SIMPLYkc Magazine March 2021 by SIMPLYkc Magazine

Kc Smile

MAR ‘21 | Vol. 10 No. 11

TRANSFORMING LIVES ONE SMILE AT A TIME

PEOPLE

DEKA LASH BRINGS BEAUTY IN THE BLINK OF AN EYE

DISH

CORINTH SQUARE OFFERS A NEW TASTE OF ITALY

HOME

LIGHT BULB MOMENT: HOW TO MASTER ENERGY EFFICIENCY

RESOURCES YOU NEED

TO MAKE VIRTUAL SCHOOL A SUCCESS

SPRING READING LIST:

A NOD TO THE CLASSICS

DISCOVER

Renewal

Passion

YOUR

BEST SELF

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CONTENTS

AROUND TOWN 10

SPRING BREAK WITH GIRAFFES

INFOCUS 12

KANSAS CITY WELCOMES DEKALASH

BE WELL 14

THE FACTS ABOUT COLORECTAL CANCER

WHO WHAT WHERE 18 JOHNNY ROWLANDS

LOCAL GOOD EATS 20 INFOCUS 22

HEALTHY, BEAUTIFUL TEETH BEGIN AT KC SMILE

HOME/STYLE 24

REFRESH YOUR HOME THIS SPRING

7 THINGS 26

SEVEN SPRING ACTIVITIES TO DO IN KC

BOOKISH 28

CLASSIC NEVER GOES OUT OF STYLE

PARENTING 30

MAKING THE MOST OF VIRTUAL SCHOOL

BEAUTY 32

REST, RELAXATION, AND A REALLY CUTE MANICURE

DISH 34

VA BENE: WHERE ALL IS RIGHT

INFOCUS 36

PHOENIX NATURAL WELLNESS IS CHANGING LIVES IN OVERLAND PARK

30 32

BECAUSE I SAID SO 38 THE RIDE OF A LIFETIME

GOOD TASTES 40

OH, SPRING, YOU MAKE MY HEART SING!

DEAR KACIE 42

DISAPPEARING THERAPIST

HOME 44

MASTERING ENERGY EFFICIENCY

APP 46

FIND WHAT FEELS GOOD

MIND & BODY 48

MIND OVER MATTER: 5 TIPS FOR BEATING PROCRASTINATION

SIMPLYkc MAGAZINE

MARCH 2021

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PUBLISHER’S NOTE

Please Come Back, Sun It’s February while I write this—the metro has just been hit with a round of snow and freezing temperatures. It’s gray and dreary; the perfect kind of day to work from home. I didn’t even have to change out of my PJs. Dare I say bring on the 100 degree temperatures? I’m dying for some warmth and sunshine. Punxsutawney Phil predicted a late spring. With the polar vortex now an actual thing in the Midwest, maybe that crazy critter does know what he’s doing. I choose to hold out hope. I will be on a beach this summer. Until then, I’ll enviously scroll through those spring break beach pics that will soon show up on my Insta feed. What are your plans for spring break? Vacationing during a pandemic is not easy, but it’s possible. Domestic travel is more appealing when you can travel by car, stay outdoors, and avoid crowds. One option is visiting a zoo. Check out our Around Town column on page 10 to learn how to spend your spring break with zebras, giraffes, chimpanzees, and more. I hope that no matter what you end up doing, you enjoy yourself. Happy spring (I hope)!

Suzanne Steiner, Publisher

SIMPLYkc MAGAZINE

MARCH 2021

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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, Jenny Wheat of Wheat Photography, Melanie McDowell, Matt Meier Photography, Courtney Zeigenhorn, Zac Grimaldo, Diana Pearl Photography, Yoga with Adriene, Molly Kuplen CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Julie Burton, Rebecca Fischer, Madison Obermeyer, Shannon E. Roesgen, Sophie Oswald, T.E. Cunningham, Judy Goppert, Gina Reardon, AdventHealth, Tiffany Killoren ART DIRECTOR Julie Faerman, Whoo Design ADVERTISING Gretchen McGraw, Sales 620.474.5859 gretchen@simplykcmag.com INQUIRIES SIMPLYkc Magazine 11730 W. 135th St., Ste. 116 Overland Park, KS 66221 913.209.9394 contact@simplykcmag.com simplykcmag.com

COVER IMAGE PHOTOS • Beth Houts, Beth Houts Photography, 913.486.8120, bethhouts.com, @bethhoutsphotography MODEL • Emalee Crosser with Voices & Model and Talent Agency, 118 Walnut, Suite 120, Kansas City, MO, 816.753.4261, voicesand.com, @voicesandmodels WARDROBE • Scout and Molly’s, 5228 W. 119th St. #2090, Leawood, KS, 913.283.7888, scoutandmollys.com, @scoutandmollysleawood HAIR • Summer Johnson, Master Stylist at Catered Beauty located inside Aspen Salon, 9926 College Blvd., Overland Park, KS, 913.909.9227, @summerjohnsonhair MAKEUP • Jami Roth, @beautybyjamiroth WARDROBE STYLIST • Leah Lowe, ellemae.blog, @ellemaeblog

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.

SIMPLYkc MAGAZINE

MARCH 2021

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AROUND TOWN

SPRING BREAK WITH GIRAFFES WRITTEN BY JULIE BURTON

There is one week in March where there seems to be no rules. You can turn off your email, dig your feet in the sand, and listen to the roar of the ocean. Or you can take a few ski runs before relaxing in a hot tub in the mountains. Spring break is the time you can get away from work, school, and what’s left of Old Man Winter. But 2021 brings its own set of rules.

SIMPLYkc MAGAZINE

MARCH 2021

lanning a vacation during a pandemic can be done, but it’s not easy. Domestic travel is more appealing when you can travel by car, stay outdoors, and have enough room to avoid crowds.

To the South

Visiting a zoo is one way to accomplish this. You can see zebras, chimpanzees, and even pet a camel while it sticks its head in your car window. Dive in with the penguins—we’re bringing you the best zoos in the Midwest.

If your kids like to get more hands-on with animals, head to Goddard, Kansas, a quick 20-minute drive from Wichita. Tanganyika Wildlife Park is the only park in the U.S. with 10 interactive encounters where you can touch, feed, and even ride unique animal species.

To the North

Tanganyika opens March 13, and you can arrange a private “meet and greet” with animals such as otters, penguins, cats, porcupines, and lemurs where touching, feeding, and playing is permitted. Or choose a behind-thescenes experience with a zookeeper. Want to be adventurous on your own? No problem. Many of Tanganyika’s exhibits allow guests to feed a wide variety of animals.

Drive time: 1 hour 50 minutes

Also check out: The animals don’t all live at Tanganyika. Head to Sedgwick County Zoo in Wichita, Kansas. It has the largest elephant pool in the country.

Also check out: The K-State Insect Zoo is owned and operated by the university. It includes a flooded Amazonian rainforest, a tropical night house (cave), a beehive, and a mock kitchen filled with bugs.

Omaha, Nebraska Omaha’s Henry Doorly Zoo & Aquarium

omahazoo.com Drive time: 2 hours 45 minutes It’s consistently ranked one of the best zoos in the world, and it’s less than three hours away. This 130-acre biological park, home to over 900 species, offers plenty of space for families to run wild while keeping a safe distance from others. Omaha’s climate has temperatures that vary from summer to winter, but inside the zoo is a different story. Walk through the wet tropics of the Amazon, the largest indoor rainforest in North America. Then warm up in the dry heat of the desert inside the world’s largest indoor desert. When you’re done viewing the animals on land, take a dive into the ocean inside the aquarium. Walk along the bottom of the ocean, watch sharks circle above you in the shark tunnel, and get a feel for a penguin’s life in Antarctica. Also check out: Want one last winter hurrah while you’re in Omaha? Check out the always snowy Mt. Crescent Ski Area, a mountainous terrain built by gold medalist skier Stein Eriksen.

