SIMPLYkc Magazine February 2018

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FEB ‘18 | Vol. 7 No.10

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CONTENTS

THE LIST 9

A CHARMING & VERSATILE VALENTINE’S DAY

WHO WHAT WHERE 12 MEET ANGELA MOORE

BE WELL 14

SHAWNEE MISSION HEALTH ENCOURAGES WOMEN TO LOVE THEIR HEARTS

INFOCUS 18

OVERLAND PARK FLORIST FINDS HER CALLING

DEAR KACIE 20

HOW TO ENSURE A GREAT VALENTINE’S DAY FOR BOTH PARTNERS

22

44

FASHION 22

BEAUTY IN THE DETAILS

INFOCUS 28

MARU SUSHI & GRILL BRINGS NEW FLAVOR TO PRAIRIEFIRE

AROUND TOWN 32 HOT WEDDING VENUES FOR 2018

DISH 36

JEFF MARTIN, DECADENT DESSERT BAR

BEAUTY 38

HAIR EXTENSIONS: THE LONG AND SHORT OF IT

BECAUSE I SAID SO 40 9

CO-WORKERS

38

KC VOICES 42

MARRIAGE ADVICE FROM THE ‘GREATEST GENERATION’

GOOD TASTES 44 APP OF THE MONTH 47 7 THINGS 48 42

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PUBLISHER’S NOTE

BRING ON THE SNOW Call me crazy, but I love the seasonal changes we get here in the Midwest.

Sure, I could do without the cold temperatures. It’s really the snow that I love. I grew up in southwest Kansas and the winters there always brought windy, drifting snow. It seems like huge, school-canceling blizzards would hit us at least once a year. We’d know the snow was coming because Mom would head to the local Dillons for milk, bread, and the ingredients to make Rotel cheese dip (the ultimate snow-day treat).

As kids, my sister and I would search the perimeter of our fence line to find the tallest drifting snow — always over our heads and sometimes up to 6 feet tall — and begin planning and building out our tunnels and forts. Over the next couple of days, we’d spend all our free time with neighbor kids playing in those snow forts.

It seems like it’s been years since Kansas CIty has had a big snowstorm — or even a measurable amount of snow. I’m sure I’m not the only one hoping this is the year we get that big snowstorm and a couple days off from school (and possibly even work)!

If we don’t get those snow days, at least we’ll still have other reasons to celebrate, with Mardis Gras on Feb. 13, Valentine’s Day on Feb. 14, and Random Acts of Kindness week taking place Feb. 11–17. Need V-Day gift ideas? Glance across this spread. Prefer to simply pay it forward? Find seven ways you can do good this month on page 48.

Whatever the weather has in store for us, we hope

Photo / Jenny Wheat

your February is warm and sweet.

Suzanne Steiner, Publisher

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THE LIST

Written by Vanessa Zambo / Photos by Jami Marshall

2.

1.

A Charming & Versatile Valentine’s Day

3.

4.

Love doesn’t have a price tag on it, but all of its accessories can! From writing a love letter, to stylish toasts, to snuggly kisses and beautiful jewels, here are some local finds for any budget.

5.

7.

6.

1. The Astra necklace ($289), Primrose necklace ($1,499), Gypsy earrings ($139), Sunset earrings ($169), Sierra Winter Jewelry, at select KC retailers, sierrawinterjewelry.com/shop 2. Gold notebook ($20), RSVP, 3934 W. 69th Terrace, Prairie Village, rsvpinthevillage.com 3. I Love You notepad ($22), RSVP, 3934 W. 69th Terrace, Prairie Village, rsvpinthevillage.com 4. Swig 9-oz. wine tumbler ($20), TeaElla Boutique, 4837 W. 135th St., Leawood, teaella.com 5. Sweater ($34) and scarf ($14), TeaElla Boutique, 4837 W. 135th St, Leawood, teaella.com 6. Hello Gorgeous card ($5), RSVP, 3934 69th Terrace, Prairie Village, rsvpinthevillage.com 7. Magnetic cocktail charms ($22–$25), Going Stemless, at select Kansas City retailers, goingstemless.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 Meghan Savage of Meghan Savage Photography Adrienne Maples of Adrienne Maples PhotoStudios Jenny Wheat of Wheat Photography Samantha Levi of Samantha Levi Photography Jami Marshall of Electric Imagez CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Julie Burton, T.E. Cunningham, Rebecca Fischer, Brennan Hallock, Melanie McDowell, Gina Reardon, Tiffany Killoren, 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

COVER & FASHION IMAGES PHOTOS Meghan Savage, Meghan Savage Photography, meghansavage.com, @meghansavagephoto MODEL Aliza Swan and Ali Lollas, Hoffman International, 4800 W 135th Suite 230, Leawood, KS, 913.642.1060, hoffmanmodels.com, @hoffmanmodels, Model * Trisha Pehlke, Voices &, 118 Walnut, Suite 120, Kansas City, MO, 816.753.4261, voicesand.com, @voicesandmodels BRIDAL GOWNS AND ACCESSORIES Emily Hart Bridal, 12450 Blue Valley Parkway, Overland Park, KS, 913.681.1500, ig @emilyhartbridal @emmalinebridal HAIR David Bartram and Dallon Beerends 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 FLORAL Flora Design Co., floradesignco.com, @floradesignco.kc SHOT ON LOCATION La Villa, 4120 Baltimore Ave., Kansas City, MO, info@lavillakc.com, lavillakc.com, @lavillakc

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.

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All rights reserved. ©2018, Mach Publications, LLC.

WE LOVE YOU AND

YOUR HEART February is American Heart Month. Did you know that heart disease is the leading cause of death among men and women in the U.S.? To raise awareness, Shawnee Mission Health has partnered with several Kansas City area restaurants to bring you heart-healthy dishes in the month of February.

For each heart-healthy dish you enjoy in the month of February, we’ll donate 10 percent to the Shawnee Mission Heart & Vascular Center to support various heart-healthy programs throughout the community.

Enjoying delicious food, raising awareness about heart disease and getting smarter about health – it’s a winning combination!

Share your favorites using #SMHHeartMonth Local Presenting Medical Sponsor

Visit ShawneeMission.org/HeartMonth for more information and participating restaurants.

