SIMPLYkc Magazine December 2021 by SIMPLYkc Magazine

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CONTENTS

AROUND TOWN 12 CROWNED IN ZONA ROSA

LOCAL HOLIDAY SHOPPING GUIDE 14 INFOCUS 16

DEEPENING THE CONNECTIONS WITH MAN’S BEST FRIEND

WHO WHAT WHERE 18 MEET SARAH JABBOUR

BE WELL 20

KC ASSAULT VICTIMS TURN TO THE FACT PROGRAM FOR HELP

LOCAL GOOD EATS 24 26

FASHION 26

12 48

INFOCUS 32

KC’S NON-TOXIC NAIL SALON

INFOCUS 34

DISCOVER LIGHT AND COMMUNITY AT PHARE

PARENTING 36

THE STRUGGLE: TEACHING YOUR CHILDREN SELF-CONTROL

FINANCE 38

WHAT DID COVID DO TO THE FIRE MOVEMENT?

INFOCUS 40

MAE MONROE REINVENTS BRIDAL MAKEUP

BECAUSE I SAID SO 42 THE GHOST OF CHRISTMAS PAST

7 THINGS 44

SEVEN HOLIDAY ACTIVITIES FOR YOU TO TRY THIS SEASON

BOOKISH 46

WALKING IN A WINTER WONDERLAND

GOOD TASTE 48 AULD LANG SYNE

DEAR KACIE 50 XMAS OR EX-MAS?

SIMPLYkc MAGAZINE

DECEMBER 2021

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PUBLISHER’S NOTE

THIS SEASON, LESS IS MORE December should be the happiest and most joyful month of the year. But, for many, it is the most stressful! With Pinterest and other social media, there is a certain pressure to create the perfect scene for the holidays. I get anxiety just thinking about the gifts, the decorating, and the social calendar. This year, my motto is going to be “less is more.” I want to focus on the things that really matter—spending time with family and making memories. As my kids grow older, they may not remember what they received in their stocking in 2021, but they will remember hanging out with family and making a great evening going to a movie or just hunkering down in the basement watching holiday classics. This time of year is extra special because it brings together friends and family who you may only see each other once a year. I always think of the movie The Family Stone, which might be one of the best family Christmas movies to date. We all can relate to awkward dinner conversations, differing political views, or couples’ drama that can come to a head this time of year. While my Christmas may not be Pinterest-worthy, I am definitely going to make it one to remember! Here is to health and happiness in the New Year. Have a happy holiday season!

Suzanne Steiner, Publisher

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PUBLISHER Suzanne Steiner suz@simplykcmag.com MANAGING EDITOR Brennan Hallock of Hallock Writing & Design editor@simplykcmag.com PHOTOGRAPHY Jami Bowman of Electric Imagez, Melanie McDowell, Nicole Bissey Photography, Ryan Bruce, Anna Petrow, Sherri Schwinn, Samantha Levi, Molly Kuplen CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Julie Burton, Sophie Oswald, Gina Reardon, Tiffany Killoren, T.E. Cunningham, Shannon E. Roesgen, Judy Goppert, Jackie Woods, Allison Gibeson, Brennan Hallock of Hallock Writing & Design, Bethaney Wallace ART DIRECTOR Julie Faerman, Whoo Design ADVERTISING Gretchen McGraw, Sales 620.474.5859 sales@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 • Robin Addleman, 201 Pearl St., Harrison, MO, 816.665.6505, 201wepstudios@gmail.com, @westelmphotography MODEL • McKenzie Roth with Exposure Model and Talent Agency, Inc., 751 E. 63rd St., Suite 207, Kansas City, MO, 913-317-8801, @exposuremodeltalentagency WARDROBE • The Pretty Posy Boutique, 7942 Santa Fe Dr., Overland Park, KS, 913.283.7013, prettyposyboutique.com, @prettyposykc HAIR • Jen Kelly, Frankie’s Salon & Spa, 705 W. Amity St., Louisburg, KS, @frankieshairsalon MAKEUP • Mae Monroe, 913.369.5446, maemonroe.business@gmail.com, @maemonroe.artistry

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. ©2021, Mach Publications, LLC.

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AROUND TOWN Zona Rosa Skating Rink / Photo by Nicole Bissey Photography

CROWNED IN ZONA ROSA WRITTEN BY JULIE BURTON

ansas City is called Crown Town. Crowns are everywhere. Kauffman Stadium’s scoreboard is crowned for the Kansas City Royals. Hallmark’s logo is a crown. Hallmark’s headquarters is in Kansas City’s Crown Center. Zona Rosa adorns their streets with crowns every Christmas season. Kansas City was not built by kings and queens, though. The Kansas City Royals are named after The American Royal. Hallmark’s crown logo is based on old typography that resembled a crown. And Zona

SIMPLYkc MAGAZINE

DECEMBER 2021

Rosa’s crowns? They were inspired by the 1950s regal decorations in London, England. The crowns weren’t always hanging above the streets of Zona Rosa. You have to go back to 19621976 photographs of downtown Kansas City to see the original majestic crowns above the streets (or maybe you are lucky enough to remember seeing them in person). The 2021 crowns are not crowns from 1962. For one thing, modern energy conservation has changed. And two, no one knows where the

18-foot-wide by 14-foot-tall crowns went. There are rumors they were made into a jungle gym in the city of Holton, Kansas. The crowns you see at Zona Rosa are replicas of the crowns previous generations enjoyed in downtown Kansas City.

Crowning Downtown KC George Purucker specialized in illuminated retail displays in 1959. Purucker handled the outdoor holiday displays for numerous surrounding cities. While on a trip to England during the holidays he

noticed large, illuminated crowns in the retail districts. Purucker thought something like that would be perfect to help drive shoppers back to downtown businesses in Kansas City. Kansas City was losing its shopping luster to new developments such as Ward Parkway Center and Johnson County. Purucker approached the Downtown Merchants Association with the idea of hanging large crowns in the middle of downtown.

But to get the crowns up, the Downtown Merchants Association needed help. The association reached out to the Mann family to help create something “spectacular” during the holiday season. Frank Mann owned Mannequin, a business that offered indoor displays and outdoor Christmas products to area businesses such as Macy’s, Jones Store, and Rothschilds. Hallmark was just coming into its own and the crown was beginning to become an iconic Kansas City image. Photo by Ryan Bruce

The logistics of getting the crowns up was a major undertaking. Holes were made in buildings and the cables were mounted on the floor inside the buildings. Mann’s son, Hoot, says, “Sometimes these property owners lived in places like Australia, and it was not like you could just email them.” But the Mann family did it. Downtown Kansas City was crowned.

The Rest of the Crown Town Story

Photo by Ryan Bruce

The Merchants Association loved the idea and ordered a set of nine crowns at a cost of $38,000. In 1962, the original crowns went up every Christmas until the late ‘60s. Each crown had 1,621 bulbs, putting out enough illumination to “light 30 homes” according to the Kansas City Star. Energy conservation was not considered at the time. The crowns drew so much wattage that KCPL had to bring individual transformers to power the crowns.