Goddard, Kansas Tanganyika Wildlife Park

twpark.com Drive time: 3 hours 10 minutes

To the East Strafford, Missouri Wild Animal Safari

animalsafari.com Drive time: 2 hours 40 minutes

and zebras can also be spotted from the comfort of your car. Also check out: Wild Animal Safari is in between Lake of the Ozarks (to the north) and Table Rock Lake (to the south). Both lakes offer many outdoor adventures for the family.

To the West Manhattan, Kansas Sunset Zoo

sunsetzoo.com Manhattan, Kansas, is not only home to Kansas State University, it’s also home to over 200 animals at the Sunset Zoo, one of the most affordable zoos in the state. This 26-acre zoo puts kids up close to tigers, leopards, and flamingos. And if you have a child curious about what it’s like to work with animals, Sunset Zoo offers a behind-the-scenes with a zookeeper.

All zoos ask that you bring your masks and plan ahead by reserving a day and time to keep the crowds to a minimum. Be sure to check the websites for updated COVID-19 information.

If the unpredictable Midwest weather makes you nervous, you don’t even have to leave your car at Wild Animal Safari in Strafford, Missouri. This five-mile drive-thru is spread over 350 acres where animals run free. The animals are not limited to the native deer, turkey, and birds. Tell the kids to watch for elk, water buffalo, and wildebeest. You may even have a camel stick its head in your window! Tigers, hyenas,

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INFOCUS

KANSAS CITY WELCOMES DEKA LASH AND THE CONFIDENCE IT BRINGS TO WOMEN IN THE COMMUNITY WRITTEN BY SOPHIE OSWALD PHOTOS BY JAMI BOWMAN

ansas City was privileged with its first Deka Lash location in 2020. Deka Lash was created with the purpose of providing eyelash extension services at affordable prices, and eyelash extensions are an investment worth every penny. They not only enhance your eyes but also eliminate the need for a handful of products, even cutting time from hectic morning routines. The Deka Lash studio offers a family feel while providing top-of-theline services that are tried and true. When picking her lash artists, owner and manager Cara Neill found people with a true love and passion for the beauty industry and helping others, which is manifested by their caring assistance to their clients. “The great thing about how beauty has evolved is that there is no longer a cookie cutter definition. It’s empowering that each woman gets to define for herself what she likes and what makes her feel the most confident,” says Neill.

Deka Lash’s exclusive TrueXpress lash extensions (lashes custom-designed and applied by Shay Hazelwood)

SIMPLYkc MAGAZINE

MARCH 2021

No matter what your specific beauty goals are, Deka Lash is a great place to accomplish those. They have styles for everyone, and fully customize a look for each client.

Below: Brooklynn Luebbering provides a lash lift service to her client.

Taking into consideration your natural lashes and eye shape is just one of the ways the experience they offer stands out.

“It’s relaxing. You can take a nap, be meditative, talk to your lash artist, or just enjoy some time away from it all.” When you arrive at Deka Lash for your first consultation, one of the artists (who are all licensed cosmetologists and estheticians) will help you through an in-depth process. You will chat with your artist in one of the semi-private suites, discussing everything from lifestyle to skincare routine to the desired volume, length, and shape to personalize a look for you. When your goals are clear, you can make yourself comfortable and they will prepare your lashes. The process of receiving a full set of classic or volume lashes for the first time takes about two hours. They also offer a TrueXpress option that includes a full set but takes only one hour. If the process intimidates you, the

team understands. But there is no need to worry, as the process is actually pleasant. “You’re lying there with your eyes closed and the movement to attach the extensions is so gentle it’s actually relaxing. You can take a nap, be meditative, talk to your lash artist, or just enjoy some time away from it all,” explains Neill. Local stylist and photographer Erin (@erinbstyle) agrees. “Not only is [lash artist] Shay the best eyelash gal in the KC area, the boutique is also trendy and chic with a calming, spa-like atmosphere! I’m pretty sure I drifted off to sleep for a hot minute, and woke up with incredible lashes. I would 10/10 go back—in fact, I purchased the monthly membership,” she says.

Deka Lash also offers lash tinting and lash lifts. These are great for women with naturally long lashes, making it appear as though they are permanently wearing mascara. The franchise also recently added brow lamination services, which tint and shape the brows, lasting up to six weeks. A grand opening week is planned for March 8-12, and there will be specials running each day that week. Check out their Instagram (@dekalashoverlandpark) for grand opening specials and to learn more.

The techniques practiced at Deka Lash as well as the lightweight lashes used in the process mean clients do not even notice a change in the feeling of their lashes. That is, of course, until they look in the mirror and are shocked by the gorgeous eyes looking back at them. The health of your lashes is one of the team’s top priorities, so you can book an appointment knowing you will be in good hands. They even take time to educate clients on the proper aftercare, which is unique to the individual.

Cara Neill, owner of Deka Lash

Deka Lash • 11780 W. 135th St. Overland Park, KS • 913.439.4288 • @dekalashoverlandpark • dekalash.com

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BE WELL

THE FACTS

ABOUT COLORECTAL CANCER WRITTEN BY ADVENTHEALTH

March is National Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month, and for good reason: colorectal cancer is now the third most common cancer in the U.S., and the second most common cause of all cancer-related deaths in men and women. Understanding the basics of colorectal cancer and risk factors associated with the disease is the first step toward prevention. Colon and rectal cancers begin as an overgrowth of the cells on the inner lining of these organs. Early areas of this overgrowth often form small tumors called polyps. While some of these polyps may remain benign, certain types have potential to become a cancer. The specific cause of colon cancer is usually unknown, but we do know that a complex combi-

nation of genetic and environmental factors can contribute to the changes in these cells. The biggest risk factor is a family history of colon cancer or precancerous polyps. Other lifestyle-oriented risk factors include obesity, alcohol and tobacco use, and lack of physical activity. The foods we eat may also play a role.

“It’s possible that eating beef and processed meats could contribute to the rise in cases, but we don’t have firm evidence at this point,” says Benyamine Mizrahi, M.D., Colorectal Surgeon with AdventHealth Shawnee Mission. According to Dr. Mizrahi, people are being diagnosed with colorectal cancer earlier, which has led to a younger

continued on page 16

SIMPLYkc MAGAZINE

MARCH 2021

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BE WELL CONT.

recommended screening age of 45. However, those with a family history should start screening even sooner. “The recommendation is for patients with a family history to start screening 10 years before the age that their affected family member was diagnosed with cancer,” says Jeremy Cravens, M.D., colorectal surgeon with AdventHealth Shawnee Mission. “These patients should also undergo screening colonoscopy every five years as opposed to every 10 years.” Talk with your primary care provider about when to begin screening, which tests to get, and how often to get screened, especially if you fall into one of these categories: • A close relative has had colorectal polyps or colorectal cancer •Y ou have an inflammatory bowel disease like Crohn's or ulcerative colitis • You have a genetic syndrome known to increase your risk for the disease. Without proper screening, colon cancer can largely go undetected—in many cases there aren't any noticeable symptoms associated with the disease. However, there are some signs that would cause concern. These signs include: • Significant change in bowel habits over a few weeks • Blood in the stool • Dark stools • Unexplained weight loss.

SIMPLYkc MAGAZINE

MARCH 2021

If you experience any of these symptoms, it’s time to get checked. There are many ways to detect colon cancer from laboratory tests of the stool and X-rays to colonoscopies. You may have heard about the home testing kits available to detect colon cancer. Although not 100 percent accurate, these tests are appropriate in some situations. “These tests can be a useful part of a screening regimen, especially in patients for whom more invasive screening like colonoscopy carries higher risk,” says Dr. Cravens. Treatments for colorectal cancer include surgery, chemotherapy, radiation, or a combination of these. Surgery can usually cure the disease when it's found early. “Early detection is key,” says Dr. Mizrahi. “If the screening reveals you have polyps, we can use minimally invasive robotic surgery to remove them.”

