with spaying and neutering, pet vaccinations, and more, regardless of financial means.

SNKC focuses on ending pet homelessness, increasing pet retention, and improving the quality of life for pets through education and supportive services for families.

“We are not a shelter but do provide resources, education, and services,” notes Michelle Rivera, CEO. “We also go door to door with our trucks, delivering supplies. We have a food pantry program for pets and currently have 500 families approved for this outreach.”

SNKC served 22,000 pets last year, which means its need for help continues. Through its volunteer program, you can help owners understand how to properly care for their pets and supply them with resources. In addition to monetary donations, SNKC also relies on donations of goods, such as dog houses, pet foods, cages, leashes, and crates.

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AROUND TOWN

CONT.

SAFEHOME safehome-ks.org This time of year can be a difficult time for those who are victims of domestic violence. While images of the holidays as a time of peace and joy abound, countless families are facing the reality of financial stress, fears of homelessness, and physical violence.

SafeHome provides a healing atmosphere where survivors of domestic violence can gain inner strength, build self-esteem, explore options, and establish a life free from violence.

Through its shelter and community services, nearly 8,000 people annually receive the support they need to lead healthy, independent lives.

“SafeHome depends on the generosity of our community year-round, but we especially count on the financial donations we receive during November and December to support services,” says Stephanie Volk, director of philanthropy.

Members of the community who want to help victims of domestic violence and their children can make a gift to SafeHome on the website or by calling 913.378.1516.

WATER.ORG give.water.org One in nine people in this world don’t have access to safe water; one in three don’t have access to a toilet.

And women and children spend 258 million hours each day collecting water. It costs about $60 to provide safe water or sanitation to one family.

Every human being deserves to define their own future, and water makes that possible. Erin Prock oversees donor care at Water.org, headquartered in KC’s Crossroads District, and invites you to be a part of the solution by starting your own fundraiser. Run a race, sell lemonade, or just celebrate your birthday. Invite your friends and family to donate and, together, you can help end the water crisis for people around the world.

Access to safe water can protect and save lives. It also has the power to turn time spent into time saved when it is close and not hours away. Access to safe water has the potential to unlock education, economic prosperity, and improved health. The team at Water.org has transformed more than 7 million lives with access to safe water and sanitation.

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Hudson Ward E S TAT E S A L E S

913.850.3327 hudsonwardkc@gmail.com www.HudsonWardKC.com

HUDSON WARD IS AN UPSCALE ESTATE SALE COMPANY DEDICATED TO CUSTOMER SERVICE.

Owner Operators of Hudson Ward LLC

We are dedicated to assisting you and your family with any transition in life, The Hudson Ward standard is to treat our clients with respect, compassion and professionalism.

SIMPLYKCMAG.COM | 17

INFOCUS

Written by Julie Burton Photos by Jami Marshall

Knowing what changes are normal — and knowing which unpleasant changes can be managed — can be answered by your doctor. But only you can speak up for your body.

Two common vaginal discomforts are vaginal dryness and urinary incontinence.

When a woman’s ovaries stop working, either due to menopause or surgical removal, she stops making estrogen. With that, a series of side effects occur. One of those least talked about is vaginal dryness, or vaginal atrophy. The condition can cause painful intercourse, irritation, and sometimes even difficulty sitting down or staying active due to increased sensitivity.

Incontinence, at any age, also is an embarrassing discomfort some women fail to bring up to a doctor Dr. Evelina Swartzman is an OB/GYN at Women’s Health Associates in Dr. Evelina Swartzman, an OB/GYN at Women’s Health Associates in Leawood, hopes to educate women about their changing bodies.

Leawood. “My calling is to empower women,” she says. “I strive to educate my patients so they don’t worry

REVIVING ‘DOWN THERE’: DR. SWARTZMAN AT WOMEN’S HEALTH ASSOCIATES Let’s talk about your vagina. Don’t blush.

The region down there is a topic that needs to be discussed. The female reproductive system can grow a whole human being, but the vagina also plays a role in intimate relationships, exercise, and urination. Like the rest of your body, your vagina changes as you age.