In the late 1960s, energy conservation came to mind and the crowns were changed. This second generation of crowns, called the Imperial Crowns, were lighted with 10-watt lamps. By the mid-1970s, Kansas City was not the bustling downtown it once was due to the economy and suburban shopping malls. Fewer businesses meant no Downtown Merchants Association. No association meant no crowns. The crowns were gone by 1976.

lighting, and security and parking lot lights. Then in 2004, Zona Rosa called Manneco. The new shopping area in North Kansas City wanted to revive the crowns and asked if Manneco could make a new set. Mann remembers, “It was pretty exciting to get the call. We still had the prototype of the crown Dad had made. So we pulled it out of the rafters and based the new crowns on it. Although they are not as enormous as those first crowns, they were still large, about 15 feet in diameter and 11-12 feet tall.” Two crowns now hang in the intersections of Zona Rosa. A third, smaller crown sits atop Zona Rosa’s 55-foot Christmas tree. They encompass the Christmas spirit, but they also let Kansas Citians and visitors know—Kansas City will always be Crown Town.

In the late 1990s, the Mann family shortened their company name, Mannequin, to Manneco. Manneco became a business that only offered outdoor displays, general outdoor

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Local

HOLIDAY SHOPPING GUIDE

The Zum Factory Store is a whiffable wonderland filled with all things Zum. Stop by to pick up plant-based, essential oilfilled gifts for everyone on your list. From Zum Bar Goat’s Milk Soaps to Aromatherapy Sprays, Laundry Soap, Candles and more, we’ve got a smell-good gift for all. Our products are made in Kansas City by Zummers for you.

3125 Wyandotte Street, KCMO • 816.221.3480 • indigowild.com

Our modern women’s boutique offers timeless fashion to bring out your beautiful best. Drop in for all of your holiday needs: stunning outfits, lovely accessories and unique gifts.

7951 W. 160 th Street, Ste. 530, Overland Park, KS • 913.318.0058 • theplaidelephantshop.com

SIMPLYkc MAGAZINE

DECEMBER 2021

LOCAL HOLIDAY SHOPPING GUIDE

The Pretty Posy is a women’s boutique in the heart of quaint and beautiful Downtown Overland Park. We bring you clothing, accessories, and gifts with a feminine and sophisticated style, a vintage vibe, and the perfect touch of trend. All of our jewelry and gifts are from small businesses both local and from around the country. We want to help you shop small this holiday season!

Cuorebella is an uncommon shop where you’ll find unique gifts, holiday decor, home accessories, fine cards, and stationery. Gifts are wrapped and ready to present.

Hawthorne Plaza, 4953 W. 119th St., Overland Park, KS • 913.325.7354 • cuorebella.com

7942 Santa Fe Dr., Overland Park, KS • 913.283.7013 prettyposyboutique.com • Instagram & Facebook: @theprettyposykc

Triple Wrap Bracelets by Beth Cosner Designs, Watercolor Leather accented with Druzy Quartz. Gallery V offers handcrafted originals by local and international artists in painting, sculpture, glass, ceramic, jewelry, and gifts. Open TuesdayFriday 10 am-5:30 pm, Saturday 10 am-4 pm, and by appointment. Aesthetic Surgical Arts/Mia Bella Donna Medspa is focused on providing professional yet personalized aesthetic and wellness services. Give the gift of self-care with our holiday gift certificate special. Purchase a $250 gift certificate for $199.

Mission Farms West, 4020 Indian Creek Parkway, Overland Park, KS • 913.341.3483 • galleryvfinearts.com

12541 Foster St. Ste. 330, Overland Park, KS • 913.827.9898 • asa-kc.com

Junque Drawer—We are located in a vintage three-story home in downtown Olathe. We carry eclectic gifts, handmade items, embellishments, home decor, apparel, sips, and sweets. Come visit us this holiday season!

Our seasonal pop-up is back this year at Town Center Plaza! We offer a collection of seasonal and home decor, furniture, home fragrances, gifts, premium faux florals, and more. Your one-stop shop for all things holiday. Come curious, leave inspired.

4840 W. 119th St., Leawood, KS • 785.250.7720 reddoorhomestore.com

233 S. Cherry, Olathe, KS • 913.261.8183 SIMPLYKCMAG.COM

INFOCUS

DEEPENING THE CONNECTION WITH MAN’S BEST FRIEND VITAL K9’S CUSTOMIZED DOG TRAINING ALLOWS PETS & OWNERS TO ENHANCE THEIR BOND WRITTEN BY ALLISON GIBESON PHOTOS BY JAMI BOWMAN

rowing up in rural Arkansas, Abigail Wilmoth spent countless hours bonding with her family’s Australian Shepherds. Her passion for dogs only grew over the years, and she is now the owner of Vital K9, where she offers services in pet training, puppy development, and service dog training. As a professional dog trainer, Wilmoth has trained more than 200 dogs. She says her focus on individualized training and improving the bond between pet and owner sets her apart in the services she provides. “We make sure our training is specialized to the dog and specialized to the dog-human relationship,” Wilmoth explains.

SIMPLYkc MAGAZINE

DECEMBER 2021

Abigail Wilmoth with her two personal working dogs, Nugget and Vita.

Wilmoth attended the University of Arkansas and obtained a degree in animal science. During college she was not sure what she wanted to do in the field, but she did know she wanted to help people through animals. When someone mentioned professional dog training, her interest piqued. After she went to a dog training school and obtained two certificates, she knew she’d found

her niche. With her background in animal science, she offers more than a typical trainer. She has a broader understanding of canine medical issues and how they play into behaviors the animals exhibit. “I understand the behavior of dogs, but I also understand the welfare and husbandry of dogs,” Wilmoth says.

Training The Pet and The Owner

ment that Cooper was excited to see her for each session.

She originally started her business in Arkansas, but relocated and brought Vital K9 to Kansas City this past summer. She currently offers her services through private appointments, and she believes it’s important to engage and train the owner so they become more connected to their furry family member.

“Instead of having a standard course set out, she tailored each of our lessons not only to what we wanted from Cooper but also to his abilities to learn,” Davis says. “If he caught on to a task quickly, we would up the challenge or the distraction.”

Wilmoth says dogs are often sent away for training, but the owners do not know what to do with that training upon its completion. Instead, her training is centered around the pet-owner relationship. One especially rewarding component to her work is training service dogs. She recalls one client with a severe food allergy who has been able to do things they never thought possible before, all because of the assistance of a service dog. Wilmoth takes satisfaction knowing she can improve the quality of people’s lives. In addition to training service dogs to sniff out allergens, she also trains them in assisting with mobility and PTSD needs. In the future she would like to hire more trainers, open a facility, and offer other services such as a doggy day care.

Davis says their first lesson taught Cooper not to run when the door opened and not to jump on the guests, and the lessons continued to build on that foundation. “We thought we were putting our puppy in lessons, but Vital K9 and Abigail were training us humans,” Davis explains. “She truly taught us how our dog thinks, how he responds, and then how to interact in a positive way. The lessons were so engaging and entertaining that we all looked forward to them.”

Wilmoth offers a free consultation and tips. She says there is so much about dogs that need to be understood as they simply can’t state all their needs, and she enjoys helping offer insights into what dogs are truly telling their owners.

“She truly taught us how our dog thinks, how he responds, and then how to interact in a positive way.” “We want to help people bridge that gap between human and dog,” she explains. “We want to create better communication.”