SIMPLYKCMAG.COM | 11

, o h W

Photo / Madison Moore

WHAT, WHERE Meet Angela Moore Who: What:

ANGIE, ANGELA, OR “LADY A” Angela is happily married for 22 years and on the “month-tomonth plan” with Troy Moore, owner of Madi Mali Homes. She is also the proud mom of Madison, Miss Kansas Teen USA 2016, and Malerie, Miss Kansas Teen USA 2017.

Angela’s favorite job has always been at home, but she also is the vice president of workplace solutions for eScreen, a national workplace screening administrator for employers. She’s also part of the Kansas City Business Journal’s Women Who Mean Business as a 2009 honoree, and is a member of the National Association of Professional Women.

Where:

Responsibility for our community is a strong priority for Angela, who has served on the executive board for the Junior League of Wyandotte and Johnson Counties, and remains actively involved with a number of other organizations including Braden’s Hope, Warriors for Ross, and Sunflower House.

FAVORITE PLACE TO EAT IN KC We absolutely love to dine at Le Fou Frog, where the French cuisine is perfection and the ambience is quaint and comfortable. We also love brunch at Café Gratitude, where you feel happy and healthy from start to finish. And it wouldn’t be proper KC etiquette to leave off our favorite barbecue: We are devoted Jack Stack fans!

FAVORITE DRINK IN KC We love to go to Manifesto, where the drinks are original and the scene is truly KC cool. We also enjoy Louie’s Wine Dive, and we love the happy hour at Sullivan’s for live music and martinis.

FAVORITE PLACE TO SHOP IN KC With two teenage daughters, shopping could be a full-time job. A big shout out to Watercolors High Fashion and BCBG on the Plaza, who have been dressing the girls for proms, pageants, and appearances for the past few years. Zuzu’s Petals Boutique is my favorite spot for gifts and specialty items.

Trendz is a great boutique shop in the Southland. Finally, Cabi Clothing is a great option for me, as I travel a lot and can arrange to “in-home shop” with a glass of wine and friends.

FAVORITE HIDDEN GEMS IN KC Our neighborhood, Heritage Hill West. We love to entertain in our own Madi Mali Home, and have hosted several events on behalf of organizations we support. From Fourth of July festivities to holiday events, HHW is such a special place to celebrate with our neighbors, who are also some of our dearest friends.

FAVORITE PLACES TO TAKE OUT-OF-TOWN GUESTS My husband and I grew up in very small rural towns in the Midwest, so we love all the entertainment choices we have here. Some of our favorite venues are the Kauffman Center for the Performing Arts, the Royals and the Chiefs, of course, and Sprint Center concerts. We also enjoy some lesser-known spots like the Somerset Ridge Winery and Louisburg Cider Mill, and the Linn Valley Lakes Deer Trace Golf Course and beautiful lake there. There truly is something for everyone in this city!

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SIMPLYKCMAG.COM | 13

BE WELL

Written by Jackie Woods

pecially with processed and fast food all around us.”

The objective of Go Red for Women is to educate women to know their personal risk and encourage them to intentionally change their habits. Past attendees have shared their success stories with SMH and how they were empowered to visit their physician for testing after hearing other women’s stories and experiences with heart disease.

“The Go Red for Women movement raises awareness that we must take care of ourselves,” she explains, “or we will not be there to care for those most important to us.”

Adopting the desire to change is the first step to improving health, but women also must have access to tools needed to make change a reality. To support those in their journey to better heart health, SMH offers the Take

SHAWNEE MISSION HEALTH ENCOURAGES WOMEN TO LOVE THEIR HEARTS

Time to LIV wellness program as part of its annual Living in Vitality (LIV) conference.

February is heart month and the

is working to change that perception

Through the Take Time to LIV program,

perfect time to reflect on our heart

and make a difference in the lives of

which is currently in its third year, SMH

health and look for ways to reduce

women in KC through AHA’s Go Red

identifies 12 to 15 women who are at

the risk of cardiovascular disease.

for Women movement and its own

risk for heart disease to participate

With a long-standing commitment to

Take Time to LIV program.

in an intensive seven-month wellness program. Participants are chosen

cardiac care and the American Heart

based on risk factors such as high

Association (AHA), Shawnee Mission

Prevention starts with staying active

Health (SMH) is paving the way to

and eating a nutritious diet, says SMH

raising awareness of cardiovascular

Executive Director of Heart and Vas-

disease among women within the KC

cular Services Vickie Franck. Although

community.

it sounds like a simple task, it’s not

In 2017, the eight participants who com-

always the case.

pleted the program had a combined

cholesterol, and size of waistline.

weight loss of over 120 pounds. One

Heart disease is the No. 1 killer of women. It takes a life every minute.

“Many women multitask roles of moth-

However, many women don’t consider

er, wife, housekeeper, and professional,

heart disease an immediate threat to

and tend to care for others’ needs

their health. In fact, according to the

before their own,” Franck says. “In this

AHA, one in three women suffer from

busy world, it’s difficult to eat healthy

heart disease, but only one in five

and make time for physical activity, es-

believes she is personally at risk. SMH

blood pressure, triglyceride level, HDL

participant lost more than 30 pounds and decreased her total cholesterol number by 112, as well as decreased her LDL, or bad cholesterol, by 106.

“We are creatures of habit, and it’s hard to change bad habits and recrecont. to page 16

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BE WELL

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AMERICAN HEART ASSOCIATION’S GO RED FOR WOMEN SMH is proud to once again be the presenting medical sponsor for Go Red for Women in Kansas City. Lauren Bessey, DO, who specializes in family medicine, and cardiologist Heath Wilt, DO, are serving as the 2018 Go Red for Women medical co-chairs.

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INFOCUS

Written by T.E. Cunningham Photos by Jami Marshall

“I took general studies along with several arts and art history classes,” she recalls. “I knew I wanted to do something creative, but I couldn’t put my finger on exactly what. Then my sister suggested I work part-time at a flower shop.”

Flowers by Emily collaborates with couples to create whatever design they want, including customized items to match wedding decor.

And the rest, as they say, is history.

From there, a lifelong passion for floral design was born and shone a light on Emily’s professional path. The part-time job at the flower shop grew to full-time. Eventually, she ventured out to handling weddings on her own under the moniker Flowers By Emily.

She knew she had found her calling.

But then came another big leap.

Emily Fyten owns Flowers By Emily, a boutique florist and gift shop that customdesigns floral bouqets and offers home and commercial decorating.