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about the next time they have an ache or pain. I hope my patients go home understanding why our bodies do what they do, even if we don’t always like it.”

Some women might be hesitant to mention vaginal dryness or incontinence to a doctor because they believe it’s a natural consequence of menopause, hormonal changes, or purely from aging. But vaginal dryness and incontinence don’t have to be bothersome. In fact, they can be

alleviated. And Dr. Swartzman can help.

She offers the Mona Lisa Touch, a minimally invasive laser therapy for vaginal health. It is the only FDAapproved vaginal laser in the U.S. for vaginal and urinary health of women.

It helps reduce symptoms of vaginal dryness and incontinence, and it’s even proven to help women with recurrent vaginal infections.

During a treatment, a probe is inserted into the vagina. The probe delivers a gentle, painless carbon dioxide laser into the walls of the vagina. This forces a healing response in the body, which

Dr. Swartzman says some women might hesitate bringing up vaginal issues with their doctors, but Dr. Swartzman offers solutions to these problems.

creates new collagen and restores the tissue to pre-menopausal health.

stronger. The vagina’s pH levels return

shouldn’t be something you hide. The

to a normal, pre-menopausal level. The

only way to fix these issues is to talk

bladder and urethra benefit from the

about your vagina!

new collagen formation, and incontinence is relieved.

“It takes five minutes in the office,” Dr. Swartzman explains. “There’s no blood or pain.” The first treatment is a set of three procedures spaced five to six weeks apart. Maintenance is one treatment yearly.

Vaginal dryness and incontinence don’t have to be bothersome.

In fact, they can be alleviated.

“My patients often get relief after the

The staff at Women’s Health Associates consists of Dr. Evelina Swartzman (at left); her assistant, Eunik Cullivan; and five physicians, three mid-level providers, three OB coordinators, two sonographers, and a nurse who performs fetal monitoring assessments.

Vaginal biopsies have proven that the vaginal walls grow back thicker and

first treatment,” she says. “Women

“Vaginal health and intimacy is for

don’t talk about things like this. Mother

my patient — not just a husband or

Nature intended for us to dry up at

boyfriend,” Dr. Swartzman says. “I want

menopause, but we’re not OK with that.

them to enjoy intimacy, too. As I said, I

We should absolutely talk about these

want to empower my patients.”

concerns and address them.”

You can find Dr. Swartzman at WomYour vagina shouldn’t negatively af-

en’s Health Associates, located at 5401

fect your life or relationship with your

College Blvd, Suite 100, in Leawood.

partner. Marriages can struggle when

Visit womenshealthkc.com or call

there is lack of intimacy due to pain.

913.677.3113 for more information.

Being embarrassed by incontinence

SIMPLYKCMAG.COM | 19

r a e D

KACIE HOW TO MEND A BROKEN SIBLING RELATIONSHIP

My sister and I are both in

Family dynamics … Sometimes these are hard to shake,

our 30s. We still fight like we

even into adulthood. You imply that you agree your par-

are teenagers because she thinks our parents favor me.

I can understand why she’d think that. How do we overcome this and start acting like adults?

ents favor you. If you’re looking at this situation from the point of view of the Golden Child, then you first must put yourself in your sister’s shoes.

Consider what it must be like to always be on the opposite side of the equation — to have your parents constantly mistrust and disapprove of you. The favoritism likely started when you two were young. Over the last couple of decades, your parents’ behavior has been poisoning their relationship with your sister, your sister’s relationship with you, and your sister’s own sense of self.

Here’s what you can do now: Have her back. Let her know you know something isn’t right. Validate her feelings. (“I see how hard our parents are on you. You don’t deserve that.”) At family gatherings, use your power as the favorite to protect your sister.

With good open lines of communication you can work through this. If you have any shared interests with your sister, explore them. If you don’t, create some. Show her things you like. Be interested in what she likes. Plan outings for just the two of you. It might take time, but it’s worth it.

If you have any questions you’d like Kacie to answer, submit them to our managing editor at: ashley@simplykcmag.com.