How to Prevent Colorectal Cancer Avoid lifestyle behaviors that increase your risk, such as tobacco and alcohol. Engage in regular, physical activity and maintain healthy eating. Watch for signs of colon cancer and get regular screenings. Genetic testing can also help with prevention because it can reveal if you carry genes that cause colon cancer, which would greatly increase your risk. “Genetic testing is a wonderful tool, and it’s becoming more

prevalent,” says Dr. Mizrahi. “The best candidates for genetic testing are younger patients with a strong family history of cancer—not just colon cancer, but any type of cancer. It’s also a good idea for those who have previously experienced a cancer diagnosis to get genetic testing.” When colorectal cancer is found at an early stage before it has spread, the five-year relative survival rate is about 90 percent. Although bowel-related symptoms can seem embarrassing, patients shouldn't hesitate to seek medical care in the event something is bothering them. You never know when a screening can save your life. “Listen to your body,” adds Dr. Mizrahi. “Most patients I’m seeing with a colorectal cancer diagnosis are in their 30s and 40s. The hardest part about a colonoscopy is the prep and actually making the commitment to schedule the procedure. Otherwise, it’s the best nap of your life.” AdventHealth is Kansas City's only affiliate of MD Anderson Cancer Center Network®, a program supported by MD Anderson Cancer Center. Learn more about AdventHealth Cancer Center Shawnee Mission at CancerCareKC.com.

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We are adhering to COVID-19 with the following increased sanitizing procedures: • Your car is the new waiting room. • We will all be wearing face masks. • We will be performing health screenings. • We have added Medify H-13 air cleaners. • We have enhanced sanitizing procedures. More details are available on our website.

, o h W

PHOTO BY COURTNEY ZIEGENHORN

WHAT, WHERE Meet Johnny Rowlands

Who: If you look to the sky when

you hear the name Johnny Rowlands, you must be from Kansas City. Rowlands is an Emmy Award-winning helicopter pilot and traffic reporter from KMBC’s NewsChopper 9. He is one of the few helicopter pilots in the nation who is also an on-camera reporter.

What: For the past three decades, Rowlands has

been covering breaking news stories, traffic, aiding law enforcement, and tracking storms. Rowlands’ job keeps Kansas City safe from above, but he also keeps us safe on the ground. He opened the Johnny Rowlands Driving School, which provides classroom and driving instructions to new drivers. Graduates leave with everything they need to obtain an appropriate driver’s license.

Where: FAVORITE PLACE TO DINE I am a big

fan of J. Gilbert’s Wood-Fired Steaks & Seafood (where, by the way, I proposed to my wife, Angee, 11 years ago!). But Sunset Grill on Metcalf Blvd. is our go-to place in the neighborhood, with good food, a friendly atmosphere, and hands-on owners. FAVORITE PLACE TO TAKE OUT-OF-TOWN GUESTS We usually take our out-of-town friends to Crown Center and Union Station, including a KC Streetcar ride through downtown. It’s good for our friends with kids (Angee and I have a two-year-old), and also for those in town who want to get out and socialize. IS IT SCARY WORKING ON KMBC’S NEWSCHOPPER 9? I get that question a lot, second only to “Are you crazy?” Honestly, no. But that’s only because I don’t do anything that isn’t calculated. I read the storm, analyze its anatomy, identify where to be and where not to be, and always have an “out.”

SIMPLYkc MAGAZINE

MARCH 2021

I actually feel more comfortable with the freedom to fly rather than chasing on the ground, where I’m a prisoner of where the roads take me. Plus, there’s nothing like being eye-to-eye with a tornado and invading its domain. It’s almost a spiritual experience. Still, I’m well aware of how quickly a tornado can turn on me, and to that end, as sailors say of the sea, I never, ever, turn my back on one. WHAT IS YOUR MOST MEMORABLE CHASE? May 29, 2004, was the chase of a lifetime. We caught a tornado forming near Dearborn, Missouri, and tracked it for about 20 miles. We broadcast the entire 45-minute sequence live on Channel 9, from wall cloud to full-fledged tornado to “roping out.” It was the first video ever from the air of the entire life cycle of a tornado. WHAT DO YOU WISH PEOPLE KNEW ABOUT YOUR WORK? I wish everyone had the opportunity to experience how fulfilling it is to serve the community with what I do. Given that an important part of what I do is chase tornadoes in a helicopter, you could say I have the dream job. But it’s the ability to help people—whether getting through traffic, covering breaking news, or urgently showing live video of a tornado bearing down on someone’s neighborhood—that makes this job great. Nothing feels better than being able to help someone. And to me, that’s what my job is all about. WHAT WAS YOUR FAVORITE EXPERIENCE SEEING KC FROM ABOVE? The whole of Kansas City celebrating the Royals 2015 World Series win. It was a sea of blue as far as the eye could see, as the parade route was packed with fans 50 feet deep. I remember zooming in on people stuck in traffic who were abandoning their cars in the middle of the street and heading to the parade. It was a proud day for Kansas City.

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L ocal GOOD EATS 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

We use the freshest ingredients possible in all our recipes. Our margaritas are fresh-squeezed daily and combined with a light organic agave nectar and 100 percent blue agave tequila. We offer a casual dining experience with live music on select nights. Indoor and outdoor seating is available. Mention SIMPLYkc Magazine in the month of March to get a FREE Queso Blanco dip with purchase of an entrée!

OVERLAND PARK - 7841 W. 159th St. • 913.354.2272 LEAWOOD - 11949 Roe Ave. • 913.345.9933 cactusgrill.com

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MARCH 2021

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

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

Jose Pepper's has been a staple in the KC area for 33 years. We are a 100 percent scratch kitchen offering a unique variety of traditional Mexican entrées with a Tex-Mex flare. Mention SIMPLYkc Magazine in the month of March to get a FREE Espinaca con Queso dip with purchase of an entrée!

OVERLAND PARK - 14373 Metcalf Ave. • 913.681.9750 OVERLAND PARK - 10316 Metcalf Ave. • 913.341.5673 OLATHE - 13770 S. Black Bob Rd. • 913.393.0444 SHAWNEE - 16605 Midland Dr. • 913.631.1011 MISSION - 6870 Johnson Dr. • 913.384.7360 KCKS - 1851 Village West Pkwy. • 913.328.0770 LIBERTY - 217 S. Stewart St. • 816.415.3155 BELTON - 1100 E. North Ave. • 816.331.4949 LEE'S SUMMIT - 1667 N.E. Douglas St. • 816.246.9555 josepeppers.com

Story is now open for patio and dining room seating. We have patio heaters and blankets for your use, or bring your own blanket for cool evenings on the patio. Chef Thorne-Thomsen is excited to welcome you back into the restaurant. Story will continue to offer curbside pickup with online ordering at storykc.com. Featured menu items include: Alaskan halibut, beef short ribs, lobster tagliatelle, 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

Evolve crafts fresh, healthy, pre-made meals, juices, smoothies, and snacks to fit your lifestyle. Whether it’s weight loss, weight gain, or restricted diets, we’ve got you covered. Great tasting food for a fair price is what we’re all about. Welcome to the Evolve family!

Live life on the veg. Take your pizza night to the next level with our signature Green Lantern. This delectable pizza is topped with mozzarella, minced garlic, mushrooms, goat cheese, artichokes, and pesto. Learn more at deweyspizza.com.

