SIMPLYkc Magazine March 2022 by SIMPLYkc Magazine

Vintage IS THE NEXT NEW

GET YOUR SPIN ON WITH LOVELO

March Madness

MAR ‘22 | Vol. 11 No. 11

SHOOT AND SCORE AT THESE BARS IN KC

DISH

EAT YOUR CURRY AND NAAN

INFOCUS

RETHINKING FOOD AT UNFORKED

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CONTENTS

AROUND TOWN 12

MARCH MADNESS: YOUR GUIDE TO KC BARS

INFOCUS 14 RETHINKING FOOD

BE WELL 16

THE WAY TO A WOMAN'S HEART HEALTH

LOCAL GOOD EATS 20 HOME 22

COMPOSTING FOR BEGINNERS

7 THINGS 24

SEVEN GARDENING HACKS

26 22

FASHION 26

VINTAGE IS THE NEXT NEW

WHO WHAT WHERE 34 SWAGAT

INFOCUS 36 LOVE + BIKE

GOOD TASTES 38

PRESENTING: ARTICHOKE SEASON!

PARENTING 40

CHANGE—POWERED BY SPORTS

DEAR KACIE 42

FIGHT ALONE OR TOGETHER?

BECAUSE I SAID SO 46 THE PROS AND CONS OF BED BUGS

BOOKISH 48

HOW DID I NOT KNOW THIS?

APP 50

SLEEPSCORE

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PUBLISHER’S NOTE

SPRING CLEANING & MARCH MADNESS March is here! With it comes warmer weather, budding trees, and the joy that winter’s nasty weather is behind us (at least we hope it is). When this time of year arrives, I always feel the urge to start my spring cleaning. I clean out the closets, donate the clothes my kids have outgrown, and get rid of what we no longer use. The feeling of organized closets, pantries, and cabinets makes me feel good—it gives my mind clarity. Another big event this month is men’s college basketball, March Madness. Usually my kids and I fill out our brackets and wager a friendly bet. Carson typically wins, as Addison and I don’t follow men’s basketball like he does. This year he’s away at college studying and playing baseball, so I’m not sure how many games we'll actually watch. Speaking of watching basketball games, check out our Around Town column on page 12 for your guide to Kansas City March Madness and the bars where you should watch the games. Or if you'd like to learn about how sports can have positive impacts on children and the community, read our article about Sharewaves on page 40. This nonprofit is providing quality sports experiences to kids in underresourced communities in Kansas City. Whether you are watching March Madness (p. 12), starting your garden (p. 24), or learning how to prepare artichokes (p. 38), I hope you enjoy the start of spring!

Suzanne Steiner, Publisher

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PUBLISHER Suzanne Steiner suz@simplykcmag.com MANAGING EDITOR Brennan Hallock of Hallock Writing & Design editor@simplykcmag.com PHOTOGRAPHY Samantha Levi, Jami Bowman of Electric Imagez, Melanie McDowell, Visit Overland Park, Harpo's, Getty Images, Swagat Fine Cuisine CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Julie Burton, Sophie Oswald, Tiffany Killoren, Shannon E. Roesgen, Pamela Spradlin Mahajan, Gina Reardon, David Marks, Lauren Dreher, Brennan Hallock ART DIRECTOR Julie Faerman, Whoo Design ADVERTISING Gretchen McGraw, Sales 620.474.5859 sales@simplykcmag.com INQUIRIES SIMPLYkc Magazine 11730 W. 135th St., Ste. 116 Overland Park, KS 66221 913.209.9394 contact@simplykcmag.com simplykcmag.com

COVER & FASHION IMAGES PHOTOS • Samantha Levi, samanthalevi.com, @samstownusa MODELS • Katie Kennedy with Voices &, 118 Walnut, Suite 120, Kansas City, MO, 816.753.4261, voicesand.com, @voicesandmodels and Gretchen McGraw WARDROBE • Born Into Money, bornintomoney.com, hello@bornintomoney.com, @bornintomoney HAIR • Jen Kelly, Frankie’s Salon & Spa, 705 W. Amity St, Louisburg, KS, @frankieshairsalon MAKEUP • Ashley Maurin Rodden, Owner & Founder of LOVER Cosmetics, Simple beauty in 5 steps and magnetic palette, @shoplovercosmetics WARDROBE STYLIST • Gretchen McGraw SHOT ON LOCATION • Family Tree Nursery, 8424 Farley, Overland Park, KS, 913.642.6503, familytreenursery.com, @family_tree_nursery