Wilmoth’s personal touch and individualized attention are what clients say stand out about her training. “We are able to create a customized training plan, and we are there for dog and owner during and after training,” she says. Stephanie Davis turned to Vital K9 to help train her six-month-old dog Cooper, and she says it was a uniquely gratifying experience. She says Wilmoth trains with such positive reinforce-

Vital K9 • vitalk9training.com • 816.339.8555

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, o h W

PHOTO BY ANNA PETROW

WHAT, WHERE

Meet Sarah Jabbour Who: Sarah Jabbour—aka SCOO-

BIE—is in love with fashion. And she wants to share this passion with others through her brand called SCOOBIE.

What:

Jabbour has worked in the retail world since she was 14 years old, and this experience has allowed her to create her own style, developing her own brand through her women’s clothing boutique locations in the Kansas City area, including Prairie Village and Kansas City/West Bottoms. She offers unique finds at affordable prices, traveling the country to hand select the best quality pieces at the best prices. She explains, “It is so rewarding to see the confidence in someone once he/she is in a well-fitted and styled outfit. I love sharing our finds with all our amazingly supportive customers—they truly make my world go around!” Jabbour began SCOOBIE as a side hustle seven years ago while working a full-time marketing job. But after three years, she was able to leave her marketing position and fully commit herself to her dream of opening a storefront. “It has

SIMPLYkc MAGAZINE

DECEMBER 2021

been a long road to get to this point, but I’m so glad the past has led us to the Prairie Village space today!” she says. Jabbour and her husband have two-year-old twin girls (and a baby boy on the way). “Our family is very much a part of the Prairie Village community, and with living just a few houses up from the Prairie Village shops, we walk to the shops multiple times a week. I have loved getting to know the shop owners in the center, and it is an honor and a privilege to now be amongst this prestigious group of businesses— truly a dream come true!”

Where:

FAVORITE PLACE TO DINE I enjoy Caffetteria! FAVORITE PLACE TO SHOP Anywhere local in KC! I love the Painted Sofa in the West Bottoms for home goods! FAVORITE HIDDEN GEMS IN KC The grab-and-go turkey sandwiches at the French Market. So delicious and made on a fresh baguette—plus their homemade aioli sauce is to die for!

FAVORITE PLACE TO TAKE OUT-OFTOWN GUESTS Anywhere in The Shops of Prairie Village—there are so many great restaurants and shops! FAVORITE PLACE TO GET A DRINK Loews Rooftop is my favorite. FAVORITE PLACE NEAR KC FOR A WEEKEND GETAWAY We love spending time in Innsbrooke, a lake community about three hours from here. It is so relaxing, low key, and perfect for families! FAVORITE KANSAS CITY ACTIVITY We love trying all the new, fun restaurants KC has to offer! WHY DID YOU CHOOSE KC FOR YOUR BUSINESS? I was born and raised in Kansas City and we have lived in the Prairie Village area the last nine years. We are raising our small children here and love all the amenities The Shops of Prairie Village offer, and love even more being able to walk to the shops!

Want to Train your Dog? Call today to set up your FREE training consultation.

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Abigail with her two personal working dogs - Nugget & Vita

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BE WELL

KC ASSAULT VICTIMS TURN TO THE FACT PROGRAM FOR HELP WRITTEN BY JACKIE WOODS / PHOTO BY SHERRI SCHWINN

Sexual assault and domestic violence can happen anywhere at any time. In fact, the United States Department of Justice estimates that an American is sexually assaulted every 68 seconds. In the state of Kansas alone in 2020, there were nearly 40,000 calls to crisis hotlines and almost 70,000 victims received help, according to the Kansas Coalition Against Sexual and Domestic Violence.

24/7, 365 days per year to provide care for patients of all ages affected by different types of violence such as sexual assault, physical assault, intimate partner violence, abuse and neglect, and human trafficking.

With so many instances of violence, it’s important to know the resources available in the Kansas City area in case you or someone you know becomes a victim.

When victims of violence come to the emergency room for medical treatment at any of the Kansas City area AdventHealth locations, Finke and her team provide a consultation and offer services like injury assessments, documentation and forensic photography, community resources to ensure safety, and assistance filing a police report if desired by the victim. Finke’s team sees about 75 patients per month through the FACT program and helps with resources such as shelter, re-

Becky Finke, RN, BSN, SANE-A, is the assistant manager of the Emergency Department at AdventHealth Shawnee Mission and leads the Forensic Assessment Consultation and Treatment (FACT) program. The FACT program consists of a group of specially trained nurses who are available

straining orders, safety planning, court advocacy, and information regarding financial assistance to recover costs associated with the crime. Violence happens year-round, but there are times when it is more prevalent and the data regarding these trends is shifting. “We see an increase in both sexual assaults and domestic violence during the summer months, which is normally our busiest time,” says Finke. “But we were very busy this past fall, which is a change from our normal pattern. We definitely see more physical assaults during times when activities such as concerts, sporting events, and festivals are taking place.” continued on page 22

SIMPLYkc MAGAZINE

DECEMBER 2021

Gift yourself Peace of Mind this Holiday Season. The best gift you can give yourself this holiday season is that of health. If you’re due for your annual mammogram, now is the time to check that off your list. Starting screening mammography at the age of 40, and continuing every year, saves the most lives. Call, schedule online, or walk in to any of our nine KC metro locations today!

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BE WELL CONT. Although you may hear about assaults being committed by strangers in the news, it’s more likely that victims will know their perpetrator. According to the Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network (RAINN), eight out of ten sexual assaults are committed by someone who knows the victim. Many of these crimes are committed by intimate partners. The CDC estimates about one in five women and about one in seven men report having experienced severe physical violence from an intimate partner in their lifetime. However, Finke says it’s often challenging for people to make changes in their life, such as leaving an abusive spouse or partner. “It can be difficult to help a victim reach the decision to leave an abusive situation,” says Finke. “Oftentimes a person feels it is better to stay until they have a safety plan

to leave, or they are reluctant to break up their family by removing or leaving children and pets. And some are simply not financially capable of leaving.” Taking that first step is difficult. However, if you, a family member, or friend is in a high risk situation, you should know that resources are available. “We are very fortunate that the Kansas City community has so many resources to help, including MOCSA and Safehome,” says Finke. “Both have 24/7 crisis hotlines open 365 days a year. They also provide free resources to help victims with safety planning, financial planning, counseling, childcare, and more. Knowing there is support is so important in taking that step to a better life.” The FACT team is part of the process from start to finish. Once the

The greatest season of them all is back and we are so excited to announce that our boutique Turquoise + Sage has partnered with PAINT Nail Bar and is taking our style online. Together we have everything you need for that season from jewelry to compliment your fresh mani to light layers, sweaters, denim, boots, and so much more! Whatever you are looking for, you are sure to find it at www.shopthesage.com or in store at PAINT Nail Bar.

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DECEMBER 2021

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team completes their assessment, they arrange for an advocate from organizations like MOCSA and Safehome to visit with the patient at the bedside. The FACT team and advocate work together to help victims plan their next steps after leaving the hospital. Finke says she and other nurses from the FACT team also appear in court regularly to testify on the evidence they have obtained as well as their medical forensic exam processes. “When our patients walk in the door, they are traumatized and scared,” says Finke. “Our ability to be there to support and help makes a world of difference for them.” For help with any trauma from assault, call FACT at 913.676.7500 or come straight to one of the four AdventHealth emergency department locations. Visit AdventHealthKC.com/ER to learn more.