Ranch Mart Shopping Center • 3615 W. 95th St., Overland Park, KS • 913.257.5311

CROSSROADS - 322 Southwest Blvd., Ste. 100, KC, MO • 913.971.0111 DOWNTOWN OP - 7221 W. 80th St., Overland Park • 913.730.9730 SOUTH OP - 13309 W. 135th St., Overland Park • 913.971.0277 LIBERTY - 109 S. Stewart Rd., Liberty, MO • 816.368.9660 eattoevolve.com

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INFOCUS

HEALTHY, BEAUTIFUL TEETH BEGIN AT KC SMILE WRITTEN BY JUDY GOPPERT

or more than 25 years, Dr. Ross Headley has been designing beautiful smiles for patients from all walks of life. Recognized for his artistic dental skills, Dr. Headley routinely welcomes local patients as well as many from across the country. Everyone is seeking a healthy, beautiful smile. Some people are fortunate enough to have nearly perfect teeth, while others may have worn, crooked, or missing teeth. Enter Dr. Ross Headley! He has a talent for turning any smile into one of beauty, offering a complete array of techniques and problem-solving procedures. These include porcelain crowns or veneers, dental bonding, tooth-colored fillings, Invisalign, teeth whitening, bridges, and implants. Dr. Headley earned his undergrad-

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MARCH 2021

Pictured:

Mariah Davis (actual patient), Miss Oklahoma USA 2020 and second runner-up Miss USA 2020

Photo By: Zac Grimaldo

uate degree from the University of Kansas, and his Doctor of Dental Surgery degree (D.D.S) from UMKC School of Dentistry. Having an interest in both engineering and dentistry, he realized dentistry actually combines the two.

is designing their smile. The practice offers free consultations and free digital imaging, which allows patients to see a simulation of how they will look with the dental changes they desire before having it done.

As the only dentist at the practice, patients know exactly who

“It’s sort of like having a dental crystal ball!” Dr. Headley says with

a smile. Not everyone who sees Dr. Headley wants cosmetic dentistry. Many are looking for routine dental care that includes visits to the hygienists. Dr. Headley performs all general dental procedures with the exception of extractions and root canals. One of his highest priorities is patient comfort. “Some patients are anxious about dental work, and we deliver stateof-the-art procedures in a courteous, pain-free manner. Even patients who do not express a fear can experience anxious moments,” says Dr. Headley. “Many steps are taken to make everyone feel at ease. Our free consultations include discussion regarding possible fear or anxiety. For those who have anxiety, we offer oral sedation in addition to nitrous oxide. We provide private treatment rooms with comfortable chairs and customized music as well. My dental assistants are always courteous and understanding.”

holders, actors, singers, and politicians transform their smiles. But our most common scenario is someone who isn’t a celebrity but wants their smile to look like one! We are simply a place for smiles—a place for the young and the old. We help older generations recapture their smiles and help prepare the younger generations for their careers.” Patients have a lot to say as well. One patient shared, “Dr. Headley designed a beautiful smile for me. When I first consulted with him, every tooth I had was a different shape and a different color. It wasn’t unique, it was unsightly. Now my teeth are uniform, shaped attractively, and I can’t stop smiling. My self-confidence has soared, and so has my career.”

“ Using the most advanced materials and techniques, Dr. Headley transforms any smile.” If you look in the mirror and are disappointed with the way your smile looks, schedule a consultation. It’s not okay to hide behind that mask you are wearing. Sooner or later, we will all be displaying our sparkly whites, so make sure you are ready.

Using the most advanced materials and techniques, Dr. Headley transforms smiles. As Kansas’ only accredited member of the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry, he understands how unhealthy or unattractive teeth can negatively impact a patient’s life. He witnesses daily how beautiful, healthy teeth change lives. “Many patients are seeking a major change—to enhance their life with a beautiful smile,” he shares. Dr. Headley explains that this often involves placing porcelain on the teeth. “We’ve had many pageant title

Above: Ross Headley, D.D.S.

Photo by: Jami Bowman

KC Smile - Ross S. Headley DDS • 12850 Metcalf Ave., Ste. 200, Overland Park, KS • 913.491.6874 • kcsmile.com

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HOME/STYLE

Refresh YOUR HOME THIS SPRING WRITTEN BY SHANNON E. ROESGEN

he month of March always promises the birth of spring. Even if the weather in March is said to begin by roaring like a lion and conclude as peacefully as a lamb, after surviving the cold and ice in January and February, we will take what we can get. Those cold, roaring days in March present the perfect opportunity to begin the process of spring cleaning. But what does spring cleaning actually mean? If that is a hard question, hiring a professional organizer might be the right choice for you. Eliza Cantlay, owner and lead orga-

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MARCH 2021

nizer for Simplicana, an organizing and simplification business in Kansas City, explains, “Choosing an organizer is a good idea if the process of spring cleaning sounds daunting, if you don't have time to do it or drop off donations, or if you want somebody with zero attachment to your belongings to ask you exactly how you feel about your stuff without protesting.” Cantlay says her favorite part of spring cleaning—other than opening the windows and letting the fresh air in her home—is going through her winter wardrobe and donating anything that is either worn out or wasn’t worn

much. “Then I swap in my spring/summer clothes, which I'm always happy to see after the six months they've been in storage! And whatever I'm not excited to see joins the other items in the donation bag,” she explains. A huge part of spring cleaning is purging. One can certainly lighten the load in the closet, but the purging process shouldn’t stop there.

Makeup Did you know that makeup expires? It is recommended to replace each makeup item in a timely manner as follows: mascara after three months,

liquid eyeliner after three months, liquid foundation after six months, and lipstick after one year. (Pencil eyeliners don’t need to be replaced for two years.)

The Bathroom Have you accumulated bottles of shampoo or conditioner in your shower that you don’t use anymore? Do you have bars of soap that have dwindled down to nothing? Time to throw those away and declutter your cleansing cubicle! While you are in your bathroom, examine your towels. Are there any that are fringed or have holes? It might be a smart idea to donate those and purchase fresh, new towels for the fresh, new season. One last stop in the bathroom: have you been hoarding toilet paper because of COVID-19? If you have cabinets filled with white rolls of TP, perhaps it’d now be okay to let your stock dwindle.

The Kitchen Time to clean out that fridge and freez-

er! What has expired? What’s in that Pyrex container? How did I accumulate so many condiments from restaurants? Yes, this kitchen appliance needs a surge of purge.

have on hand are vinegar, lemons, and baking soda. There are a great deal of recipes online for homemade, chemical-free cleaners, and these three ingredients will be your staples.

The Garage

After you use the juice of the lemon, place the rind of the lemon in your garbage disposal. Turn on some hot water, then run your garbage disposal for 15 seconds. The lemon is a natural cleanser and will eliminate any foul odors aerating from your disposal, replacing them with a clean and fresh aroma.

How many of us have placed things in the garage and thought, I will deal with that when the weather gets warmer. While this plan is simply brilliant, spring has now sprung and it’s time to face the music. Time to donate, time to recycle, and time to make extra trips to the curb while taking out the garbage.

Deep Cleaning Once the decluttering process is complete, the true spring cleaning can begin. Gather your brooms, mops, wipes, buckets, sponges, and cleansers—it’s time to start scrubbing.

Another way to refresh the scent of your home can happen when you change your furnace filter. Before you insert the new air filter, place 6-10 drops of your favorite essential oil on the filter. Insert the filter into your furnace and let the furnace do the work for you. The furnace will blow beautifully scented clean air into every room in your home.

Spring Cleaning Life Hacks For those of you who prefer chemical-free cleansers, some good items to

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7 THINGS

SPRING ACTIVITIES TO DO IN KC 1 Picnic at Loose Park:

Pack up your picnic basket, kites, and blankets for a few hours relaxing in one of KC’s most beautiful parks, just outside the Plaza. Before you head out, be sure to stop and smell the roses at Kansas City’s municipal rose garden, with 3,000 roses to brighten up your day!

2 Enjoy Outdoor Dining at the Iron District:

This unique dining experience in North Kansas City is home to restaurants, a tiki bar, boutique shops—even a wellness container and a co-working space! Dine in the courtyard or sample from multiple vendors for a takeout feast.