OVERLAND PARK FLORIST FINDS HER CALLING When Emily Fyten was a student at Johnson County Community College and the University of Kansas, she struggled like so many students do at that age. The struggle? Trying to decide just what it was she wanted to do for the rest of her professional career. It’s a big decision to make at that age.

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“It was my mom’s idea to open a floral shop,” Fyten says. “She had recently retired and was interested in trying something new. In fact, both my parents realized that flowers were my future and were hugely supportive.

They served as great mentors, helping me work through many business issues. My whole family even volunteers at the store when I need help.”

Sadly, her mother passed away shortly after the shop opened in Leawood — but she was able to see her dream realized. Fyten’s father still plays a significant role in the business today.

Making beautiful bridal bouquets and wedding arrangements are all in a day’s work for Park Place’s Flowers

Photo / Flowers by Emily

by Emily. The florist collaborates with couples to create whatever design they want, including customized items that match wedding decor. Fyten notes that about 10% of her business is dedicated to weddings.

Other peak times include Valentine’s Day and Mother’s Day, but the store also does a great deal of business around high school events such as homecoming and prom. Still, Fyten feels the best time of all to give flowers is “to send them for no reason at all.”

In addition to serving as a full-service florist, Flowers By Emily is a fashionable gift boutique, and Fyten sets a high bar in regard to what is offered in her shop, insisting on top-quality items with an artistic flair.

Photo / Flowers by Emily

Many small businesses fail in the first year and quite a few more in the first three. When questioned as to why the shop has stood the test of time, Fyten says she’s not sure.

Her customers might say it’s because of the family-owned feel and courteous, engaged staff. Flowers By Emily doesn’t use a wire service; you order directly through a designer. In today’s corporate world of automated answering systems, it’s a refreshing twist. There’s no middleman, and the shop adds plenty of extra touches for its clientele, including Blue Chip Cookies, balloons, and weekly and monthly floral service delivery options.

“I am consistently amazed by the arrangements they come up with there,” says customer Chris Stock. “My wife

Photo / Flowers by Emily

loves them. Flowers by Emily is truly the best florist in town.”

Fyten says she loves what she does, despite the pressures of owning a small business. She also delights in a staff that has provided friendship and great assistance to the shop for many years.

So, what’s next for Flowers By Emily?

“I’m so excited about our newest addition to our services,” she shares.

“We now offer home and commercial decorating. No project is too big or too small. We can do one room in a house or an entire home.”

Flowers By Emily is located at 5230 W. 116th Place in Leawood. Call 913.685.1188 or visit flowersbyemily.com to learn more.

SIMPLYKCMAG.COM | 19

r a e D

KACIE

It’s February and, of course, the first thing I think of is Valentine’s Day. I love the

HOW TO ENSURE A GREAT VALENTINE’S DAY FOR BOTH PARTNERS

sentiment of the day but my partner wants none of

I think everyone has things they excel at and things they

it. Year after year, he does

lack. Romance often falls short in many relationships. The

nothing and I am left feeling

book, “The 5 Love Languages” comes to mind. You and your partner might simply have different ideas of what

resentful and mad. How do

“romance” is. You should have a conversation with him

I get him to understand my

discussing what you think Valentine’s Day means and why

feelings?

it’s important to you. If you’re hoping for a gift, share what kind of gifts you like. Don’t force your significant other to read your mind. If it’s about together-time, don’t rely on him to plan the date; plan your own dream date. Or, suggest the possibility of an alternative Valentine’s Day just for the two of you.

If all else fails, buy yourself some gorgeous flowers or make a pact with a girlfriend to exchange a small gift on Valentine’s Day. Love comes in many different ways.

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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FASHION

BeautyIN THE DETAILS Whether you prefer classic dresses in white or hope to break tradition with a subtle pink number, the 2018 wedding gown trends are sure to make you feel gorgeous. Strapless sweethearts are always popular, but the style is updated with sleeves. Other necklines like deep V’s and off-the-shoulder are big this year. Finally, up the drama with delicate embellishments like lattice beadwork, scalloped lace, and 3-D floral appliquÊs.

Bridal Boutique:

Emily Hart Bridal

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Photography / Meghan Savage • Model(s) / Aliza Swan & Ali Lollas with Hoffman International, Trisha Pehlke with Voices & • Hair / David Bartram & Dallon Beerends for Oliver’s Hair Salon • Makeup / Jami Roth • Floral / Flora Design Co. • Shot on location / La Villa, 4120 Baltimore Ave., Kansas City, MO

INFOCUS

Written by Tiffany Killoren Photos by Jami Marshall

Celebrating its grand opening in November 2017, Maru Sushi & Grill is the product of experience, passion, and loyalty. Owner Alex Han, who has been in the restaurant business for more than 20 years and considers Oregon home, traveled to Kansas City at the encouragement of one of his chefs.

“The first time that I came here, I really liked the area and started to get more interested.” With another restaurant and his family in Oregon, Han relies on his responsible and passionate staff to run the business here while he travels back and forth.

It’s that skill and passion that forms the heart of Maru Sushi & Grill. The eclectic dishes include modern and traditional sushi, sashimi, salads, appetizers, and desserts. Consistent across the menu is Han’s goal to combine the highest quality sushi with the best possible service to turn first-time customers into regular visitors.

Oregan-based restaurateur Alex Han recently opened his first restaurant in Kansas City, Maru Sushi & Grill in Overland Park.

MARU SUSHI & GRILL BRINGS NEW FLAVOR TO PRAIRIEFIRE Named after the old Korean word for “peak of the mountain,” Prairiefire’s new Maru Sushi & Grill aims to impress clientele with its top-of-the-line, unique dishes. Even the restaurant’s logo, which was designed by a Korean artist, incorporates a mountain into the name itself, a hint to customers that their experience at the sushi restaurant will be memorable and truly authentic.

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Traditional sushi maintains its origin — the wrapping of fermented fish in rice as a trusted way to preserve food for long journeys before refrigeration was an option. In traditional sushi, “fish is the most important thing in traditional sushi, and also perfectly cooked rice. Not too flaky and not too soft, is important to make tasty sushi” Han explains. “People who enjoy sushi want to taste the freshness of the fish. We serve fish with different kinds of sauce to maximize the taste sushi and freshness of fish.”

Modern sushi — or fusion sushi — offers a twist on the traditional. “Fusion means we use different herbs and different types of spices to create new dishes,” Han explains. His fusion sushi chef, Sky Ra, was a sous chef in New York before joining Maru Sushi & Grill and is skilled at creating new

and unique dishes for those looking to branch out. (Think basil, pesto, and other nontraditional sauces.)