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L ocal

GOOD EATS

Chef Carl Thorne-Thomsen’s award-winning restaurant offers creative American cuisine, craft cocktails, and fine wines. Enjoy patio, bar, or dining room seating at Story. storykc.com. Featured menu items include: Alaskan halibut, beef short ribs, lobster tagliatelle, soft shell crabs, and more. Story also offers monthly wine dinners, a fried chicken special on Wednesday nights, and a burger special on Thursday nights. Visit storykc.com to learn more.

3931 W. 69th Terr., Prairie Village, KS • 913.236.9955 info@storykc.com • storykc.com

Austins Bar & Grill has been serving Southern Johnson County for over 34 years. Our family-owned establishments offer a fun sports bar environment to watch all the games. Fresh quality food is provided with great daily food and drink specials. Enjoy our happy hour menu 3-6 p.m. Monday-Friday!

SOUTH OLATHE - 2103 E. 151st St. • 913.829.2106 NORTH OLATHE - 11180 S. Lone Elm Rd. • 913.322.2337 GARDNER - 245 Moonlight Rd. • 913.856.6965 austinsbarandgrill.com

Serving organic, whole food eats and treats for KC’s ever-growing health food scene, Unbakery Juicery prides itself in its gluten free menu. Unbakery is open 8 a.m.-3 p.m. Monday-Saturday serving breakfast and lunch options from Billie’s Grocery in midtown and organic juices served in glass bottles. Unbakery offers an easy, convenient drive-thru option for those days you’re in a hurry or have a car full of crazy kids. (Buy them a protein ball, you’ll thank us!) With a full line of wellness shots and functional herbal teas from Apothe, the team at Unbakery helps you maintain optimal health. Mention SIMPLYkc Magazine and receive 10 percent off a juicer.

634 E. 63rd St., KCMO • 816.237.1128 unbakeryandjuicerykc.com

Our food is simple, elegant, and honest. The menu is inspired by a combination of American, Greek, French, and Italian cuisines. Our commitment to freshness and quality is first and foremost, as we use the season’s best offerings and buy from local farmers and purveyors whenever possible. The service team at YaYa’s consistently aims to provide the best service and complete guest satisfaction. We’re proud to be able to meet each special request of our guests, whether it’s food, beverage, or a special setting.

7021 W. 135th St., Overland Park, KS • 913.345.1111 yayaskc.com

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DECEMBER 2021

Burnt End BBQ is a fast casual BBQ restaurant located in Overland Park. They are the tastiest of the tasty! Come in hungry and walk out satisfied. If you can’t make it in, don’t worry! They deliver and cater. Burnt End BBQ can cater any event from a simple office lunch to an old-fashioned BBQ wedding. Come in and try the best BBQ in town!

11831 Metcalf Ave., Overland Park, KS • 913.451.8888 burntendbbqkc.com

Pr emi um Q ua l it y LE D Li g h ti ng

Delicious Authentic Thai Food Our menu features our customerfavorite Thai Roasted Duck, Stir Fry, Curry, Phad Thai & more!

Tuk Tuk Thai is a local, Family Owned Business

DINE IN, CARRY OUT, DELIVERY Gift Cards Available Located off 135th & 69 Hwy in Overland Park Not Far from BV Recreation Sports Complex

8351 W. 135th St. - 913.291.0106 tuktukthaikc.com SIMPLYKCMAG.COM

FASHION

Hello SWEATER WEATHER (and skirts too!)

THE PRETTY POSY BOUTIQUE 7942 Santa Fe Drive Overland Park, KS prettyposyboutique.com

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DECEMBER 2021

It’s the year of the fashion collabs. We had shackets in the fall and we have the coatigans – cardigans that can be worn as a coat or a sweater. Oversized sweaters aren’t going anywhere but this season look for cropped sweaters in bright colors. Pair it with high rise jeans or even a skirt for the festive occasions.

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DECEMBER 2021

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Photography / Robin Addleman Model / McKenzie Roth with Exposure Model & Talent Agency, Inc. Hair / Jen Kelly, Frankie’s Salon & Spa Makeup / Mae Monroe

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DECEMBER 2021

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INFOCUS

KC’S NON-TOXIC NAIL SALON WRITTEN BY BETHANEY WALLACE / PHOTOS BY JAMI BOWMAN

hen Britten Moyers first stepped foot in a Paint Nail Bar, she knew it was something special. The now-owner of Kansas City’s location says it was an incredible experience. Living in Florida at the time (she’s a veteran and military spouse), she fell in love with the brand.

ucts that avoid common salon toxins, including those that give off strong chemical odors. The result is a healthier approach to nail care without sacrificing on the final product. In addition to being fume-free, the polishes are eco-friendly and healthier for nails.

“It was my first time in a fume-free salon,” she says. “I asked if they could franchise.”

“We want to educate them— we’re really focused on people and building those relationships.”

Much planning and a few years later, Moyers and her husband opened up Kansas City’s first fume-free, non-toxic nail salon in Overland Park. “They allowed us to do it; we’ve been with Paint Nail Bar since before they were a franchise. We got to grow with them. It’s been an amazing adventure.” Paint Nail Bar is built around prod-

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From gel polish to dips to full manicures and pedicures, all of Paint Nail Bar’s products are missing the top 10-12 chemicals. “We have found incredible brands that have removed even more,” Moyers says. “You don’t

have to have those chemicals for it to be a beautiful, long-lasting polish with a wonderful shine.” Moyers adds that their products are durable. Paint Nail Bar has unique options such as flexible polish that bends and moves with the nail plate. It’s a service that allows for a longerlasting manicure for those who don’t want traditional gel. “We stand by our ingredients and our work,” she says. “At the end of the day, that’s our word and our reputation to provide clean and healthy options.” Paint Nail Bar guarantees its work, offering touch-ups or fixes for chips within 10 days of service. Customer Jess Beadleston said the chip fix policy gave her peace of mind to give them a try, as she’s hard on her nails. Not that it mattered.

The polish doesn’t chip, and it stays shiny, she said. Customer Ashley Werner added, “I’ve also never had a better manicure/pedicure anywhere. My cuticles were perfection.” In addition, it’s Paint Nail Bar’s goal to work personally with each client. They regularly meet with those who bite nails and create solutions to help them kick the habit. They also find solutions for people with brittle nails who have a hard time wearing polish. “Our clients are like family,” Moyers says. “We want to educate them—we’re really focused on people and building those relationships. Our team is built with that in mind from the foundation.” When hiring employees, Moyers looked beyond abilities and considered things like personality to ensure each employ-

ee would give clients that special welcome with each visit. “It does take a special person, focused on always doing their best,” she explains.

“We got amazing feedback about being a onestop shop, and we started to grow from there. We took a special look at it and have been able to grow.”