3 E xplore the Overland Park Arboretum & Botanical Gardens: Need some fresh air?

The 300-acre Overland Park Arboretum & Botanical Gardens boasts gardens with more than 1,700 species of plants, wild hiking trails, open prairies, and educational opportunities for all ages.

4 Take Movie Night al Fresco: While the 2020

movie season is over, it’s almost time to get the popcorn ready, movie buffs! Next month, head

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MARCH 2021

over to the Boulevard Drive-in for a 4K drive-in cinema experience adored for generations.

5 Be a Good Sport:

To some, spring is synonymous with sports—especially for KC Royals and Sporting KC fans! Welcome your home teams back to the field ... err, diamond? … face paint, peanuts, and crackerjacks encouraged!

6 Escape into Nature:

Need a weekend getaway right here in KC? Grab your tennis shoes and explore the Ernie Miller Park and Nature Center in Olathe on trails that range from flat and straight to a bit tougher terrain. Soak in the prairies, creeks, and woods that this 116-acre area has to offer!

7 “ Sea” a New Side of KC:

Explore some of the best underwater exhibits at Sea Life Kansas City, KC’s only aquarium! Watch in awe as you walk through a tunnel surrounded by swimming friends—the perfect way to escape from a rainy spring day and have fun for the whole family!

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OVERLAND PARK (913) 361-5216

15913 Antioch Rd. Overland Park, KS 66223 SIMPLYKCMAG.COM

A Not-So-Ordinary Book Discussion

CLASSIC NEVER GOES OUT OF STYLE WRITTEN BY TIFFANY KILLOREN

Welcome to my little literary corner! Anyone can walk into a bookstore and find the current bestsellers and recent releases. I want to explore the lesser known—the treasures you may have overlooked and the classics you thought only other people read. My goal isn’t to rate reads by subjective standards, but rather to provide the information you need to expand your library and literary experiences. So, let’s talk books. Specifically, let me share my thoughts on a few classics involving murder, adultery, and vampire mayhem that will encourage you to look at these classics in a different way.

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MARCH 2021

In Cold Blood Truman Capote, 1965

In Cold Blood is one of the few books I’ve read more than once. Thought by many to be the first true crime novel, Capote takes a close and personal look at the 1959 murders of the Clutter family in Holcomb, Kansas, and develops a relationship with one of the murderers during the time leading up to his execution. The Kansas City references make the story more personal, and the proximity of such a notorious crime and its place in history all the more shocking. A fan of Capote’s quippy style of writing, I find his need to navigate the fine line between objective storytelling and personal connections intriguing—almost uncomfortable—to witness. This is a must-read for any fan of true crime or local history.

Dracula

Bram Stoker, 1897

Anna Karenina Leo Tolstoy, 1877

People hear Tolstoy’s name and associate his writing with War and Peace; i.e., work reading rather than pleasure reading. I read Anna Karenina for the first time in college, and it is a story that stayed with me long after the final word. The storyline itself—a married female aristocrat engaging in a torrid affair— was quite scandalous for 19th century Russian writing, but it was the toll that such choices took on her life that was both difficult and intriguing to witness. Told amidst a glamorous backdrop from another time, Anna Karenina tells a story that easily translates to today ... and then there’s the ending.

Forget the modern day renditions of vampires with black capes or (even worse) teenage angst. Dracula, the timeless classic penned by Irish author Stoker, is an actual story with intriguing characters and plot twists. Yes, there is a Count Dracula, but his quest for victims is much more subtle than Hollywood has led you to believe. Following a group of friends as they discover Count Dracula’s secret, they come together with the help of a professor knowledgeable about these things to save their loved ones and destroy the vampire. Admittedly skeptical at first, I found the story as gripping as any modern day suspense novel, and am now committed to reading some of the monster classics to develop a true understanding of the original stories.

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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PARENTING

MAKING THE MOST OF VIRTUAL SCHOOL

TEACHERRECOMMENDED RESOURCES FOR PARENTS WRITTEN BY REBECCA FISCHER

ne of the many challenges stemming from the recent pandemic is the need to keep kids home from school. Here are some teacher-approved resources for all of you multitasking, extraordinary parents out there to use to make the most of virtual school.

Jack Hartmann While working with autistic children at a hospital in Florida after earning his B.A. in Child Psychology, Jack Hartmann met a kindergarten teacher and began writing songs for her classroom. They later married, and Hartmann has gone on to create dozens of albums and more than 1,500 “Super Fun Learning Songs” for young children. “Jack Hartmann is my favorite online resource for younger learners,” says Bethany Vokac, kindergarten teacher at Liberty View Elementary in Olathe, Kansas. “He creates music videos for literally every subject. The silly tunes get stuck in your head, which is exactly what many kids need!”

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Kids can jam along with Hartmann on his website, which offers free videos on a wide range of topics (“Back to School” and “Phonics Songs,” for example) as well as free flash cards and arts and crafts projects.

Newsela Current events provide an awesome opportunity to teach kids about the changing world around them as well as how to decipher between fact and fiction (check the sources!). “I recently discovered Newsela, which has news articles and activities matched to different subject areas,” says Vokac. “It’s especially good for current events, and you can get the same articles written at different reading levels, which helps me differentiate for different learners. This site is really good for upper elementary, middle, and high school.” Newsela is used by 2 million teachers and more than 25 million students throughout the vast majority of U.S. school districts (90 percent of them, to be precise). It was recently fea-

tured in a TIME Magazine article for its launch of the Newsela LGBTQIA+ Studies Collection.

and practice problems. I use it all the time for math, but it covers language arts, science, and social studies too.”

ence, arts, emotions, self-awareness, etc.) and by age—and even by favorite PBS KIDS character.

Khan Academy

PBS

You might know Khan from your own online education experience. The popular nonprofit educational organization has been offering online courses for all ages since 2008, with a recent focus on COVID-related resources.

Perhaps the original “at-home educator,” Sesame Street was launched in 1969 along with the Public Broadcasting Service itself.

In addition to general homeschooling resources, the site also offers tips and practices for bolstering kids’ feelings of confidence and security, such as through creating routines.

In addition to more standard tools, such as those based on subject matter and grade level, Khan also offers resources for helping your day-to-day go smoother, such as the “Daily Schedule” based on your child’s age, and “Homeroom with Sal” featuring live chats with “the world’s most fascinating people.” “Khan Academy is one of my favorite resources,” says Vokac. “First off, I love it because it’s free. It covers everything— you can search a specific skill or objective and it will link you to video lessons

Over the years, the nonprofit organization has become America’s most prominent provider of educational television programming, and currently offers a robust array of online resources for parents of kids ages 2-8 on its website under “PBS KIDS for Parents.” (It also has resources for teachers of grades K-12 under “PBS LearningMedia.”) Its “Learn at Home” program offers a new at-home learning topic every week, with activities, games, and articles featuring familiar PBS KIDS characters like Elmo, Daniel Tiger, and the Kratt brothers. You can search by topic (math, sci-

Just for the fun of it… (because everybody needs a break sometimes!) Swap windows with people around the world at WindowSwap.com. See live footage of the cutest animals from around the world at Explore.org. Practice patience watching the Old Faithful cam at Yellowstone National Park (yellowstone.org)—okay, it has an estimated time it will go off, so you can mark your calendars! Find your favorite live-streaming webcams at EarthCam.com.

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

www.kidsmilekc.com SIMPLYKCMAG.COM

BEAUTY

REST, RELAXATION, AND A REALLY CUTE MANICURE HOW TO BRING THE SALON EXPERIENCE TO YOU WRITTEN BY MADISON OBERMEYER

ou have your work-fromhome routine down pat. You take walks to break up your day. You bought a laptop riser to help remedy your increasingly bad posture (we can only blame the makeshift desk for so long). But the one thing you can’t help but stare at as you type away on a seemingly endless schedule of deadlines and video calls is your picked-off, monthsold, chipped or even grown out manicure (and let’s not even talk about those cuticles). While a manicure or pedicure is easily the last task on anyone’s to-do list during a global pandemic, let’s take a step back and analyze the situation— is it really just a manicure? Or is it taking 30 minutes of “me” time to meditate on your day or delve into that self-care routine you were supposed to start Jan. 1? With salons keeping a tighter sched-

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MARCH 2021

ule or only allowing a few clients in at a time, perfecting the art of the at-home manicure and pedicure is your latest and greatest quarantine activity that, with our help, you’ll nail in no time! We spoke with KC beauty guru Lauren Shaw (@beauty.lo.down) to find out how we can polish up on our skills.