Jung Choi, Maru’s kitchen chef, rounds out a culinary trifecta. “The three chefs are great together,” Han says. “They all have different styles.” Although his

“Fish is the most important thing in traditional sushi. We serve fish with different kinds of sauce so you can taste its freshness.” chefs are skilled at preparing any type of sushi, they specialize in particular areas and are already making a name for themselves among returning customers.

If you’re looking for the ultimate in sushi tasting experiences, Han suggests trying the restaurant’s omakase menu, which is a premium “chef’s choice” multi-course meal. On the opposite end of the spectrum — and for the no-rawfish-for-me crowd — Maru Sushi & Grill also offers vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free menu options. Like its cuisine, the restaurant offers a mix of modern and traditional design, its soothing zen-like music and comfortable seating both inviting and refined. With a semi-private space for large gatherings, Han hopes to offer private catering services as business continues to grow.

A true family man both at home and work, Han beams with pride at everyone’s accomplishments. His son, Andy, is studying art in New York and his daughter, Joy, is a sophomore in high school. “She’s a joyful girl,” Han says, laughing at a name that well-suits his

Maru Sushi & Grill offers everything from traditional and fusion sushi to vegan and gluten-free dishes.

daughter. Married to his wife, Shin, for 25 years, Han considers his success a team effort that starts at home. “I’m thankful to my wife for taking such great care of our family.”

Han believes the secret to Maru Sushi & Grill’s success begins with a strong foundation. “My role here is to make a good environment for people to work in,” he says. Like the mountain peak that it stands for, Han’s vision for his new restaurant is powerful in its simplicity. “I want everyone to enjoy their

job, prepare the best quality sushi, and keep customers happy and coming back.”

Maru Sushi & Grill is open from 11:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. and 4:30 to 9:30 p.m. daily. It’s located at 5621 W. 135th St., Suite 2620 in Overland Park. Call 913.258.5879 or visit marusushiop.com for more info.

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FURNITURE

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AROUND TOWN

Images above: La Villa - Photos by sarabethmiller.com Images below: Beck Event Space - Photos by Freeland Photography

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Written by Rebecca Fischer

HOT WEDDING VENUES FOR 2018 You’ve found your perfect someone — now it’s time to plan the perfect day.

Luckily, there are no shortage of unique, memorable wedding venues in the KC area. For some couples, only outdoor venues will do; others want a grand ballroom. Some want a quiet, out-of-the-way spot, and some want to exchange vows from rooftop overlooking the city.

The following list contains newer venues that come highly recommended. Maybe one will be just what you’re looking for.

BECK EVENT SPACE 210 S. INDEPENDENCE ST., HARRISONVILLE, MO

816.793.0533 | beckeventspace.com FIRST WEDDING: 2017

It took two years for Scott Beck to convert a historic 1915 Harrisonville industrial building into the elegant wedding space it is today, but it was worth the time and effort.

“I loved the space right away, the openness of it. It’s very unique,” Beck says. “The ballroom doesn’t have any columns — nothing to block the line of sight. It’s just a clean, open space.”

What was once the Davis Brothers Garage, where Model-A Fords were repaired, is now an “industrial chic” space for weddings, complete with a 5,700-square-foot open ballroom, exposed-brick walls, 7-foot-by-4-foot windows to let in a lot of natural light, and an original Davis Brothers garage door.

“When I saw pictures on the website, I almost ruled it out, thinking we couldn’t afford it,” says Kelly Johnson, whose wedding is planned at Beck this May. “Another space like this in the city would be way out of our price range.

But it’s just perfect. And the owners are all so helpful and professional. They

know the answers to my questions before I even ask them.”

LA VILLA 4120 BALTIMORE AVE. KANSAS CITY, MO

913.291.4234 | lavillakc.com

First wedding: 2017 Looking for European charm with a modern twist? Check out La Villa for “Barcelona meets L.A.” The building that houses this brand-new event space was constructed in the 1920s, right along with The Country Club Plaza. It reflects the same Seville Spanish-style architecture that’s played a big role in making the shopping area so memorable: stucco buildings, red-tile roofs, and ornate towers.

Owners Joel and Laurie Johnson saw an opportunity to combine that unique KC charm with a modernized feel last year. The most fitting transformation, perhaps, was turning the room where a chapel once was into the ballroom.

Of the four rooms (plus an outdoor patio), the ballroom La Villa’s most dramatic, thanks to its expansive 30foot barrel-vaulted ceiling and original wrought-iron chandeliers on a backdrop of clean, white paint. “We wanted to offer a blank slate so couples and their guests would be the focus,” Joel says. “There are endless design possibilities, but really it’s the people who will stand out.”

THE GARDENS AT THE KELLY GALLERY 17315 ANTIOCH RD., OVERLAND PARK, KS

913.897.7340 | thekellygallerygardens.com FIRST WEDDING: 2015

As a mom of two young boys, Kelly Daniels bought a big piece of land in south Overland Park next to the arboretum with plans to create the ideal outdoor photography studio. And she

Images above: The Gardens at the Kelly Gallery Photos by Kelly Daniels

did. What she didn’t realize was that all the elements that made it the perfect spot for photography (a willow tree, forest, perfectly planted gardens, pond, gazebo, etc.) would also make it the ideal wedding venue. So at the request of clients, she recently started booking weddings there.

“It’s the perfect place for a fairytale wedding,” says Nissa Aleman, an assistant at The Gardens. “Kelly is open to whatever you dream up. And she also offers photography to complete the experience. She knows that land like

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AROUND TOWN

CONT.

Images above: The Vow Exchange - Photos by Danielle Mousley Photography

Images above: 3D Development, On Broadway Rooftop Event Space

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the back of her hand — knows how the light falls at different times of day, and how to get the perfect shot every time.”

Danielle Blum says her wedding there was perfect in every way. “I stumbled upon The Gardens while searching for garden wedding ideas on Pinterest,” she shares. “I came across a stunning picture that was exactly what I was looking for, and clicked the pin with little hope of the location being anywhere near my town. As fate would have it, this gorgeous location and the talented photographer were both in my city. What luck!”