You can also find them on the road at various On creating a salon where events to give back to the she gets to interact with her community, or partnering with Britten Moyers, owner clients as close friends, not just of Paint Nail Bar local brands to enhance client customers, Moyers says it’s a experience while shopping and more. wonderful experience that she’s excited Paint Nail Bar recently expanded its to continue—all while providing healthefforts to include a small boutique, ier nail options for the KC area. “We are which will soon offer online shopping. a nail salon, but we really are so much Turquoise and Sage is a sister brand more,” she says. of Moyers’ under the same roof. TurTo experience the Paint Nail Bar differquoise and Sage offers products like ence, or to shop their Turquoise and Sage unique clothing, gift items, and more. boutique, head to their Overland Park Moyers says they have created the adlocation, or check out their Facebook dition slowly with key client feedback. page: facebook.com/PAINTKansasCity.

Paint Nail Bar • 4941 W. 119th St., Overland Park, KS • facebook.com/PAINTKansasCity SIMPLYkc Special: Mention this article to receive a gift bag at time of appointment. You may also use a 20% discount code for Turquoise and Sage: SIMPLYkc20.

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INFOCUS

DISCOVER LIGHT & COMMUNITY AT PHARE WRITTEN BY JUDY GOPPERT PHOTOS BY SAMANTHA LEVI

hare is the amazing vision of Samantha Levi, who invites others to discover light and community. She runs her photography business and healing arts studio during the week and rents the iconic locale to the community for private events and workshops on weekends and evenings. “It has windows that shine from all four directions, shining light on all of Kansas City to guide one home—Kansas City’s very own lighthouse!” she smiles. The word phare means lighthouse or beacon in French, which pays homage to the historic Luzier Cosmetic building in which it resides, as well as Levi’s affinity for French culture. She provides a sacred space for yoga, events, and artistic gatherings. Phare is a curated destination for intimate gatherings, bringing together all of the elements, healing practitioners, and vendors in Kansas City. Phare is a space to house a collective of curated options. Imagine a bridal shower that starts with cacao blessings for the future bride then leads into group acupuncture for true community healing

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DECEMBER 2021

Pictured: Samantha Levi and ends with a flower arrangement service and henna. The creative abilities in this space are endless with 3,000 square feet of space! “I’m taking all my experiences from the last 20 years and partnering with the top innovators here in Kansas City to create a true healing arts destination for divine gatherings. The alignment of this sacred space came to me not out of luck, but alignment,” she reiterates. “I’ve always listened to

my intuition and gut. They guide me.” She had been driving by the site for five years when she visited her friend Jessica at Hand and Land, who told her about their new space. She inquired what was upstairs, toured the space, and paid the lease three weeks later, knowing the space was much more than a photography studio.

Falling in Love with a Passion Levi specializes in personal branding,

editorial, and fashion lifestyle photography. With over 20 years of professional experience, she paved the way as a leading female in her industry. Her first photography job was doing interior photography and virtual tours for some of the top hotel brands in the country. When she moved back to Kansas City and had her son, Auguste, she assisted her son’s dad in building his salon business.

“This space isn’t just a space. It is its own spirit and has its own energy.”

“I then taught myself hair and makeup. In 2010 there weren’t a lot of artists, so it was easier for me to teach myself,” she explains. For the next two years she worked for fashion events, which landed her a job doing hair, makeup, and styling for a Boyz II Men Wendy’s commercial. “Although I was good at that, I wasn’t in love with it, and that’s really important,” says Levi. Being on set and getting a glimpse at the commercial and advertising world firsthand gave her a new perspective. It was this type of photography that energized her. Over the last eight years in advertising and branding photography, she has photographed everything from Wendy’s cheeseburgers to rappers like Tech N9ne.

This Month’s Events Levi announced they will have two ongoing events during December, including Community Sunset Breathwork

December 2021 classes include Wokeshop Wednesdays, Yoga Brain KC, and Quantum Manifestation Workshop.

every Tuesday at 7 pm with Melissa Saubers (melissasaubers.com).

the Quantum Field (ticket link at melissasaubers.com).

Yoga Brain KC is doing a December fundraiser for yoga teacher training scholarships. Phare and Yoga Brain will be hosting donation-based classes every Thursday in December 5:30-7 pm. Classes are all levels and newcomers are encouraged to join.

Phare is a sacred space formed on the ability to connect illuminated innovators through education and community. “Phare has taken on new life as I have grown and taken on new life,” Levi muses. “What we think we want is not actually what we need, and what we think will happen is not always how it turns out. We must embrace the mystery of the unknown—the now.”

Phare also just launched Wokeshop Wednesdays, which give the opportunity to join around the community table to learn, listen, and elevate into the highest version of ourselves. And there’s more! The Quantum Manifestation Workshop is Dec. 8, 6-8:30 pm. Open your heart, drop into your body, and manifest some magic from

Reiki master Lauren Gonzales of Moon Body Spirit agrees. “Phare is more than an event space. It is a sacred space filled with beautiful, healing energy. As a lightworker, this is exactly what I look for. Samantha has infused this space with a healing grid of protection.”

Phare • 3216 Gillham Plaza, Suite 250, Kansas City, MO • 785.550.2824 • thatsphare.com • @thatspharekc SIMPLYkc Special: Mention this SIMPLYkc article and get 10% off hosting an event in 2022

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PARENTING

THE STRUGGLE TEACHING

YOUR CHILDREN SELF-CONTROL WRITTEN BY T.E. CUNNINGHAM

s adults, we have faced the challenge of self-control many times—at work, with a friend, in romantic relationships, and with family. The struggle is “real,” as they say. So how do we teach our children self-control when we may not have it mastered? A child’s struggles with self-control may seem less serious—don’t have two pieces of cake, don’t play your Xbox all night, don’t flip out on a friend who bought the same outfit as you. However, it’s still the same skill set practiced at this age that will carry them through life. As such, it’s never too early to work with your child. According to Scientist Magazine, a 40-year study of 1,000 children revealed that childhood self-control strongly predicts adult success—in people of high or low intelligence, in rich or poor. Having a good grasp on self-control can not only help kids stay healthy, both mentally and physically, but it can also

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DECEMBER 2021

help them maintain better friendships, be closer to family members, and relate better to teachers and other community members. The first step in mentoring your child is to talk about self-control and why it is essential. At a young age, examples of self-control in action may help cement understanding. For instance, you could tell your child a story about something a coworker did at work that upset you. Talk about the fact that you did not: •S peak negatively about the coworker to anyone else • Speak to your manager about the issue • Lash out at the coworker Instead, you: •C ooled down until you were no longer upset • Asked the coworker respectfully to have a private conversation when it was convenient • With carefully chosen words, let them know what was upsetting you and tried to find a resolution that would make both of

you feel good and work together positively in the future Another option would be to specifically ask your child about a few things that recently upset them or made them angry. Then talk about how they dealt with them, some options to calm themself, and how to maintain better self-control in future situations. Once you think your child understands the concept, talk about the warning signs your child can recognize to know they are starting to lose self-control. A child may not realize they are hitting an “extreme” emotional level, whether anger, excitement, or fear. All of those emotions can lead to a loss of self-control. To calm themselves, children must be able to realize they are losing control. When they can recognize this, they are able to use methods to calm down. Teach your child there are options to maintain control even in the toughest of situations. This is more meaningful

if you can relate it to your child’s experiences and behaviors. You might teach them a mantra to say repeatedly as they feel a situation escalating, or perhaps a physical exercise as simple as a stretch and deep breath to break the tension. The key is looking at your child’s triggers and helping find solutions customized to them. It would be challenging to mentor your child on self-control without explaining that overreactions can have serious consequences. Some easy examples are: •Y ou become so frustrated over your homework that you throw it down and play video games instead. The consequence: you fail the test. •Y our friend won a part you wanted in the school play, and you were so upset you yelled at him and said things you didn’t mean. The consequence: you may have done irreparable damage to a friendship you cared about.