Create the Salon Experience at Home Just because this is an “at-home” manicure or pedicure doesn’t mean you should deprive yourself of some of that glorious R&R. “For an at-home mani/pedi, I love to put on music or a podcast and light a couple of candles,” says Shaw. “Doing your own nails can take some serious time and patience, so I like to create a vibe before I get started.” Whether you add a few drops of your go-to essential oil blend into a hu-

Defy Age with Endermologie by midifier, put on some noise-canceling headphones, or even double up on the self-care with a face or hair mask, take this time to treat yourself (and focus on making your manicure look like it’s from a salon).

Sleek Physique

Don’t Skip out on Prep Before you’re cozy, cuddled up in a plush robe, and surrounded by candles, make sure your at-home toolkit is up-to-date and filled with all of your favorite tools and products.

Reduces cellulite

“I can't live without my nail file and cuticle trimmer,” Shaw exclaims! “I have to keep my nails shaped nicely and cuticles/skin around my nails well kept at all times.” This makes sense, seeing that the one step Shaw never skips is prepping her nails.

Tones loose skin Slims fat pockets Improves skin clarity Increases exfoliation

“I make sure I completely remove any polish that is already on my nails, trim around my cuticles and the skin around my nails, file them to the perfect shape, and buff the nail bed to help polish stay on longer,” Shaw explains.

Relives minor muscle aches & pains Increases blood circulation

Invest in Yourself—And Your At-Home Products

Decreases stress & anxiety Lowers blood pressure

While you may be spending less money by not going to the salon, investing in products that will last—and that you believe in—is as important for your nails as it is for any other part of your self-care routine. Over the past few years, Shaw has been educating herself on up-and-coming natural and nontoxic products for a mani/pedi. “I think it is so important to pay attention to the ingredients that are in the products we use and be educated on how they can affect us,” Shaw says. “I’ve found some really great nail polish brands, including ella + mila, that have branded themselves as companies that use only nontoxic and clean ingredients in their nail polish.” If you’re interested in expanding your at-home mani/pedi toolkit to feature natural or nontoxic products, Shaw recommends keeping an eye out for polishes that advertise “17 Free,” which means they are made without ingredients like acetone, animal-derived ingredients, bisphenol-A, camphor, ethyl tosylamide, formaldehyde, and more. “In my experience, you do not have to sacrifice quality when it comes to products with clean, nontoxic ingredients,” Shaw says. As for Shaw’s favorite color at the moment, “Once in a Blue Luna by ella + mila is a really pretty navy blue,” she says. While the temperatures rise and nature comes into bloom this spring, Shaw likes to warm things up a bit: “I love a light pink in the springtime, and my go-to color this spring will be Team Sweets by ella + mila.” Self-care? Nailed it!

Releases endorphins Improves sleep quality

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DISH

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MARCH 2021

Va Bene: Where All Is Right WRITTEN BY T.E. CUNNINGHAM / PHOTO BY DANA PEARL PHOTOGRAPHY

Va Bene, a new neighborhood eatery located in the Corinth Square shopping center, gives locals a taste of Italy. The restaurant serves lunch, dinner, happy hour, and weekend brunch. SIMPLYkc sat down with managing partner Kristi Burns, who runs the day-to-day operation; Kevin Fossland, assistant general manager and beverage manager; and executive chef Nathan Deters.

What is Va Bene’s customer experience philosophy? Va Bene, which means "all is right" in Italian, focuses on Italy's simple, straightforward, fresh flavors. We let authentic and sustainable ingredients shine in our food.

Who owns Va Bene? Local restaurateur Whitney VinZant owns Va Bene, so you are supporting local when you dine with us! VinZant also owns his own concept, Louie's Wine Dive, along with two former Bread and Butter concepts, Taco Republic and BRGR (which has a location just 300 feet from Va Bene). Va Bene is an original concept—the first one for his restaurant group in the last five years.

Describe the atmosphere of Va Bene. Va Bene uses those same vibrant colors found in the fresh ingredients of Italy to provide an entertaining atmosphere enjoyable to friends and family. Va Bene features a full bar with a special focus on Italian cocktails, wine, and beer. Va Bene also features a large covered and uncovered patio space, which seats around 50 people. We also pride ourselves on having a great service team. Our employees are friendly and knowledgeable about our dishes, our wine list, and our specialty cocktails. They are happy to make recommendations.

How does your menu differ from other Italian restaurants in town?

craveable by all ages and all palates. We are family-friendly with kids meals— including multiple pasta selections, grilled cheese, pizza, and more. Additionally, we enjoy special menus from time to time. In January, we participated in KC Restaurant Week, and we had a Valentine's Day Prix Fixe Menu that was well received. We are also proud to source locally.

What are some of the Italian specialty cocktails you offer? We feature a delicious house-made limoncello, and we also make our own seltzer. Offerings like our Italian Mule 5, Aperol Spritz, Va Bene Italian Old Fashioned, and Tito Lido are fantastic!

Restaurants have never had to work so hard to give customers options. What are some of your convenience features? We offer online reservations, dine-in, carryout, curbside service, and delivery. Customers can purchase gift cards in-store or online. Also, we feature a Monday-Friday happy hour with excellent drink and fare at very modest prices in terms of value. Patrons can also enjoy our wine specials on both Wednesdays and Sundays.

What are you doing to keep customers safe during this time? We are continually evolving our efforts to ensure the highest sanitation and safety levels by following all local service guidelines.

Our menu is approachable, fresh, and Shown Clockwise from Top:

Lobster Ravioli, Chicken Caprese Sandwich with a Beet Salad, Cacio e Pepe, and Fig Prosciutto Pizza

Va Bene / 8232 Mission Rd., Prairie Village, KS • 913.258.2600 • vabenekc.com

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INFOCUS

PHOENIX NATURAL WELLNESS IS CHANGING LIVES IN OVERLAND PARK WRITTEN BY T.E. CUNNINGHAM / PHOTOS BY JAMI BOWMAN

Brian and Susan Pitts had a genuine connection to CBD long before opening the first Phoenix Natural Wellness superstore in Overland Park. They now have two locations in Overland Park and an online presence, which has become increasingly active during the pandemic. “By 2017, our entire family was taking CBD for various reasons,” notes Susan. “We have a daughter with autism, a son with epilepsy, and Brian has aches and pains. CBD made a huge difference in each of their lives, and we noticed there was a lack of resources to buy CBD at the time.” Because of this difficulty to find CBD locally, the enterprising couple decided to open stores with the goal of providing quality products and education, and to work to remove the negative stigma associated with cannabis. They opened their first store on 87th Street in Overland Park, and six months later opened a second store on 151st Street in Overland Park.

“All Phoenix-branded products are purchased directly from a Colorado manufacturer where the hemp is grown with no pesticides or chemicals.” “It’s not always easy being in the business of CBD because, while we sell a product legal in the state of Kansas, it’s not accepted widely by banks and social media platforms,” says Susan. “Simple things like advertising on Google or Facebook are denied to our business. That being said, it’s 100 percent worth all the hassles when we have

customers return time and time again, telling us the effects of our products are life-changing. That’s huge! Needless to say, it’s an incredibly rewarding business to be in.” Susan says she loves Kansas but doesn’t love some of the outdated state laws surrounding cannabis. “Those laws deny people relief from cancer, epilepsy, chronic pain, depression, and more— relief without the side effects of pharmaceuticals,” she explains. ”With some level of marijuana now legal in Missouri, Colorado, and Oklahoma (medical, recreational, or both), Kansas is losing out on huge tax revenues.”