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INFOCUS

Written by Rebecca Fischer / Photos by Jami Marshall

Debbie Beachner is the owner of Martin City-based Gilded Lily, a vintage home goods store itself housed in a vintage, 1905 home.

GILDED LILY: FRENCH-INSPIRED WITH VINTAGE ROOTS It wasn’t that long ago that the West Bottoms warehouse district of KC was little more than abandoned warehouses, scrap yards, and, for autumn anyway, “haunted house” attractions.

About a decade ago, with the city’s growing popularity of First Fridays, the area began a truly remarkable transformation into the artists’ hub and unique shopping destination it is today. Most of the what you’ll find — everything from furniture to vinyl records — is vintage, repurposed, and/or completely original.

Even though Debbie Beachner and her husband, both self-described history buffs, have been combing

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West Bottoms stores for years now, Beachner’s vintage-hunting goes back farther than that.

“I think it started in college, when my best friend and I decided to shop for vintage dresses to wear to a dance,” she says. “I got married shortly after that, and with a house to furnish, my husband and I started filling it with unique, older pieces we both loved.”

The collection began to grow. With the encouragement of friends, Beachner began selling pieces from her personal collection at “pop-up” shopping events both in the Bottoms and in Olathe.

“It was something fun to do part-time when the kids were little, but now it’s

a full-time job,” she says. “I love it so much. It doesn’t even feel like work.”

Much like the shops in the West Bottoms, Gilded Lily, located in Martin City,

Much like the shops in the West Bottoms, Gilded Lily is home to multiple merchants, each with their own designated area.

is home to multiple merchants, each with their own designated area, including Accessories by Allison, Full Bloom, Something Sweet, The Teal Butterfly, Vintage Suz, and more.

“Debbie has such an eye for what goes together,” says Jeanne Allison, owner of Accessories by Allison, a home décor store with a focus on farmhouse-modern new and vintage pieces. “She really thinks outside the box and shows the shopper how to use pieces in unexpect-

Sherry hand-crafted French chocolates.

Merriam-based candlemaker Mixture is another big seller.

“I love shopping Gilded Lily,” says Misti Maddron, a Gilded Lily customer for two years. “The store is a showcase of beautiful home décor with a touch of whimsy.

Every season brings new, alluring styles that are must-haves for your home.”

ed ways. It’s one of the most beautifully displayed stores in the area.”

As unique as the items for sale is the store where they’re sold: a converted

From home décor to jewelry, Beachner

1905 single-family home.

fills the spaces between the merchants with unique items and gifts, such as

Beachner is in the process of planning

Rancé House perfume from France.

a memorial garden for Evelyn Hopkins, who owned the house and raised a fam-

“It was developed for Napoleon’s family, about 1795.” Beachner says. “It smells so good! And there’s a very good chance

ily there. At Gilded Lily’s open house this fall, two of Hopkins’ girls came back to see the house with their children.

you’ll be the only one wearing it.”

Gilded Lily is also available for “ladies’ Gilded Lily is definitely French-inspired.

Yes, Beachner has been to France — a few times. She always comes back in-

night” private shopping events where Beachner donates 10% of sales from that day to the charity of choice.

spired and ready to share that inspiration with KC shoppers. She does shop locally,

“Martin City is such a great communi-

but also attends large professional shop-

ty — everyone is very close,” Beachner

ping markets in Atlanta, Dallas, and other

says. “I couldn’t be happier to be a part

cities.

of it.”

Her top sellers are vintage religious

Gilded Lily is located at 612 E. 135th St.

items and furniture, as well as unique

in Martin City. Call 816.510.2182 or visit

lines she carries, such as Cavallini

gildedlilykc.com.

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INFOCUS

Written by Rebecca Fischer Photos by Jami Marshall

“I considered all the feedback and the different factors important to hairdressers and put together Lulu’s business plan,” Giarraputo says.

“Ultimately, I felt that if my team members were happy, our customers would be happy.”

The plan worked. Nearly 15 years later, Lulu Salon and Spa in Overland Park is home to more than a dozen happy stylists. Business is booming and the clients are loyal, driving in from all over the KC metro.