You want to encourage your children to continually practice self-control. Be supportive when they are upset or get into difficult situations, but show them ways to make better choices. Finally, practice what you preach. Do not yell and give in to a fit when your child loses self-control, whether full-on tantrums or sullen tears. Instead, calmly explain why the behavior is unacceptable and show them a better way to handle their feelings. After saying no, the parent who lets the child get the new toy at the store is teaching their child that losing self-control gets you what you want, a poor life lesson for sure. If you are worried about your child’s self-control issues, the school is an excellent place to look for initial guidance and help, both through teachers and guidance counselors. If the situation continues, you can also seek assistance through your child’s pediatrician and family counseling.

Proud to be providing board certified, compassionate pediatric dental care to KC and Johnson County since 2005.

Schedule an appointment at one of our four convenient locations today!

for more information or to visit our blog, visit us online at

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FINANCE

WHAT DID COVID DO TO THE FIRE MOVEMENT? WRITTEN BY BRENNAN HALLOCK

Business Insider article from March 2020 claimed that the COVID-19 pandemic might turn the FIRE movement into the DIRE movement. Instead of Financial Independence, Retire Early (FIRE), it could become the Delay, Inherit, Retire, Expire (DIRE) movement. Looking back from where we are now, how accurate has this claim been? The FIRE movement has gained popularity with the millennial crowd over the last couple decades through financial gurus such as Pete Adeney (aka Mr. Money Mustache), Vicki Robin and Joe Dominguez (writers of Your Money or Your Life), and many others. It teaches a way of life that involves what the average American would

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DECEMBER 2021

consider an extreme savings rate (often 40-80 percent of income), and a low-cost lifestyle to fund retirement accounts and reach financial independence (defined as having enough money to fund your basic expenses without working) before—sometimes way before—standard retirement age. But what happens to a movement like this when a once-in-a-lifetime event like the COVID-19 pandemic happens? I remember sitting in my house looking at my phone last March watching the stock market plunge day after day in amounts I had never seen. In a span of less than a week, my retirement and personal investment portfolio lost over 26 percent. It was intimidating and a little scary, but mostly I remember being excited.

Buying into the principles taught in the FIRE movement, I knew this wasn’t just a once-in-a-lifetime crisis, this was also a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. So I took all the extra cash I had and poured it into my investments. This sounds crazy to a lot of people, but one of the principles behind the FIRE movement is the belief that the stock market will have consistent recessions, and it will rebound to a higher level after each recession. These bear and bull markets are built into the math behind investing. If the stock market doesn’t rebound, the money in your bank account won’t be worth anything either, so there will be bigger problems to deal with. Losing your entire stock portfolio won’t be one of them. Based on this belief,

when the stock market drops it is like the investment funds are on sale. And last March they had a once-in-a-lifetime sale. By May 2020, my investments were back at pre-COVID levels and they have continued to rise nearly every month since. There will be more recessions to come, but to investors these are only helpful. There are those, however, who already stopped working prior to COVID. For these, the pandemic wasn’t an opportunity but more of a speed bump. Another principle of the FIRE movement is the 4 Percent Rule, based on historical returns for nearly all of the twentieth century (including the Great Depression). It is less of a rule, but more of a guideline that states you can safely withdraw up to four percent of your portfolio every year without withdrawing any of its principal. For example, if you need $60,000 per year for expens-

es you need to have a portfolio of at least $1.5 million. For years like 2020, this four percent rule can be a little scary, because you may get very close to withdrawing principal from your portfolio. But this is the reason there is another extremely important part of the FIRE movement that is often overlooked by outsiders. The FIRE movement is not about retirement. It is about financial independence. This means you don’t need to stop working, but you can. Most people who reach their FIRE goal don’t stop working, they just change how or where they work. They may cut down to part-time work, start their own business, work at a lower-paying job, or work seasonally rather than full-time. It is about the freedom to work how, where, and when you want rather than being chained to a job to sustain your lifestyle.

In a year like 2020, people who reached FIRE but were feeling scared because of market instability may have cut back on expenses so they didn’t take as much out of retirement, or they may have picked up more shifts at their jobs to make them feel more stable. There is one major thing that the COVID pandemic has done to the FIRE movement, though. The FIRE movement was gaining popularity with a larger crowd. A crisis like 2020 scared away people who didn’t fully trust its principles of buying when the market is down, trusting the market to rebound, and pursuing financial independence rather than just wanting to quit a job. Learn more about the FIRE movement here: www.playingwithfire.co/whatisfire.

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INFOCUS

MAE MONROE REINVENTS BRIDAL MAKEUP

BY INVESTING TIME IN PRE-WEDDING SKIN PREPARATION WRITTEN BY SHANNON E. ROESGEN / PHOTO BY MELISSA & BETH PHOTOGRAPHY

he birth of a brilliant idea is almost always followed by the observation Why weren’t we doing this from the start?

Everyone wants beautiful, glowing skin on their wedding day, but what is the best way to achieve that desired outcome? Mae Monroe has a brilliant answer to that question: prepping the skin. But what exactly does she mean by prepping? Monroe believes the secret to creating the perfect makeup look is built on a foundation of great skin preparation. Prepping the skin begins by connecting with Monroe about six months to one year before your wedding. There is an initial two-hour con-

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DECEMBER 2021

sultation at Monroe’s River Market studio. During this time, the prepping plan is formed.

professionals because she approaches skincare in a holistic and spiritual way. Monroe is a master level Reiki healer.

The prepping may begin with a few questions: What are your skincare goals? Do you prefer shimmer, matte, or natural contour? and Do you have any issues with acne?

Reiki is an energy healing technique that creates a feeling of relaxation, reduced stress, and reduced anxiety through a gentle touch technique called palm healing. Reiki practitioners use their hands to deliver energy to the body, improving the flow of energy in the body.

Brides not only discuss their skin during this consultation. Monroe also wants to hear about the bridal gown, the hairstyle, the color scheme, and the setting of the wedding and reception. “We do this to make sure everything is cohesive,” explains Monroe.

Spiritual Skincare Monroe differs from other beauty

Monroe believes beauty should be authentic and start from within. This happens with self-care and soul healing. “I want to make everything as peaceful as possible for the bride,” she says.

“From the day I began my wedding planning, I knew Mae Monroe was my first choice for both my wedding and my cultural reception.”

Skincare Packages Designed for You Monroe offers different packages for each bride. These include The Classic package, I’m Perfection package, All About My Skin and Soul to Glow package, A La Carte, and Camera Ready with My Queen package—which is tailored for not only the bride but also the mother of the bride.

WHITE BUFFALO TRADING CO. CONTEMPORARY DESIGNS, TRADITIONALLY MADE JEWELRY, RESTORATION, ACCESSORIES, POTTERY, ART

Happy Holidays!