FOUR STEPS TO CHANGING LIVES The pair built their business on a four-pillar model: Integrity, Education, Quality and Affordability. INTEGRITY / Unlike many CBD companies, all Phoenix-branded products are purchased directly from a Colorado manufacturer where the hemp is grown with no pesticides or chemicals. Also, no solvents or chemicals are used throughout the extraction process. The company is provided third-party lab results on those products, so the owners know the CBD on the shelf contains the amount of CBD listed on the label. EDUCATION / They center the business on education because CBD can be complicated to navigate for firsttime users. It’s not one-size-fits-all, so finding the right product and dosage is key to having the best experience. Susan explains that all of their CBD experts have achieved CBD certification. Additionally, there are numerous edu-

cational materials in the store. QUALITY / “We ask suppliers a series of questions, including where the hemp is sourced, and we request lab results,” says Susan. ”We also try the product before purchasing. Our staff participates too, so we hear multiple perspectives. Once criteria are met, a product can be stocked.” AFFORDABILITY / Phoenix cuts out intermediaries, sourcing directly, which allows for more favorable pricing for customers. Susan recounts a customer experience she recently had: “A group of four sisters visited our store one day. The youngest was most interested in the CBD, while the other three asked me questions, obviously leery of the products we sell,” Susan recalls. “Finally, one of the sisters, who had an obvious limp, asked me what would help her hip.” Susan gave her a sample of their Phoenix pain cream and sent her to the bathroom to apply it. “She came out and started walking around the store while I talked to the other sisters. Within minutes she exclaimed, ‘I’m not limping; the pain is gone!’ and she immediately started crying.” Susan says the sisters couldn’t believe their eyes, and they quickly joined in a big group hug with lots of tears. This sister had not been without pain or a limp in many years. They left believers. And more importantly, they left better for having come into the store. Susan says that is always the goal at Phoenix Natural Wellness.

Phoenix Natural Wellness • 9627 W. 87th St., Overland Park, KS • 913.730.8520 • phoenixnaturalwellness.com SIMPLYkc Special: 20% off your entire purchase with the mention of this article, or use online promo code SIMPLYkc.

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MARCH 2021

Above: Brian and Susan Pitts, Phoenix Natural Wellness founders and owners

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BECAUSE I SAID SO...

THE RIDE OF A LIFETIME WRITTEN BY JULIE BURTON / PHOTO BY MATT MEIER PHOTOGRAPHY

I was born in 1981. I’m 39—before you get out your calculator. I’m an 80s and 90s kid. If you want to put me in a generation box, I was born the year that separates Gen Xers and Millennials.

I grew up with an analog childhood and digital adulthood. Some would say I’m an Xennial. Or the Oregon Trail generation—you know, the computer game. I spent a great deal of my childhood learning how to use a computer by playing Oregon Trail.

For example, did you know Geena Da-

You know what I did not spend my

vis is 6 feet tall? She is. This is what I do. I watch a movie and then google

Jeff Goldblum? The Silver Fox! Jeff is 6 feet 4 inches. I mean, Geena.

actors’ heights.

She’s my new idol. She’s kissed Brad.

I could tell she is tall in the movie and

long-legged body like my long-legged

they mentioned briefly in her police

body. And she’s … oh wow … Jeff Gold-

description that she’s 5 feet 10 inches.

blum! All 6 feet 4 inches—and roll that

I googled to see if she is, in fact, what

water drop down my hand, Jeff. Let it

time doing? Watching movies. My list

her police description said. Nope. Taller.

fall. I’ve seen Jurassic Park.

of 80s and 90s movies that I haven’t

She’s 6 feet. We have the same body

seen may shock you. I don’t have a

type. She towers over everyone, but she

reason for not seeing the 80s classics

handles the awkwardness much better

like Pretty in Pink, Sixteen Candles, or

than I do.

Baldwin in Beetlejuice. She’s so much

And did I miss that she is taller than

how tall Alec Baldwin is?

The Karate Kid. I haven’t even seen the 90s classics either. My parents weren’t strict. I don’t know what I was doing through the 80s and 90s. Learning

Brad Pitt? No clue. I was looking at his abs. And he’s from Missouri too—and a

how to use a mouse, maybe?

Chiefs fan!

I recently watched Thelma and Louise

5 feet 11 inches. Brad Pitt is 5 feet 11

as a 39-year-old. Watching Thelma and Louise for the first time during midlife doesn’t carry a nostalgia. My reviews of the movies I missed are hard, cold facts.

inches and I am 5 feet 10 inches. So Brad is 1 inch taller than me if I don’t

No—she’s had Brad Pitt on top of her

I always pictured Geena Davis rotting away in a wedding dress next to Alec cooler than a corpse. Do we even care

I’m glad she didn’t die in real life with Susan Sarandon flinging themselves over a cliff. I need more Geena in my life. Yeah, the 30-year-old movie was good. 1991 was rad. I am an Xennial.

wear heels. And Geena is 6 feet. Hold up—Geena Davis used to be married to

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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MARCH 2021

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MARCH 2021

OH, SPRING, YOU MAKE MY HEART SING WRITTEN BY GINA REARDON / PHOTO BY MELANIE MCDOWELL

After the last few months of consuming braised, roasted, and stewed things served with potatoes, pasta, rice, or polenta for stick-to-your-ribs-it’s-cold-outside effect, I’m ready to move on. I’m beginning to crave spring flavors, with crisp salads and lighter soups and pastas—the precursors to full-on late spring and summer grill fever. Minestrone has always been one of my favorites. This recipe for minestrone verde is a lighter soup with a chicken or vegetable stock base highlighting fresh spring vegetables and topped with parsley pesto, shaved red onion, and parmesan cheese—a perfect transition into spring. Serve with crusty bread, and if you feel the need to add meat, shredded or torn roasted chicken will be perfect!

Minestrone Verde SERVES 4

Ingredients

Directions

6 tablespoons olive oil, divided

Heat 2 tablespoons olive oil in a large heavy pot over medium heat. Sauté leek, fennel, yellow onion, and celery, stirring occasionally, until softened but not taking on any color (about 5 minutes). Add broth. Bring to a boil, reduce heat, and simmer until vegetables are just tender (10-15 minutes).

2 leeks, white and pale-green parts only, chopped 1/2 small fennel bulb, chopped 1/2 small yellow onion, chopped 2 celery stalks, thinly sliced 6 cups homemade chicken stock, vegetable stock (or packaged low-salt vegetable or chicken broth) Kosher salt and freshly ground pepper, to taste 2 small carrots, peeled, cut into matchsticks 1/2 cup shelled peas (or frozen) 1/2 cup sugar snap peas, trimmed, cut in thirds 2 large handfuls of baby spinach leaves 1/2 cup fregola, ditalini, or other tiny pasta 1-1/2 cups fresh flat-leaf parsley leaves (lightly packed) 1/2 shallot, finely chopped

Meanwhile, cook pasta in a large pot of boiling salted water, stirring occasionally, until al dente. Drain. While pasta is cooking, process parsley and remaining 4 tablespoons olive oil in a food processor to coarse paste. Transfer to a small bowl and mix in shallot. Season with salt and pepper. Add carrots, peas, and sugar snap peas, and simmer until carrots are just tender (about 3-4 minutes). Season with salt and pepper to taste. Add pasta to soup. Throw in a couple of handfuls of baby spinach. Stir until slightly wilted. To serve: Top soup with pesto, thinly sliced red onion, and shaved Parmesan. Note: To make this a heartier soup, add 2 cups of shredded roasted chicken.