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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AROUND TOWN

MARCH MADNESS YOUR GUIDE TO KC BARS WRITTEN BY JULIE BURTON

ansas City isn’t a college town in the traditional sense. Sure, we have UMKC, Rockhurst University, Avila University, and the Kansas City Art Institute, but Kansas City is not a place you see college kids taking over the city. But NCAA College hoops fans? They’re everywhere in Kansas City. Nearly everyone tries to take a shot at filling out a bracket or two. You can watch the games in the comfort of your home or catch the scores on your phone. But even better—catch the game with fellow fans. Here’s your guide to Kansas City March Madness bars.

If you’re rooting for the KU Jayhawks … Johnny’s Tavern | Overland Park,

Blue Springs, Lee’s Summit, Olathe, Parkville, and Shawnee Johnnystavern.com If you’re looking for a Lawrence-esque atmosphere without driving to Lawrence, Kansas, head to Johnny’s Tavern. Johnny’s Tavern was started in Lawrence in 1953 by John Wilson. But before that, the cold beer and gambling hotspot was just called “Slim’s Place” after Slim Wilson, John’s father. Johnny’s Tavern became a haven for fans with plenty of beer and music on the jukebox. Many years later, Johnny’s expanded into the Kansas City area,

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Photos (this page) Courtesy of Harpo's bringing together local Jayhawks fans, just like in the good ol’ college days. Johnny's is the official watch party spot for the KU Alumni Association and fans alike.

If you’re rooting for the K-State Wildcats … Johnny Kaw’s Sports Bar | Waldo and Westport Johnnykaws.com All Wildcats fans know Johnny Kaw. He’s a 30-foot-tall burly giant who overlooks City Park in Manhattan, Kansas. According to legend, Johnny made the Grand Canyon, Rocky Mountains, the Mississippi river, and totally kicked Paul Bunyan’s butt! Of course, Johnny Kaw is a fictional character, but the Johnny Kaw’s bars in Manhattan, Waldo, and Westport are not. Johnny Kaw’s in Waldo has cheap beer, fast food, and a 20-footlong shot menu for those side bets. It’s possible to get some warmer weather in March. Johnny Kaw’s yard bar in Westport is tailgating heaven. Catch a few games while playing yard games such as giant jenga, bags, water pong, or darts at one of Kansas

City’s biggest sports bars.

If you’re a Missouri Tigers fan … Harpo’s | Westport Harposkc.com You won’t see Mizzou in the Big 12 tournament, but that doesn’t mean like-minded people can’t stick together. Nothing brings the people of Columbia and sports together like Harpo’s in Westport. Harpo’s Westport has been operating in Kansas City since 1991, 20 years after Harpo’s Columbia created their legacy. The game is always on, the bar is always stocked, and the food is never slow. And bonus—it’s enormous 5,000 square feet of patio space (with heaters, an outdoor bar, and plenty of seats) ensures you won’t miss a second of the madness in March.

If you’re stuck with the kids… Chicken N Pickle | North Kansas City and Overland Park Chickennpickle.com Yes, it’s in the name. Chicken N Pickle is a spot for pickleball lovers. Chicken N Pickle is an indoor/ outdoor entertainment venue that includes pickleball courts, yard games, and enough space to let the kids run around. It is also a casual, chef-driven restaurant and sports bar. The Overland Park location also includes an ice rink, weather permitting. It’s such a great entertainment spot that it has expanded to Wichita, Oklahoma, and Texas, but the original one is in Kansas City. That makes it an easy choice to watch March Madness while also watching the madness of your children. Chicken N Pickle should be on your list of spots to catch a March Madness game or two with the kids.