It is easy to get swept away by stress during the wedding planning process. This is a special time to slow down, take a deep breath, and relax. Moms and daughters spend some peaceful, joyous, and celebratory time together. The Camera Ready with My Queen package is a full package of bridal care for the mother and daughter. It includes brows reshaping and tinting, lash lift and tint, three treatment facials (consisting of derma-planing, vitamin C enzyme peel, micro-channeling, red light sculpting therapy, and pore cleaning and minimizing), trial makeup (which can be booked the same day as engagement photos), bridal shower or bachelorette makeup, wedding makeup, lift and sculpting facial for mother of the bride, wedding makeup for mother of the bride, and a bridal gift. “From the day I began my wedding planning, I knew Mae was my first choice for both my wedding and my cultural reception,” said one of Monroe’s brides. “I’ve had the pleasure to have Mae as my makeup artist for the last three years for all of my medical school proms and have built a beautiful friendship with her. Booking with her was such a breeze. She is responsive and committed to making sure you are both on the same page.” Monroe believes those “who have invested in their skin have better results when it comes time for makeup application on their big day!” This is a brilliant philosophy. And it begs the question, Why weren’t we always doing bridal makeup this way?

Mae Monroe • 524 Walnut Street, Kansas City, MO • 913.369.5446 maemonroe.com • maemonroe.business@gmail.com SIMPLYkc Special: Mention this article and receive a complimentary cacao milk latte and 15-minute scalp massage with your facial!

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BECAUSE I SAID SO...

THE GHOST OF CHRISTMAS PAST WRITTEN BY JULIE BURTON / PHOTO BY JAMI BOWMAN

I knew at a young age that it was mandatory to hug Grandma when I arrived at her house for the family Christmas. I learned to finish my plate before throwing it away and always offered to help clean the kitchen. I also learned never to listen to what my uncle had to say, and to always cover my eyes when my aunt started taking her top off.

The Ghost of Christmas Past has been laughing at my dad’s side of the family for over 35 Christmases. And I realized at one point, if I wrote down what the family said, it made for a good keepsake. Merry Christmas and peace be with you ... and I’m so sorry. “ There’s a 45 second over/under for when Grandma will start crying during her blessing. You in?” “ Wait, why is Grandma giving my unborn baby a gift? Does she think she’ll be dead next year?” “ I don’t know where it went but I just spit out my food.” “This baby likes beer.” “No, she doesn’t.” “Yeah, she does. I have pictures.” “ Did you remember to talk to Grandma when you got here?” “ Yes, Mom. We had a big dialogue about the spirit of Christmas and what it means to each of us.”

“ Kids! You have a 30-second timeframe to say thank you to Grandma. You open, you say thank you, you sit down. Do you want to be here until midnight? How many kids are there? Can this family stop reproducing ourselves so much?” “ Watch this. I’m going to throw this ball at your uncle’s head. You try! Aim for the bald spot.” “Ugh! Hurry up!” “ What’s wrong? You just gotta drink more during these types of things. Haven’t you learned this by now?” “ Well, someone needs to go help Grandma. She can’t wipe herself on that toilet. There’s no handrail. She’s going to fall off. Someone needs to go in there.” “No! Wait. You can’t trade white elephant gifts!” “Yes, we can!” “ Only one is dead. You can’t trade the other one right in front of us.” “Okay. We’ll go trade in the driveway.” “Whose kid am I holding?”

“ Hey get away from Grandma, you suckup! You’re not even married into the family yet.”

“Turn the TV off!”

“ Sweet hubby of mine, will you get me an ice water?”

“ It’s so old I don’t even know how. Every time I come over to Grandma’s, I feel like I’m stepping back in time.”

“You do know that people in hell want ice water.” “ Look! Grandma is smiling with her arms around the two lesbians.” “ Good for her. There ain’t any men her age around anymore.”

“ Look at that whole side of the room with their shirts over their noses.” “Is someone filming this?” “No, but someone is writing this down.”

Julie Burton is an Overland Park mom, writer, 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. Follow Julie at: julieburton.blog • facebook.com/julieburtonwriter • twitter.com/ksujulie • instagram.com/ksujulie

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DECEMBER 2021

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7 THINGS

HOLIDAY ACTIVITIES FOR YOU TO TRY THIS SEASON

1 M ake a gingerbread house. You can find a kit

at the store with all of what you need inside, or you can make one from scratch! All you need is candy, icing, and a few ingredients to make the dough for your gingerbread. This is a great activity if you’re looking for something to do with the kids

2 Go ice skating.

There are a handful of spots in Kansas City where you can ice skate. You don’t have to be a pro to give it a shot. Rent some skates from whichever location you choose and let loose. Crown Center can be the perfect place. There you’ll find beautiful lights as well as the mayor’s Christmas tree.

3 Host an ugly sweater party.

Whether inperson or through video chat, these parties are a hit. Grab your ugliest sweater and a group of friends and see which one of you has the worst threads.

4 Swap cookies. With a cookie exchange you and

your guests each bake one kind of cookie and give everyone a few to take home. You only have to put

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DECEMBER 2021

in the work of baking a single type of cookie but get to leave with a large variety.

5 Holiday movie night. Grab some popcorn and a

few of your favorite festive movies and get to binging. This is another activity you can do online with friends if you want to celebrate from a distance.

6 Go to a light show.

There are holiday light shows all over town at different parks and businesses. You don’t even have to leave the comfort of your car. Look up shows near you to find the best locations and times to go. A popular one can be found at Deanna Rose Children’s Farmstead.

7 Watch a festive performance. You’ll find a few

different productions in the area this season. The Kansas City Ballet will be putting on The Nutcracker at Kauffman Center Dec. 3-24. You can also see A Christmas Carol at Spencer Theatre sometime between now and Dec. 26.

Happy Holidays!

Cedar Street Toffee is locally handmade with a lot of love. We take the time to cover our toffee on both sides with our Dark Chocolate or our Semi Sweet Chocolate. We use whole almonds in the center to give the perfect roasted flavor and we dust each side with walnuts or almonds. Our toffee is a timeless treat and a gift one will remember and ask for again.

Your Holiday gifting just got easier with our curbside pick up option and our ability to mail your loved ones a special toffee treat! You can also browse our wonderful store and pick out your own goodies!

4521 W. 90th Street | Prairie Village, KS | 913.261.9318 We are tucked in with The Great Frame Up shop on the far SW corner.

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A Not-So-Ordinary Book Discussion

WALKING IN A WINTER WONDERLAND SLEIGH BELLS RING. ARE YOU LISTENING? WRITTEN BY TIFFANY KILLOREN

A winter wonderland is a reader’s dream! A cozy fireplace, winter storm and no place to go or nothing to do except get caught up on the pile of books you’ve been hoarding. And, with the holidays quickly approaching, giving the gift of a good read tops my list (both giving and receiving), so I’ve tapped into friends’ and family members’ recommendations for a list of books they’ve enjoyed and would recommend for that hard-to-buy-for person on your gift list.

SIMPLYkc MAGAZINE

DECEMBER 2021

Adventure Seekers I’m married to one of these. He doesn’t read unless he wants to learn about something or there is a true story that peaks his adventure-seeking interests, so he recommended Jon Krakauer’s Into the Wild and Between a Rock and a Hard Place by Aron Ralston for similarly-minded individuals who love the great outdoors and are inspired by stories of resilience and finding oneself in the wild.