Michelle Blythe is one of the stylists who has been with Giarraputo since day one.

“Being surrounded by such a wonderful group of people who are very educated — and continue to stay educated on the latest techniques and products — allows us to offer the latest, best looks for our clients,” Blythe says. “Plus, I love the freedom to be creative, but still supported.”

Leslie Giarraputo established Lulu’s Salon and Spa in Overland Park nearly 15 years ago.

FREEDOM + CREATIVITY = THE PERFECT ATMOSPHERE FOR SUCCESS Leslie Giarraputo was about halfway into her 30-year hairstyling career when she began envisioning her own salon. She chatted with her closest colleagues about what would make a salon the very best it could be.

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As an “open concept” salon, Lulu allows stylists to be as independent as possible, while immersing themselves in a collaborative atmosphere. Each is an independent contractor. They have their own styling stations and shampoo bowls. Unlike private suite salons, the stylists work out in the open together.

“Our work is very creative, even with the simplest style,” Giarraputo says. “With the open concept, we feed off each other’s energy. It’s reflected in our work.”

Stylist Jill Jenkins finishes up with a client.

From the left: Anna Bubeck, Jill Castenda, Jennifer Wyatt, Cheryl Steele, Leslie Giarraputo, Belinda Ward, Sarah Brown, April Yancey, Michelle Blythe, Bobbi Cates, Jennifer Jensen. Not pictured: Carlene Childs, Linda Dischner, Angie Marshall, Jaime Guzman, Jill Jenkins

Lulu is a full-service salon, offering all hair services, including two types of natural-hair extensions: the lock-in and tape-in methods. The more extensive lock-in method could include 100 to 200 extensions all over the head and is ideal for normal to coarse hair. The tape-in method is a great solution for normal to fine hair, adding length and volume in a faster service time. Tape-ins also can be more affordable and take less time because fewer extensions are used. Both methods of extensions last about six months, but must be repositioned every six weeks.

Now that winter is upon us, the one thing that will keep your hair looking its best is moisture.

“Our work is very creative, even with the simplest style. With the open concept, we feed off each other’s creative energy. It’s reflected in our work.”

Another option clients have for volumizing and lengthening their style is a temporary hair piece called Halo Couture. The Halo isn’t connected to the hair, so it can be worn whenever the client wants. Each piece is special ordered and color matched to the client’s hair. Giarraputo says it’s the perfect solution for special events.

“If you don’t have enough moisture, you’ll have static, no shine, and no pliability, which can lead to hair breakage,” she says. “With our new in-salon treatment, L’Oreal PowerMix, you’ll see a change immediately.” This conditioning treatment penetrates to the deepest part of your cortex for long-lasting benefits.

Keratin-smoothing treatments also improve the health of your hair. Keratin — a naturally occurring protein in hair — smoothes rather than straightens the hair shaft. This controls frizziness. The process can also reduce the styling time, which every client loves, Giarraputo says.

In addition to hair services, eyelash extensions and nail services, including spa pedicures and poly-gel manicures, are popular services at Lulu Salon and Spa. The salon sells only professional product lines, including L’Oreal Serie Expert, Kevin Murphy, Label.M, Redken, and Moroccan Oil, and professional styling tools, such as FHI & USmooth.

Lulu Salon and Spa is located at 4480 W. 107th St. Call 913.648.3658 to schedule an appointment with any of the professionals.

MEET THE NEWEST MEMBERS OF THE LULU TEAM Sarah Brown Sarah specializes in custom color and cuts and has been helping people look and feel beautiful in the Overland Park area for almost a decade. The best part of her job? She loves meeting new people and having the chance to be creative every time somebody sits down in her chair. When not at work, she enjoys spending time with her (growing) family — at the time of this article, she was due with her second daughter in just weeks.

April Yancey Now in the 12th year of her career, April knew from day one that she’d found her calling. She had spent a few years in human resources, and although she loved helping people, she knew something was missing. “When I started doing hair, it was like it just clicked into place,” she says. “I love this job.” April specializes in cuts, color, and extensions.