THE VOW EXCHANGE (CROSSROADS) AND THE CHAPEL AT HERITAGE HALL THE VOW EXCHANGE 1701 MCGEE ST., KANSAS CITY, MO

816.399.4363 | thevowexchange.com THE CHAPEL AT HERITAGE HALL 117 W. KANSAS ST., LIBERTY, MO

816.399.4363 | heritageeventspaces. com/theheritagehall FIRST WEDDING: 2013

Not every couple wants a grand ballroom or other large-production wedding, but they do want a unique experience.

“What we saw was a need in Kansas City for easy, affordable, but justas-special weddings,” says owner Kathryn Hogan, a graduate of KC Art

Institute. “We’re a place where everybody can feel comfortable and really enjoy themselves.”

With almost 1,000 couples married at the Crossroads location in just a few years, Hogan is certainly on to something. Her second location, The Chapel at Heritage Hall, opens this month in Liberty’s historic downtown square. While the Crossroads location is more farmhouse-chic, complete with a 100-year-old barn wood wall, The Chapel will be more Art Deco, 1920s-inspired. An artist herself, Hogan designed all aspects of both venues with her husband, ensuring every last detail was considered.

BELVOIR WINERY & INN 1325 ODD FELLOWS RD., LIBERTY, MO

bridal suite, a large groom’s suite (complete with a golf simulator to keep the guys entertained), dedicated catering space, and nine-room bed and breakfast.

“I chose Belvoir Winery for our wedding because of the history and the beautiful, unique vintage buildings,” says Amanda Dye. “The new space on the second floor provided a unique experience for our guests to be able to either be where the dance party was happening, or out in the bar area catching up with relatives.”

3D DEVELOPMENT MULTIPLE LOCATIONS: On Broadway Rooftop Event Space, The Creamery Club Room & Resort Patio, and Corrigan Station

816.200.1811 | belvoirwinery.com/inn

2100 CENTRAL ST., KANSAS CITY, MO

FIRST WEDDING FOLLOWING RENOVATIONS: 2017

FIRST WEDDING: 2016

When you picture your perfect wedding, do you see beautiful vineyards but don’t want to travel all the way to Napa? You’re in luck. Belvoir offers scenic vineyards on its 170 acres of land, as well as a picture-perfect gazebo, century-old buildings, and breathtaking vistas.

Although weddings have taken place at Belvoir since 2011, renovations to the historic Odd Fellows Home last year added 10,000 square feet, including the Grand Ballroom, with views of the sprawling property. The renovations also included a large

816.560.5294 | dream-design-develop.com

Are you a downtown kind of couple?

How about getting married on the rooftop of a 10-story building in the heart of the city? The views from Corrigan Station are spectacular and sure to be memorable, and the elegant penthouse provides space for indoor festivities. The other two venues run by 3D are next door to each other in the Crossroads: On Broadway also offers a rooftop space, with a view of KC’s skyline, and The Creamery offers an indoor-outdoor venue for smaller weddings.

Images above: Belvoir Winery & Inn - Photos by Freeland Photography

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DISH

Written by Melanie McDowell

ARTISTRY, BUSINESS & CROISSANTS

Photo by Heather R. Loo

JEFF MARTIN, DECADENT DESSERT BAR

After the success of his cupcake store Smallcakes, which was established in 2008 and now has 200+ locations worldwide, owner Jeff Martin set his sights on a more elaborate kind of bakery. A “dessert shop on steroids,” as he says.

Jeff Martin, Photo from Decadent

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Decadent Dessert Bar in Overland Park’s Prairiefire shopping center offers

anything and everything you could possibly crave in a sweet treat, all under one roof. You won’t find “boring old cupcakes or cookies,” here, Martin explains. Instead, Decadent Dessert Bar features favorites with a twist. Think: cornflake chocolate-chip cookies and warm, gooey brownies served in a skillet.

We recently talked shop: culinary artistry, business, and croissants — none of which are mutually exclusive.

Growing up, what was your favorite meal and who cooked it?

So, it sounds so cliche, but I’m gonna tell you: my grandma’s fried chicken. Every Sunday was fried-chicken day. Still to this day, I cannot

duplicate it. She had no recipe; it’s just in her mind. She made this great red velvet cake, too. Our red velvet cupcake recipe is based on hers.

What can you tell me about your upbringing?

I grew up in Atlanta and went to school in Charleston, South Carolina. My wife is from Kansas City, so we moved here about 17 years ago. We raise our kids in Kansas.

Do you miss anything about Charleston?

The food. I miss the food. I lived there before everyone started using the word “foodie” — it was an awesome food town and I was lucky to work in some of the restaurants in the beginning. I miss the Southern flavors, but we do try and put a little bit of everything in Decadent. Our key-lime pie is actually a recipe I created because I go down to Florida every summer and I just love fresh key-lime pies.

Since I’m from the south, I try to bring a little bit of something people wouldn’t normally get in Kansas.

Are you a classically trained pastry chef?

I’m culinary trained as a chef. Baking wasn’t my forte in the beginning, so it really just kind of popped up when we started Smallcakes 10 years ago.

Baking is an art; it’s different than being in a kitchen. It takes more time, more patience. I’ve really evolved from my culinary training to the baking, but I still try to keep it creative so it’s not just a boring chocolate-chip cookie.

It’s breakfast. What are you making?

I love croissants. And, thick, maple woodsmoked bacon is my fave, so I’m gonna scramble up some eggs and put it together as a nice little breakfast sandwich.

Do you serve breakfast at your restaurant?

We do a small breakfast menu. We have a great avocado toast but, actually, we changed it so it’s an avocado croissant.

So we make flaky croissants with an avocado spread on it. It’s pretty awesome.

What’s your favorite thing about KC? Probably the people, and I didn’t know that until I started growing our Smallcakes brand. Kansas City is such a great place to start a business because the people are so real and honest. If your product is bad, they’re going to tell you it’s bad, or if it’s great they’re totally going to support you. You don’t see that in a lot of other cities, I travel every week to Houston, Atlanta, Dallas, California; there’s something about the Midwest, and the people in Kansas City, that is just so real and raw. I think it’s the best place to start businesses.

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BEAUTY

Written by Deborah Eakin Osborne

With the sew-in method, used predominantly with African-American hair, a weft of hair is sewn onto a small braid such as a cornrow or French braid. The fusion method involves an individual pre-bonded extension of hair and a heated tool that melts the bond, or adhesive, onto the client’s natural hair. Cold fusion (also called Micro-Links or I-Tip) refers to the client’s natural hair being pulled through a loc, or cylinder, followed by the insertion of a pre-bonded extension into the same loc. A special plier is then used to close the cylinder, which adheres to the extension to the natural hair. The tape-in method uses two 2-inch wefts, or tapes, of hair with adhesive at the top. These are placed on either side of a strip of the client’s natural hair to sandwich the natural hair between the two pre-bonded extensions. This creates a chemical reaction that results in a permanent bond.