If you’re trying to hide from the boss while “working from home”… Bricks Pub and Grub | Lee’s Summit Bricksls.com Ah, the hole-in-the-walls. The dive bars. Whatever you want to call them, Kansas City is filled with them. But our choice for hiding from your boss during work hours is Bricks Pub and Grub in Lee’s Summit. It checks all the boxes: it’s low-key, has a huge beer list, has “above average” bar food (their words, not ours), and has plenty of TVs to catch all the games. The walls are just like the name—brick walls—which adds to its hole-inthe-wall charm. If you’re looking for a place to pull up a chair and laptop during the lunch hour(s), head to Downtown Lee’s Summit. If the weather is warm, pull up a chair in their spacious patio.

If you just prefer to watch the games outside … John’s Big Deck | Kansas City Johnsbigdeck.com Their motto is “Enter Strangers, Leave as Friends.” Having the honor of Kansas City’s only rooftop deck, this is the spot to catch a few games (and possibly new friends, or so they say). John’s Big Deck overlooks Kansas City’s Central Business District. The building has been in existence for over 100 years, and for 60 of those years it served as a restaurant/bar. There are three floors to find your favorite spot, but the best one is the deck. There’s not a bad seat on the deck to catch March Madness. Cheers! And may the best team be crowned.

Photos Above Courtesy of Chicken N Pickle

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INFOCUS

RETHINKING FOOD

REDISCOVERING THE BEAUTY OF KC THROUGH FOOD WRITTEN BY JULIE BURTON / PHOTOS BY JAMI BOWMAN

ansas City is a city of change. Winters are bitter. Summers are scorchers. Spring and fall are a respective warm and cool relief. And sometimes, you’ll get all four seasons in one day. That’s the beauty of Kansas City—it’s never boring. And Kansas City’s taste in food? Unforked knows tastes shouldn’t be boring either. Variety is always a good thing in the restaurant business. Hearty soups and chilies in the winter. Fresh salads and burgers in the summer. And tacos? Come on, those are acceptable year-round. Unforked’s menu changes with Kansas City seasons. The menu changes approximately six times a year rather than four times because of the earth below our feet. The soil that makes

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MARCH 2022

up Kansas City and the regions surrounding it determine what is good eating. Lucky for us, the city of change becomes the city of variety at Unforked.

“The difference is the quality of where we get our food. We go to great lengths to get what we use.” Fresh, local, quality ingredients are what set Unforked apart from other fast-casual restaurants. That’s exactly what Jim Sheridan, founder of Unforked, had in mind when he opened a location in Overland Park in 2011. He says, “Growing up here, I wanted

to incubate an idea about getting healthy, locally sourced foods, great ingredients, and use it to support local farmers. I wanted people to know exactly what is in the food. We don’t have a freezer here. We make everything from scratch.” Of course, making everything from scratch doesn’t start when the doors open. It starts at 7:30 am when the kitchen fires up. The fries, a crowd favorite, are cut by hand and take 24 hours to make. The barking pig taco is braised in the oven for hours and hand-shredded. The nutrient-rich kale salad has been a crowd favorite even before the kale craze. And the KC Q taco uses Joe’s Kansas City Bar-B-Que sauce. Kansas City knows barbecue, and so does the New York Times. The New

Pictured below from L to R:

Bobby Shaw - COO, Stephanie Sheridan - Owner, Jim Sheridan - Owner/Founder

York Times Taco Trail discovered Unforked’s KC Q taco and wrote, “Smoked carnitas slathered in sweet and tangy barbecue sauce, folded into a soft corn tortilla and topped with blistered onions and a fried pickle. Close your eyes and you may think you’re holding a wellsauced rib.” Bobby Shaw is the chief operating officer of Unforked. His long career working in the food and restaurant business gives Unforked’s menu its own uniqueness when it comes to seasonal, diverse dishes. “Quality defines our seasonal menu. For instance, you won’t see corn in the winter. Corn isn’t good in the winter. The seasons determine what is good. We know March is Lent—our specials will be a calamari or shrimp basket. We try to offer a salad, a taco, a bowl, enough variety for peo-