Anna Bubeck Anna began her career in eyelash extensions eight years ago. She specializes in classic and volume eyelash extensions and also provides corrective services, strategic lash mapping, and planning for alopecia and chemotherapy patients.

Anna is the only person in KC certified to do Longmi Lash’s patented multilayered technique. She enjoys the precision in detail, ensuring the perfect look and long-term wear.

SIMPLYKCMAG.COM | 33

BE WELL

SELF-CARE TIPS FOR THE BUSIEST TIME OF THE YEAR The holidays are a wonderful time for nostalgia, gift-giving, and socializing.

But sometimes all of that fun can leave little time for self-care.

Most of us already experience stress throughout the year, but when you add the increased financial burdens, travel, and time with family and friends, it can

Here are some ways to manage your

giving to others, but it is important

stress during this holiday season and

to remember that you can only give

keep it a joyful season for both you

from what you have. If your cup is

and your family.

empty, then you have nothing left to give.”

1. Prioritize self-care habits.

Do you have any care habits you

2. Schedule personal time.

do every single day? Maybe it is

If you are someone who requires

your morning cup of coffee, your

time alone, you should anticipate

daily devotion or prayers, journaling

the busyness of the holidays and

before you go to bed, or your daily

schedule time away from your

workout. Whatever it is, make sure

family or friends. “Scheduling

you give it the priority it deserves.

personal time in your day is really

These daily habits can be powerful

important, especially if you are the

ways to manage your stress during

kind of person who needs more of

such a busy time of year. Allowing them to be crowded out by other

that,” Burton says.During the rest of

activities can mean increased stress.

the year, you may not need to plan

(And, if you’re feeling as though you’re

“Self-care is very important during

more stressed than your partner, you’re

the holidays,” says Amy Burton, a

the holidays often involve a hectic

right — an American Psychiatric As-

licensed professional counselor and

sociation study revealed that holiday

owner of Amy Burton Counseling

stress tends to be worse for women, as

in Overland Park. “Make sure you

they tend to take the lead in planning

take time to do things that are good

and cleaning up after events.)

for you. The holidays are all about

make your stress escalate dramatically.

34

Written by Brennan Hallock

| SIMPLYKCMAG.COM

ahead just to have time alone, but schedule with family and friends coming and going. “Scheduling time in your day when you are purposefully and intentionally having time alone to do what’s best for you is essential,” she explains. “It’s good

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BE WELL

CONT.

to know what it is that helps you feel calm and centered within yourself and to do that.”

3. Discuss expectations beforehand. Family and inlaws can be particularly difficult sources of stress during the holidays. It is good to see your family, but we all have those things about our family that make our blood pressures rise. This is where preparation is especially important.

Discuss expectations beforehand with your partner or family so they are aware of your need for personal time.

“It is important — especially when you are talking about visiting in-laws — to have a conversation with your spouse about how the two of you are going to handle situations together,” Burton says. “It is important that your spouse be on your side.” Setting expectations beforehand will help your family understand what you need to be able to make this holiday season relaxing and cheerful.

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INFOCUS

Written by Ann E. Butenas / Photos by Jami Marshall

Volunteers with Ascend Hospice provide companionship for those in hospice care.

IT’S NOT ABOUT CHANGING THE OUTCOME; IT’S ABOUT AFFECTING THE JOURNEY It’s been said the end of life deserves as much beauty, care, and respect as the beginning of life. The trusted experts at Ascend Hospice fully embrace that sentiment. They deliver unwavering compassion at one’s darkest hour, led by giving and understanding hearts, to honor and provide dignity to those who are ready to journey from this life to the next.

It’s been said the end of life deserves as much beauty, care, and respect as the beginning of life. The trusted experts at Ascend Hospice fully embrace that sentiment. They deliver unwavering compassion at one’s darkest hour, led by giving and understanding hearts, to honor and provide dignity to those who are

38

| SIMPLYKCMAG.COM

ready to journey from this life to the next.

By all accounts, it would appear the team at Ascend Hospice believes caring for others in this manner is one of the highest privileges ever given to them.