The type of extension depends upon two factors: your objective (adding thickness and/or length), and the type of hair you have. Giarraputo explains that hair is classified by its thickness (thick, normal, or thin) and its texture (coarse, natural, or fine). She prefers the Hairlocs system of cold fusion for her clients with normal to coarse hair, believing it to be the fastest way of extending hair with the least amount of damage. For clients with normal to fine hair, she recommends the tape-in method for adding length and volume.

Because fewer extensions are used,

HAIR EXTENSIONS: THE LONG AND THE SHORT OF IT

Giarraputo says this method may be more affordable and takes less time.

The type and quality of hair used in making the extensions are also

38

Thinking of changing up your look

says there are a number of options in-

crucial. Remy Hair, the highest quality

with some hair extensions but aren’t

cluding sew-in, fusion, cold fusion, and

of human hair available, refers to hair

sure which type is right for you? Leslie

tape-in types. All of these are consid-

in which the cuticles are still intact

Giarraputo (formerly Kubas), owner of

ered permanent and require installa-

and bundled in the same direction.

Lulu Salon and Spa in Overland Park,

tion by a hair care professional.

This makes them more durable and

| SIMPLYKCMAG.COM

longer-lasting. Virgin hair indicates hair

extensions are made has a huge differ-

are so much more realistic and natural,”

that has not been chemically processed

ence in the longevity of the product,”

she says. She adds that wigs are also fun

either by bleaching, coloring, or perming,

Lynch explains. Reapplication is needed

to wear if you just want a new look for a

although Giarraputo points out that most

every six to eight weeks, but with proper

party or a night on the town.

extension hair has already been chemi-

care, such as the use of a good shampoo

cally treated or colored when it arrives.

and conditioner, the extensions can be

So, you may be wondering, what’s it

reused one or two times.

going to cost to turn your vision into a

You can treat human hair extensions like

reality? Giarraputo suggests the average

you would your own hair but with great

Lynch’s professional knowledge, as well

installation fees for hair extensions can

care, she advises. Synthetic hair exten-

as her personal experience wearing hair

range from $200 to $1,500, depend-

sions, on the other hand, are usually made

extensions, is why she chooses to use

ing on whether your color and cut, the

of plastic and are therefore unable to with-

the tape-in method, specifically Invisi-Tab

cost of the extensions themselves, and

stand the heat of a blow dryer or curling

Hair Extensions. Invisi-Tab tape-ins don’t

the cost of the application process are

iron. They are mainly temporary and often

require heat to apply, and because they

charged together or a la carte. The look

come as a clip-on or attachment piece.

fit flat against your head, they are more

you desires and how much hair is needed

comfortable to wear.

to achieve that look also will factor into

One of the reasons Jaime Lynch, owner

the total cost, which is why Giarraputo

of Haircuts Plus in Lenexa, uses only

She also says hair pieces and wigs are

recommends consulting your hair care

extensions made from human hair is

great alternatives to extensions when the

professional for more specific pricing

because it looks and feels like the client’s

top of the scalp becomes too thin to cov-

before making any decisions.

own and can be colored and permed.

er with your own hair. “Wigs today that

“The quality of the hair and how well the

are purchased from a quality company

Now, get out there and turn some heads.

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BECAUSE I SAID SO ...

CO-WORKERS I work with my husband, Scott.

I don’t work with him professionally, but I work under the same roof as him. We work “in-the-home.”

It sounds nice on paper. You can make your own hours. You can be flexible with the kids’ activities.

You don’t need to spend a lot of money on work attire. There’s no commute.

But it’s deceiving — this concept of working from home.

We spend a tremendous amount of time together. Scott and I are essentially co-workers during the day. The kids are at school, and we

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Written by Julie Burton | Photo by Samantha Levi

focus on our careers side-by-side.

We each have our own office.

I have a couch, blankets, and a fireplace in mine. He has dead animals on the walls in his. We share a kitchen, coffee maker, and bathrooms. The offices are not soundproof. I don’t have a door to my office. We can converse with each other, yet we’re far enough away that phone conversations aren’t an annoyance.

co-workers are there to perform a job. Conversations, phones ringing, and utensils clanking can be disruptive to your co-worker. Wear headphones when you can. “Oh, no. Not him again. I ain’t listening to Bruno Mars! You can forget it.”

It’s proven the more you appreciate co-workers, the more you like your job. As always, the Internet offers advice to help you be a better co-worker.

2. Be respectful of your shared workspace. Sharing physical space with people can be easy if you set rules. The last one to leave a room turns off the light. First one awake makes the pot of coffee. Close the door when you use the restroom. “Every time I walk in the restroom, you’re in here. I wish people could see what you do all day.”

1. Employ audio etiquette. Watch your noise pollution. You and your

3. Collaborate with your co-workers.

Spending 10 minutes chatting with

people about a project can be more beneficial than thinking it through on your own. Use creativity together. “Hey! Check your IG. I just tagged you in this meme.”

a quick lunch break at the gym, you should shower before getting dressed again. “Oh, sorry. Didn’t know you were changing in here. I’ll watch until you’re done.”

times more likely to engage fully in their work.

4. Sexual harassment is never OK. Unwelcome sexual advances, asking for sexual favors, and other verbal or physical sexual conduct is forbidden in the workplace. “You want to heat up this leftover pizza for lunch and then go to the bedroom real quick?”

6. Don’t be a gossip. Speak about others as you would if they were in the room. “There’s something different about you. Something with your face. What’s different? Your eyebrows. They’re, like, too dark or something. Go wash your eyebrows off. They look terrible.”

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.

5. Dress appropriately. The term “dress for success” is true. If you look professional and put-together, your co-workers will perceive you that way. If you’re sweaty after

DEN

My co-worker is Scott. They say the more you like your co-workers, the more you love your job. People with a best friend at work are seven

This post brought to you from work.

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KC VOICES

Written by Julie Burton

MARRIAGE ADVICE FROM THE ‘GREATEST GENERATION’ If you want to know about love, ask a person with a lifetime of experience.