Kids/Teens

Mystery I love a good suspense story, whether that be in written form or a movie I watch between my fingers. Absolutely any book by Ruth Ware—In a Dark, Dark Wood, The Death of Mrs. Westaway and The Turn of the Key, among my favorites. Or Gillian Flynn’s Dark Places and Sharp Objects will get you there. Although most are familiar with Flynn given her Missouri roots, Ware’s style of writing and British flare for setting each of her stories in a location of pure solitude might make you think differently about being trapped in the house during a snowstorm.

Enough with the electronics, am I right? My boys know they will get at least one book under the tree each year, so I sat them down for some 12 and 14-yearold recommendations for book series that will keep your kids’ interest. Their selections: Ms. Peregrine’s Home for Peculiar Children by Ransom Riggs; Unwanted by Lisa McMann, 39 Clues by multiple authors; and, if you want to go old school, The Hardy Boys collection.

Bio/Autobiography We’re all over the board on these recommendations, so there’s something for every interest! My husband read Walter Isaccson’s book Steve Jobs in one sitting, and multiple people recommended Andre Agassi’s book Open for standing the test of time with important life lessons for all athletes. My personal recommendation? Slash’s self-titled autobiography (Slash) which makes you look at the top hat-wearing guitarist in a whole new way.

If you’re looking for a feel-good stocking stuffer for the women in your life, I would be honored if you considered my novel, Good Will, to add to your list. Reach out if you’d like a copy signed for an even more personal gift!

Tiffany Killorenis a local author and lover of the written word. Her novel, GOOD WILL, was released in 2020 and she is always thinking of new stories to tell. Follow her at @readandthreads on Instagram for book and life musings as she tries to balance career, family and her passion for writing one step - or word - at a time. PHOTO BY MOLLY KUPLEN

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GOOD TASTES

AULD LANG SYNE WRITTEN BY GINA REARDON / PHOTO BY MELANIE MCDOWELL

With every day that passes, we creep closer to the end of 2021, or as one work colleague referred to it, the “Forgotten Year.” Forgotten because, with the cloud of COVID-19 still lingering, we have all been denied so much of the activity and excitement that go along with celebrating holidays and other meaningful occasions.

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DECEMBER 2021

Without that activity to break up the calendar, and the memories that are a result of those gatherings, we have a hard time remembering how we actually spent the birthday or anniversary or last Thanksgiving! And without the luxury of travel to break up the year, one work day simply blended into the next, and a trip to the Farmer’s Market became an adventure. We’ve had to rethink our celebrations, find new ways to create those moments and memories that will be with us going forward. For many families, the connections made around the table are as important as the food

we eat. The festive winter holidays, steeped with nostalgia and tradition offer an ideal opportunity to share the gifts we have to give, most importantly our time, friendship, and love. For your winter celebration I’m sharing one of our family’s favorite desserts, a vanilla mousse cheesecake—old fashioned, creamy, and delicious. It can be dressed up or down, a blank canvas for your creative expression, and truly one worth remembering! Wishing you the season’s best and memories to last a lifetime.

Vanilla Mousse Cheesecake MAKES 9-INCH CHEESECAKE, SERVES 12

Ingredients

Preparation

Crust

40 vanilla wafers or Lorna Dune shortbread cookies, crushed (about 1-1/2 cups)

Heat oven to 325 degrees. Mix wafer crumbs and melted butter; press onto bottom of 9-inch springform pan. Wrap bottom and sides of pan in a double layer of heavy-duty aluminum foil cut large enough to cover the bottom and sides of the springform pan, leaving top open. Bake in the oven for about 10 minutes. Let cool.

6 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted Cheesecake Layer 3 eight-ounce packages Philadelphia cream cheese, softened to room temperature 3/4 cup sugar 1 tablespoon pure vanilla extract 3 eggs, room temperature Topping 1 eight-ounce package Philadelphia cream cheese, softened to room temperature 1/2 cup sugar 1 teaspoon vanilla extract 3 cups whipped cream, lightly sweetened

Cheesecake Layer Beat softened cream cheese, 3/4 cup sugar, and vanilla until creamy and well blended. On low speed, add eggs, one at a time, mixing until blended (do not over beat). Pour over the crust. Bake in a water bath. (Set springform pan in a shallow roasting pan and pour warm water around the springform, about 3/4 to 1 inch in depth, creating a “bath.” This will prevent the cheesecake from overbaking and it will be less likely to crack.) Bake 50-55 minutes (or longer) until the center is almost set. If you jiggle the pan gently, there should be a slight movement. Remove from the oven and run a knife around the rim of the pan to loosen the cake. Remove foil and cool completely in a springform pan on a wire rack. (At this point you may refrigerate the cake—covered—overnight before proceeding with the mousse layer.) Topping Beat remaining 8-ounce cream cheese with 1/2 cup sugar and 1 teaspoon vanilla until well blended. Fold in whipped cream and spread over cheesecake. Refrigerate for at least four hours. Remove rim of pan before serving, and slide cheesecake off of springform bottom onto a serving plate or cardboard round. Garnish with fresh berries, a fruit compote, shaved white chocolate, or more! Note: Cheesecakes are best prepared 24-72 hours before serving. This cheesecake also freezes well. Set the whole cheesecake (either in a springform pan or on a cardboard cake round) on a baking sheet in the freezer to flash freeze the topping, then remove and double wrap the cheesecake with plastic wrap and aluminum foil. To thaw, remove outer layers of foil and plastic wrap and loosely cover with foil until thawed. Remove from the springform pan, if necessary, and serve.

Gina Reardon, former 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.

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r a e D

KACIE XMAS OR EX-MAS?

I got divorced two years ago. The holidays with my family are making me anxious because even though I am over my ex, they are not. They still gave him gifts last year. They adore him. I am not mad that they are still friends with him, but they don’t offer any support for me. I’m broke and could use all the gifts and gift cards he received. I don’t want to spend time with my family at all this year. I can’t stand that they favor him over me.

Wow! It’s awesome your family has a good relationship with him. And by the sounds of it, you must be somewhat amicable. But wow! Your family is incredibly inconsiderate of your feelings. I can see why you’d rather not spend the holidays with them. But maybe it’s not so much that your family gave your ex gifts, but that they don’t reach out and see how you’re doing. Maybe they don’t know how much you’re hurting—mentally and financially. I get it. It’s hard to talk about your divorce. You don’t want anyone to see you struggling. But everyone struggles with a divorce. Although, clearly your ex isn’t struggling too much with his Santa bag full of goodies. Make sure your family knows how you’re doing financially—and mentally too. It sounds like it’s more about a communication issue with your family than the gifts your ex received.

If you have any questions you’d like Kacie to answer, submit them to contact@simplykcmag.com.

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DECEMBER 2021

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Articles inside

GOOD TASTE

DEAR KACIE

BECAUSE I SAID SO

INFOCUS

FINANCE

AROUND TOWN

INFOCUS

INFOCUS

BE WELL

INFOCUS

LOCAL GOOD EATS

PARENTING

LOCAL HOLIDAY SHOPPING GUIDE