“It’s an honor to be accepted into the lives of the patients and their families, and we are honored to walk that journey with them,” reflects Krystal Anderson, volunteer coordinator for Kansas, working alongside Adeng DeWarabeck, volunteer coordinator for Missouri.

Anderson and DeWarabeck realize hospice is not an easy choice

to make, but they understand that

provided a team of caregivers, includ-

“We live in a quick-fix society, but grief

struggle.They are dedicated to helping

ing attending physicians, a medical

is not a quick-fix experience,” notes

every patient and family navigate this

director, nurses (RNs, case managers,

Maureen Kelly, bereavement chaplain.

challenging time with dignity and love,

LPNs, and home health aides), social

“Grief is a wound that needs tending.

coupled with attentive, individualized

workers, chaplains, therapists, counsel-

At Ascend, we continue to offer a vari-

programs, services, and alternative

ors, and a host of volunteers.

ety of resources to the family members and friends of those who have died so

Volunteer Coordinator Krystal Anderson (at left) spends time with hospice patient Melba “Jeanne” Divine, Kim White, Ascend Hospice registered nurse case manager.

they are able to navigate the journey of grief and come to healing.”

Ascend Hospice is truly all about quality of life, not length of life. Even as the final hour draws near, those with Ascend Hospice all step in to hold vigil while they serve as patients’ advocates, playing music, giving respite to the family, and calling the family members throughout those last moments when it is time to say their final goodbyes. “No one dies alone with hospice,” Anderson shares.

therapies focused on the whole person

It’s important to remember that As-

— including mind, body, and spirit.

cend Hospice is not a place. It comprises services provided wherever the

“We live in a quick-fix society, but grief is not a quick-fix experience.

Grief is a wound that needs tending.”

patient is — at home, in a living facility or in a nursing facility.

“Our volunteers are truly amazing, as they provide companionship, friendly visits, assistance with bereavement, massage therapy, reiki, pet therapy, and music therapy,” Anderson says.

Volunteer Jaleigh White and Melba “Jeanne” Divine on a visit.

suring he or she is as pain-free as pos-

Unfortunately, there is no rule book

If you are ready to learn more about

sible, as well as being a support system

or timeframe for grief. The experience

Ascend Hospice and how they can

for the families,” Anderson explains.

of grief is as unique as a fingerprint.

provide a personalized and holistic ap-

It is different for everyone. As such,

proach to hospice care for your loved

To qualify for hospice, one must be

Ascend Hospice keeps its heart and

one, visit ascendhospice.com or call

diagnosed with six months or less to

doors open to the bereaved long after

866.821.1212.

live. When patients and their families

the loved one has passed.

“Our main focus is on the patient, en-

partner with Ascend Hospice, they are

SIMPLYKCMAG.COM | 39

BECAUSE I SAID SO ...

Written by Julie Burton | Photo by Samantha Levi

(WO)MAN COLD Call me the Grinch. Call me Ebenezer Scrooge. Call me Tiny Tim, dying on the floor from rickets and tuberculosis. Yes, I looked it up.

me thinking of a list. It’s not a naughty list or a nice list. In fact, the next Santa I see is getting a kick in the giant red ...

I have news for you. The ones close to me know this little secret. It’s minor, really. You can forget I ever mentioned it. I am a man. Not a man with an Adam’s apple but a man with a cold.

I’m sorry. I’m getting inappropriate.

I’m ill.

I have man-cold syndrome.

I’ve heard the jokes. A bunch of girlfriends get together to complain about their husbands. The topic falls on a man getting sick and BOOM — the insults fly and I avoid all eye contact. “He’s so whiny, lazy, and pathetic when he’s sick. He’s a complete mama’s boy and he doesn’t even have a fever. He wants us to finish the will because he thinks he’s that bad. Men are the weaker sex — truly. A cold. He has THE COMMON COLD.” Scott is the woman and I am the man.

I am your fetal-position, violently ill husband without a fever. I have a cold.

I have a bad cold. I have a really, really bad cold and I’m dying. My death by cold with no fever has been dragging on for two weeks. Scott has put up with my moaning for 14 days. Not that kind of moaning.