The generation that holds memories of World War II, longhand letters, and giving birth to the baby boomers still holds words of good advice to the era of couples navigating the Internet, credit cards, and social media.

DEE GRIER, 85 YEARS OLD It’s a love story that begins at an engagement party, although it wasn’t their own. “I met Bob through a mutual friend at an engagement party. He asked me to go swimming with him the next day and I said yes. We were skinny little things,” Dee Grier says, laughing. “We looked like we were starving or something.”

After two weeks of dating, Bob and Dee maintained a long-distance relationship through letter-writing for the next two years because Bob was in the service.

“We broke up before he went into the service,” Dee recalls. “During his first furlough we made up. His second furlough we got engaged. And during his third furlough we got married.”

Dee and Bob found time to talk about the day in an odd place — over the kitchen sink. “We had a dishwasher but we never used it,” she shares. “We did the dishes together because we knew the kids wouldn’t come near us. It was our time to talk and enjoy each other.”

Dee was married to Bob for 60 years

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until Bob passed. Dee resides at Covenant Place of Lenexa.

Dee’s marriage advice: “When you get married, don’t expect to have everything your parents have. You won’t. If you have it all, what are you working for? Eventually you’ll get tired of each other if you have it all at the beginning.

Remember marriage is not disposable.

It’s not something you can throw away if you don’t like it.”

DEAN BALDERSTON, 93 YEARS OLD “I met her how most people met each other — in the backseat of a car,” Dean Balderston says with a laugh. Dean was 21 years old when he tagged along on his friend’s date night in 1942.

When Dean’s friend picked up his date, he also picked up his date’s babysitting job — her 14-year-old sister, Virgie.

Dean and Virgie dated a year and a half before they got married. She was 16 and he was 23. “There are things we should have done differently,” Dean says. “I was old enough I should have known better, but she was two years past the marrying age.”

Dean and Virgie each grew up on farms in western Kansas. After they got married, they threw everything in their ’35 Plymouth, including an ironing board, and took off for Kansas City to live with Virgie’s sister.

“We only had one argument in our

73 years of marriage. I still wonder what were we arguing about when I picked myself off the floor,” Dean says.

“But Virgie’s always been level on her thinking.”

Dean and Virgie have been married for 70 years and reside at Covenant Place of Lenexa.

Dean’s marriage advice: “It’s important to have a strong faith together. We went to church often. Many times it felt like we lived in the church. Before buying a new car or a new house, we talked about it, and we trusted God. We’ve got our house already built in heaven.”

NORMA JEAN & CARL SNYDER, 88 YEARS OLD AND 93 YEARS OLD, RESPECTIVELY As soon as 22-year-old Carl Snyder got out of the Navy, he decided to drive from Kansas City to Alaska with a friend. Before his trip, however, he met a girl at his parent’s church — a girl named Norma Jean. It took him 51 years to finally make it to Alaska.

“We dated for a year. She graduated high school on a Friday night and we were married Monday night in a big church wedding,” Carl says.

Norma Jean adds, “It was the first year after the war was over. We went to college together. It was guys galore at college because the government paid for college for those who served. We lived in an 18-foot trailer. No stove, no refrigerators, no bathroom. But it was fun. We had a good time.”

Carl and Norma Jean share a career love of education. Carl was an elementary and middle school principal and Norma Jean taught for 38 years. She also founded the gifted program for

Wyandotte County. Together, they taught a young married couples class in church.

“We’ve always been around young people,” Norma Jean says.

Norma Jean and Carl have been married 70 years and reside at Covenant Place of Lenexa.

Norma Jean and Carl’s marriage advice: “Hold your tongue when you want to say something. There’s a lot of compromise that has to take place in a marriage,” Norma Jean advises. “Don’t take each other for granted.”

Carl says: “I get asked how we made it 70 years and I always tell them I had the last word — I say ‘yes, dear.’”

LORETTA CROWDER, 92 YEARS OLD They say love is blind. And in Max and Loretta Crowder’s love story, it is. Loretta met Max on a blind date. After turning

down the first opportunity to go on a date with Max, she accepted the second offer. Max picked up Loretta at her front door step, dressed in his full navy uniform.

Their first date was at The Midland in Kansas City.

“We didn’t own a house after we got married. We lived in a kitchenette, a rented room upstairs of a house,” Loretta recalls. “We lived with others until we had enough money to move on our own. What we bought, we paid for. We had nothing but we didn’t owe anything either.”

Loretta grew up with a religious catholic background and Max grew up on a farm without a church. “I never forced Max to attend church with me. He made that decision on his own,” Loretta says. Religion played a large role in their marriage while raising four children. The family of six worked hard on their family-owned boat business. Max and Loretta didn’t have time to go out on dates once the children were born, but they still had fun.

“We still had time for sexual fun,” Loretta laughs.

Loretta was married to Max for 35 years until Max passed. Loretta resides at Silvercrest at College View Senior Living.

Loretta’s marriage advice: “Accept your in-laws. They’re like a piece of gold in your hand. Max and I loved our parents.

You need to love your future daughtersand sons-in-law, too. I think that’s why I lived so long. I’ve been happy surrounded by our grandchildren and great grandchildren.”

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GOOD TASTES

Written by Gina Reardon | Photo by Adrienne Maples

Celebrate With Chocolate … And Mix It Up With Orange After several weeks of cold weather inviting us to lay low, accompanied by the classic comfort foods of midwinter such as homemade soups, stews, and pasta, it’s no wonder we go a little stir crazy and happily look forward to celebratory occasions!

With both Valentine’s Day, Mardi Gras festivities, and weddings taking place mid-February, indulgence in the form of chocolate is in order. This chocolate bread pudding is deeply comforting and perfect not just for a special occasion, but anytime — especially with the option of advance preparation. Enjoy!

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.

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Chocolate-Orange Bread Pudding Yield: 8-10 servings

INGREDIENTS 2 cups heavy cream 2 cups whole milk 1 vanilla bean, split, seeds scraped 1 pound bittersweet chocolate, finely chopped 8 large egg yolks 1/4 cup sugar 3/4 teaspoon kosher salt zest of 3 oranges 1 pound brioche, cut into 1-inch pieces 1-1/2 cups bittersweet chocolate chips (9 ounces)

INGREDIENTS FOR GLAZE 1/2 cup orange marmalade 1/2 cup water

DIRECTIONS Preheat the oven to 325 degrees. In a medium saucepan, combine the heavy cream with the milk and vanilla bean and bring to just a boil over moderately high heat. Remove the mixture from the heat and let it stand for 5 minutes. Discard the vanilla bean and bring the cream mixture to just a boil. Remove from the heat and add the finely chopped chocolate. Let this mixture stand for 2 minutes, then whisk until smooth.