1/4 small red onion, very thinly sliced (or tiny red pearl onions, blanched) Shaved parmesan (for serving)

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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r a e D

KACIE DISAPPEARING THERAPIST

“I’m really struggling through this pandemic. Being out of work has left me with very little money. I had to make financial cuts in my life and had to cut my therapist. What should I do? Are there any resources out there?”

Believe me when I say we’re ALL struggling through this pandemic. I don’t know anyone who likes to stay home this much, even the most introverted of the introverts (me). You are not alone. That being said, ask your therapist if they can do a payment plan. Because of the pandemic, some therapists have updated their policies. If that is not an option, there are online therapy sites that offer affordable price ranges—Open Path, Collective, and Talkspace are a few you can look into. Another option is podcasts. Everyone has a podcast these days—and there are therapy podcasts. But there are other lighthearted podcasts that might warm your soul. Find a good comedy, cooking, or movie discussion podcast. Do what you need to do. Avoid perfect influencers on Instagram. Go outside. Listen to music. Dance in your kitchen. Treat yourself how you would treat a struggling friend. Be kind to yourself. We’re all in this together.

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

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MARCH 2021

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HOME

MASTERING ENERGY EFFICIENCY WRITTEN BY T.E. CUNNINGHAM

High electric and gas bills

are never a welcome sight, but there are many things homeowners can do to save money. Regardless of the season, your home will benefit from installing a programmable thermostat. Once installed, set your heat as low as you can comfortably bear it. You can program the thermostat to increase or decrease temperature settings when you’re out for long periods. You may be able to adjust the temperature a few more degrees while sleeping as well. Most experts agree that over time, these steps can save you at least 10 percent. “During the winter, programmable thermostats save energy dollars for homeowners. However, during bitter, frigid temperatures you should be cautious of setting temperatures back too much so you avoid frozen pipes and other adverse effects,” advises Richard Blachly, owner of Ideal Air Heating and Cooling, which serves Johnson County. He adds, “Homeowners can also

SIMPLYkc MAGAZINE

MARCH 2021

save energy in the summertime, but we recommend you adjust in small increments—not more than a three-degree offset of your regular setting. By having the house too warm it introduces more humidity, causing the house to take more time to cool down.”

SOME OTHER TIPS FOR ENERGY EFFICIENCY • A smart thermostat gives you the ability to control temperatures from your smartphone and alerts you to any problems. For example, one of Blachly’s customers called him while traveling in Ohio when his smartphone alerted him it was only 45 degrees in his house. With the help of a neighbor allowing the HVAC company entry, the problem was remedied before the homeowner returned and any pipes froze. • Further insulate your home and prevent drafts. Contact an insulation company to determine what insulation options are available. Drafts can kill your energy bill, so check all windows and doors for

cracks. Weatherstrip the doors and caulk the windows. Make sure none of your glass panes are cracked as well. This can be problematic in all seasons. • Consider insulated and reflective shades. Close curtains and blinds in the summer to keep the sun and heat out; conversely, in the winter months open these if you have well-insulated windows. • Use a ceiling fan or other circulating fan. This can make you feel six or seven degrees cooler. If you also use an air conditioner, a ceiling fan helps disperse cooled air more efficiently and allows you to raise the thermostat by as much as four degrees without discomfort. • Don’t run appliances like the oven or dishwasher during the day in hot months. In the winter months, allow hot air from these appliances to heat rooms after they have been utilized but are still putting out heat. • Another tip for all seasons: don’t forget to change your filters on your HVAC. Dirty filters block airflow and make units work harder to heat or cool your home. Also, regularly clean all vents and registers and make sure they are not blocked by furniture. • “We advise against the super high-efficiency hypoallergenic filters because those can restrict airflow to the system, causing problems for both heating and cooling,” says Blachly. “A standard pleated filter will last about 60-90 days, so change it every 2-3 months.”

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APP OF THE MONTH

PHOTO COURTESY OF YOGA WITH ADRIENE

FIND WHAT FEELS GOOD

The gist: I’d been practicing yoga for over 10 years when

I discovered Adriene Mishler’s yoga classes on YouTube. For those of you familiar with YouTube yoga, she’s the creator of “Yoga with Adriene.” I was hooked after just one class. Mishler is yoga minus the chanting, minus the spiritual journey with an Indian guru, minus the taking yourself (or yoga) too seriously. What she is is relatable, entertaining, and an all-around great yoga teacher. With playlists including “Yoga for Mental Health” and “Yoga for Office Workers,” and classes like “Awaken the Artist Within” and “Yoga for Climbers,” Mishler offers something for everyone. So much so that she was recently dubbed “The Reigning Queen of Pandemic Yoga” by The New York Times. Now she has an app, Find What Feels Good, to go along with her YouTube channel, website, and growing throngs of admirers. The app features access to 700+ ad-free yoga and meditation classes by Mishler from all of your devices, as well as exclusive content like premium courses and classes by her and guest instructors, special discounts on merchandise, and more. Whether brand-new to yoga or a lifelong practitioner, you’ll find something for you!

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MARCH 2021

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MIND & BODY

MIND OVER MATTER:

5 TIPS FOR BEATING PROCRASTINATION WRITTEN BY REBECCA FISCHER

Do you leave things until the last minute? Do you need the stress of a deadline to give you the adrenaline push to take action? Does the feeling of being overwhelmed paralyze you? It’s okay. Many people fight these challenges on a daily basis. Maybe you simply have a positive outlook on life that can be—at times—your own worst enemy. You think you can get more done in the amount of time you actually have. When reality sets in, you still try to use every last second of your time to finish your project which, in turn, can cause a great deal more stress. But, acknowledging that you have a problem is the first step! Just take one step at a time.

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MARCH 2021

Don’t miss out on our annual Tips for Busting Procrastination:

Home Issue!

1. DETERMINE WHY YOU ARE PROCRASTINATING. There can be many reasons for procrastinating—maybe the task is dull, large, and/or overwhelming. It could be a fear of failure, lack of motivation, too many distractions, poor time-management skills, forgetfulness, or inability to concentrate. Once you identify why you’re dragging your feet, you will be better able to control and manage it. 2. MAKE TASKS MORE MANAGEABLE AND SET REALISTIC GOALS. If your tasks seem insurmountable, you are less likely to move forward in accomplishing it. Break tasks up in smaller mini-jobs. If you detest cleaning the house, try starting with just one room or task. For example, you can start with a closet and work your way from there—or not.

Make the job more fun by listening to your favorite music or podcast. You can even motivate yourself with a little reward for getting the job done. It’s okay if you stop after finishing the closet. At least you accomplished one thing! Pat yourself on the back. Just be realistic about what you can get done and start chiseling away toward your end goal.

APRIL 2021

3. EXAMINE YOUR MENTAL PROCESS. “If you know that it takes 45 minutes to get ready and arrive at a destination, ask yourself why you would spend 30 minutes doing something else and then try to get ready and get to your destination in 15 minutes,” Dr. Phil says. “You’re not late at 11. If you have to be somewhere at 11 and it takes 30 minutes to get there, you’re late at if you’re still at home at 10:30.”

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If you are always late, take a good look in the mirror—it is completely inconsiderate of others to always be running behind. Dr. Phil even goes so far as to call it arrogant behavior. Ouch! That hurts. But taking responsibility for how your actions can affect others is simply called being a grown-up. 4. PRIORITIZE. Determine what things are important to you. Cut out activities that are not necessary or are big time-killers so you can focus on the things you must and should get done first. It’s okay to say “no.” Sometimes we are faced with more than one worthwhile activity or opportunity. Choose one and do it well rather than spreading yourself thin. You can’t please everyone all the time. 5. TRACK YOUR PROGRESS. Keep a record of how you are doing, or make a list of the things you need to get done and check them off as you go. Physically seeing that you are completing tasks—whether at work or home—is good mental mojo. This will keep you motivated and encouraged to make more positive changes in your life.

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