The time spent in my deathbed got

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| SIMPLYKCMAG.COM

I have nothing against Santa. And really, the jolly ole elf probably would be quick to kick his black boot at some crazy, tuberculosis-struck woman charging at him.

I made a list. It’s more of a Clark Griswold-meltdown sort of list.

What I want for Christmas: I want Scott to teach me how to hock a loogie with distance. I live in Overland Park — home of criminals who follow UPS, FedEX, and the USPS trucks to steal packages from front doors. I want to be wheeled out to our front porch, sit, and wait while I hock giant chunks of green phlegm.

Anyone running away with one of my neighbors’ packages will be dodging my contagious illness resulting in death.

cough drops don’t work and they make me smell like sickness.

I want Cousin Eddie to bring me the logo designer of Target’s Archer Farms coffee beans. I can feel caffeine in my soul. I tried to drink a fresh cup of coffee to soothe my sore throat and you know what I felt? I felt hot water. I felt decaf. Next time you’re at your computer designing coffee bean packaging, try displaying DECAF in extra-large letters with a surgeon general warning on the front.

I want my kids and Scott (once he brings me Luden’s cough drops) to be happy for the rest of their lives.

I am a man with a cold and no fever.

Merry Christmas. Hallelujah. Where’s the Tylenol?

World peace. Let’s just throw it out there and see what happens.

Julie Burton is an Overland Park mom, wife, writer, outdoorswoman by marriage, K-State lover, and bacon-hater. She is a blogger and contributing author to the humor book, But Did You Die?: Setting the Parenting Bar Low. Burton’s also been named one of the Today Show’s “funniest parents.” And yes, she really does hate bacon. Please don’t drop her as a friend.

I want Scott to stop rolling his eyes at me after I tell him my specific request for LUDEN’s wild cherry cough drops. No, I’m not a child. Menthol

Follow Julie at: bug-bytes.net facebook.com/julieaburton twitter.com/ksujulie instagram.com/ksujulie

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PARENTING

Written by Julie Burton

from funny collectible monsters to redeemable digital coins.

We searched hard for the best chore apps on the market — because we know Fido needs to be fed.

Vívofit Jr. and Vívofit Jr. 2

by Garmin $79.99 retail, available anywhere fitness trackers are sold Garmin’s Vívofit Jr. and Vívofit Jr. 2 are activity trackers for kids. The wearable device, which comes in a variety of sizes and colors, is worn on the wrist. The Vívofit Jr. 2 is a slight upgrade, offering colored screens and bands featuring Marvel, Star Wars, and Minnie Mouse.

The trackers are waterproof and can run on a battery for up to a year.

Kids are motivated to do chores by earning virtual coins. Parents use a free Vívofit smartphone app to set chores, control their coin value, and set rewards for the child to redeem.

The tracker reminds your child which chores needs to be done. It also comes with a timer to help with tasks, such as brushing teeth.

The Vívofit Jr. apps also can track your kid’s heart rate, step count, and sleep.

And, if you have two or more kids, you

CHORE GAMES

can set up family activity challenges. not, they’re learning from electronic devices rather than paper and pen. The

Vívofit Jr. and Vívofit Jr. 2 are geared

chore chart boards we remember as

toward ages 4 and up. The accompa-

It doesn’t matter which generation you

kids might not work with this gener-

nying parental app is available on iOS

belong to — you did chores growing

ation because it’s not the “language”

and Android.

up. The expectation of children helping

kids speak.

around the house, paid or not, is not new. Chores teach kids responsibility

It may seem strange to hand a child an

and they give them sense of accom-

iPad to do chores, but parents swear it

plishment. It’s also a great way to

works. Most chore apps on the market

teach children to manage finances.

are designed for kids under 12. Chore apps promise to help kids put down

If only kids would actually do the chores.

their electronic device and become bed-makers, laundry-folders, and toy

42

Children today are growing up in a

picker-uppers. The apps “game-ify”

digital world. Whether we like it or

chores by offering rewards ranging

| SIMPLYKCMAG.COM

Choremonster/Landra/ Mothership by Family Tech Free on iOS and Android Family Tech promises your child will be begging you for more chores.