In a large bowl, beat the egg yolks with the sugar and salt. Very gradually whisk in the hot cream mixture until smooth. Whisk in the orange zest. In another large bowl, toss the brioche with half of the chocolate cream and the chocolate chips. Spread the soaked bread in a 9-by-13-inch baking dish and then pour the remaining chocolate cream on top. Cover the bread pudding with plastic wrap and let it stand at room temperature for 30 minutes.

Bake the bread pudding for 35 to 40 minutes, until the top is glossy and the center is set. During the last 10 minutes the bread pudding is baking, heat the orange marmalade and water over medium low heat until combined.

Pour the marmalade gently over bread pudding when you remove it from the oven.

Let the finished bread pudding stand for 15 minutes, then serve it warm with crème fraiche or premium vanilla ice cream.

Note: You can prepare the recipe ahead of time and refrigerate the unbaked bread pudding overnight. Bring it to room temperature before baking.

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TO PAY IT FORWARD Random Acts of Kindness week is Feb. 11–17. Here are some ideas you can implement around the city this week.

1 Shovel snow for a neighbor or scrape ice off their car windows.

2 C reate cards with sweet or motivational messages, then leave them in public places, such as the Plaza or your local library.

3 Pay for someone’s groceries.

4 C ollect some quarters in a plastic bag and leave them at the nearest laundromat.

5 Give out $5 or $10 QuikTrip gift cards to strangers.

6 Pick up trash in your favorite park.

7 S end an encouraging email to a coworker, classmate, family member, or friend to boost their spirits.

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HAPPENINGS

FEB 1–7 The Toughest Kid in the World H&R Block City Stage Theater Union Station, 30 W Pershing, KCMO tya.org FEB 2 First Friday Crossroads, KCMO kccrossroads.org 5–9 pm FEB 2 First Friday Film Festival Musical Theater Heritage Crown Center Shops 2450 Grand Blvd, KCMO musicaltheaterheritage.com 8:30 pm FEB 2 Bingo on the Boulevard Muehlebach Suite at Boulevard Brewery 2501 Southwest Blvd, KCMO 6–10 pm FEB 2–3 C.S. Lewis on Stage: The Most Reluctant Convert Kauffman Center for the Performing Arts, 1601 Broadway Blvd, KCMO 7:30 pm Friday, 4 pm Saturday FEB 2–4 A Century of Bernstein: Beethoven’s ‘Eroica’ with Bernstein’s Serenade Helzberg Hall Kauffman Center for the Performing Arts 1601 Broadway, KCMO kauffmancenter.org FEB 3 Red Cross Blood Drive Thoroughbred Ford 8501 N. Boardwalk Ave, KCMO redcrossblood.org 3–7 pm FEB 3 We Love Onesies Bar Crawl KCMO eventbrite.com/e/2018-kansas-city-onesie-bar-crawl-tickets-41227451417 4–10 pm FEB 3 Charles and Virginia Clark Inside Music Series: Christine Grossman, Viola Helzberg Hall Kauffman Center for the Performing Arts 1601 Broadway, KCMO kauffmancenter.org

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FEB 3-4 Cheetah Enrichment Kansas City Zoo 6800 Zoo Dr, KCMO 816.513.5800 / kansascityzoo.org 10:30 am FEB 4 Red Cross Blood Drive Blue Springs Christian Church 7920 South 7 Hwy, Blue Springs, MO redcrossblood.org 8:15 am–1:15 pm FEB 6 National Geographic Live Florian Schulz, Wildlife Photographer: Into the Arctic Kingdom Kauffman Center for the Performing Arts 1601 Broadway, KCMO kauffmancenter.org 7:30 pm FEB 10 KC Brew Fest, Union Station 30 W Pershing, KCMO Noon–4 pm FEB 11 Lara St. John, violin, and Matt Herskowitz, piano Polsky Theatre Johnson County Community College 12345 College Blvd, OPKS jccc.edu/carlsen-center-presents/events 7 pm FEB 13 – MAR 24 Junie B. Jones Is Not a Crook H&R Block City Stage Theater Union Station 30 W Pershing, KCMO FEB 15–18 The Kansas City Ballet’s 60th (Diamond) Anniversary New Moves Michael and Ginger Frost Studio Theater 500 W Pershing Rd, KCMO kcballet.org FEB 16 The Harriman-Jewell Series presents Mitsuko Uchida, pianist in recital The Folly Theater 300 W 12th St, KCMO follytheater.org 7:30 pm FEB 16–18 Planet Comicon 2018 Bartle Hall (part of the Kansas City Convention Center) 301 W 13th St, KCMO planetcomicon.com Noon–7 pm Friday, 10 am–7 pm Saturday, 10 am–5 pm Sunday

FEB 17 The Folly Jazz Series presents ocalist Cyrille Aimee The Folly Theater 300 W 12th St, KCMO follytheater.org 8 pm FEB 17–18 Cheetah Enrichment Kansas City Zoo 6800 Zoo Dr, KCMO 816.513.5800 / kansascityzoo.org 10:30 am FEB 18 The 3rd Annual Kansas City Folk Festival

by Folk Alliance International The Westin Kansas City at Crown Center 1 East Pershing Rd, KCMO folk.org 10 am–5 pm FEB 18 Charles Williams Trio: Interlude Series Polsky Theatre Johnson County Community College 12345 College Blvd, OPKS jccc.edu/carlsen-center-presents/events 7 pm FEB 22–25 These Shining Lives Avila University 11901 Wornall Rd, KCMO 816.942.8400 / avila.edu FEB 23 Friends of Chamber Music present Brentano String Quartet (CQ) with Jonathan Biss, piano The Folly Theater 300 W 12th St, KCMO follytheater.org 7:30 pm FEB 24 The Harriman-Jewell Series presents Nathan Lee, pianist in recital The Folly Theater 300 W 12th St, KCMO follytheater.org 7 pm FEB 24 Complexions Contemporary Ballet Polsky Theatre Johnson County Community College 12345 College Blvd, OPKS jccc.edu/carlsen-center-presents/events 8 pm

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