These three apps are used together on one account. Choremonster is made for kids ages 4 to 12, while Landra is

made for 12 and up. The difference is the

The app only needs to be purchased

The website allows your entire family to

way chores are rewarded — Choremon-

once for it to run on all family iOS and

battle each other in a virtual world of

ster uses friendly cartoon monsters and

Android devices. You get a parental

wizards, fighters, and monsters by com-

Landra has an older, teen-friendly theme.

passcode within the app to access

pleting chores. You can claim experience

settings, which allows you to add or

points for each household chore, which

Parents can control the list of chores,

deduct allowances in real time based

helps you level up. When you level up,

set point values, and hand out rewards

on the chores your child has completed.

your strength and other statistics are

through the Mothership app. Kids and

You can choose to pay kids with real or

adjusted to reflect the chores that you

teens collect points for digital rewards

pretend currencies, such as smileys.

performed.

and in-real-life rewards.

The app also features an allowance

As you progress, you will encounter

Kids can log into Choremonster or

graph for kids to learn finance and the

monsters, pick up dropped loot and

Landra separate from you through an

importance of saving. Children can watch

gold, unlock treasure, and improve your

iOS device, Android, or computer, but

their savings grow and see their savings

character. The “dungeon master” — or

still remain linked to your Mothership

predictions for the future.

the person who has admin access to the

account.

Allowance and Chores Bot

by Wingboat

household account — can assign new

Chore Wars

quests and challenge the party with

Free or $10 one-time charge for bonus

something new to keep the game fresh

features, available at chorewars.com

and fun.

$2.99 on iOS and Android

Chore Wars is not an app, but a web-

This chore app has a slight shift in focus

based game for large families (or even

on allowances and finance.

office workspaces).

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GOOD TASTES

Written by Gina Reardon | Photo by Adrienne Maples

Spread a Little Love

With the holiday season nearly upon us, our mailboxes will begin to fill with holiday greeting cards, photographs of smiling families. and if we are very lucky, invitations to parties! I love hosting parties, planning parties for others, and, of course, going to parties. And that means hostess gifts! Wine, clever cocktail napkins, pretty candles, or gifts from the kitchen.

As a baker, my favorite Oooh La La Shortbread cookies are an easy go-to, but if baking isn’t your jam, then this chocolate hazelnut spread, aka “Nutella” is an easy and elegant gift for you to make! Spoon it into a pretty jar, tie with a ribbon, and you’re done. Going well with plain croissants or good bread, swirled inside a pound cake, spread between twin butter cookies, or sampled from the end of a spoon, your gift will be memorably savored.

Chocolate & Hazelnut Spread

Yield: 1 pound

INGREDIENTS

DIRECTIONS

1/2 cup blanched hazelnuts

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees. Spread the hazelnuts on a baking sheet and toast in the preheated oven for about 5 to 7 minutes, until pale golden.

Remove the nuts from the oven and let them cool slightly. Put the warm hazelnuts into a food processor and chop until they become an almost smooth paste.

3.5 ounces dark chocolate (72% cacao), chopped 1/3 cup plus 2 tablespoons sweetened condensed milk 1 to 2 tablespoons hazelnut oil pinch of salt 3 to 4 tablespoons hot water

Gently melt the chocolate, condensed milk, and hazelnut oil in a small saucepan over low heat. Stir until the mixture is smooth, then add it to the hazelnut paste in the food processor. Add a pinch of salt and blend. Pour the hot water and blend again until the mixture has a thick, spreadable consistency.

Spoon the concoction into a pretty, sterilized jar and let it cool. Cover with a lid and label when it’s cold.

Note: The hazelnut spread will keep in the fridge for up to 2 weeks.

Gina Reardon, owner of Catering by Design and culinary philanthropist, leads the KC team for No Kid Hungry, culinary professionals, and community members focused on supporting Share Our Strength’s No Kid Hungry campaign. Funds raised help connect the nation’s 16 million low-income children with more school breakfast, lunch, and summer meals.

44

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