ple to choose,” Shaw explains. Menu ideas come from chefs, cooks, farmers, and even Shaw and Sheridan. Dishes start with an idea or a recipe and Unforked puts their spin on it. “We take an idea and simply make it better,” Sheridan explains. “The difference is the quality of where we get our food. We go to great lengths to get what we use.” Shaw recalls the time they launched a new noodle bowl. Unfortunately, the wrong noodles arrived. Instead of using the noodles they were sent, the manager went out herself to purchase the right noodles. “We go get the right thing. Sure, we can get buns for half the price, but we want the really great stuff,” Shaw says. As much as Unforked cares about the quality of the food, they care just as

much about the people. Unforked never lost its core team after 2020, the year all restaurants took a hit from the impact of a global pandemic. Sheridan even went as far as to make up jobs for his employees to keep them employed. And the regulars who kept Unforked in business through 2020—there’s something about good food that makes everyone happy. Everyone needs to eat. But when you find a special place like Unforked to get those 24-hour-made-from-scratch fries or a New York Times-approved barbecue taco from the earth below your feet … well, you know you’re in Kansas City and it’s good eating. Download Unforked’s new app on iOS or Android and get the tacos. Tacos are always in season.

Unforked • Unforked.com Overland Park / 7337 W. 119th St., Overland Park, KS • 913.661.9887 Crown Center / 2450 Grand Blvd., #113, Kansas City, MO • 816.283.3675 Westwood / *Coming in March 2022* 4719 Rainbow Blvd., Westwood, KS

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BE WELL

THE WAY TO A WOMAN’S HEART HEALTH WRITTEN BY DAVID MARKS / PHOTO BY GETTY IMAGES

First, here is the good news for women. It’s a well-known fact that women tend to outlive men. As of 2017, life expectancy for men was 76.1 years, while for women it was 81.1—five years longer! Researchers estimate the lifespan gap will continue. According to the U.S. Census Bureau, women's life expectancy is projected to reach 87.3 years by 2060, compared to 83.9 years for men. But why do women tend to outlive men? There are a lot of reasons— including findings that show women are more likely to see a doctor when they’re sick. But in not-so-great news, women are also more vulnerable to heart disease than men. In fact, heart disease in women is more deadly than all forms of cancer—combined. Yet only one in five women believes that heart disease is her greatest health threat. So it’s more important than ever to understand just

how serious heart disease is for women, starting with their risk factors. “The traditional risk factors of family heart health, activity and diet tendencies, and individual age play a larger part in women’s heart disease,” says Heath Wilt, DO, FACC, cardiologist, AdventHealth Medical Group Cardiology & Cardiovascular Surgery. “Even more important are what we consider ‘modifiable’ risk factors—the ones we can actively control—including high blood pressure and/or cholesterol, smoking, or diabetes.” Even if you’re a yoga-loving, marathon-running, workout dynamo, your risk for heart disease isn’t eliminated. Factors like cholesterol, eating

habits, and smoking can offset your healthy habits. And unlike with men, it’s not always as clear-cut when a woman is having a heart attack or other heart episode. “Women are more likely to experience jaw, shoulder, or neck pain than chest pain during a heart attack,” explains Dr. Wilt. “Although chest discomfort may still be present, it is also more likely to accompany atypical locations (like the right shoulder), nausea, and significant and sudden illness. It may even mimic heartburn.” Similarly, strokes are less likely to display noticeable symptoms like slurred speech or focal numbness and weakness, instead appearing as confusion, continued on page 18

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MARCH 2022

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BE WELL CONT. disorientation, profound fatigue, or garbled speech. Women who have experienced pregnancy complications should also know that those issues could affect their heart health. “Issues during pregnancy such as gestational diabetes, preeclampsia, and pregnancy-induced hypertension can influence cardiac health even decades later,” says Dr. Wilt. “Similarly, key factors such as time of onset of menstruation as a youth or timing of menopause can influence long-term cardiac health.”

The Bottom Line Many things can put you at risk for these problems—some that you can control and others that you can’t. “Every woman needs to be aware of her body and recognize new symptoms as something that may represent a sudden life-threatening event,” says Dr. Wilt. “For prevention, it’s being aware of your numbers (like blood pressure

and cholesterol) and other risk factors (smoking, diabetes, family history). It’s also about keeping an open line of communication with your trusted provider when you feel you may be at risk, so that additional testing, therapy, or education can be provided.” Remember, with the right information, education, and care, heart disease in women can be treated, reduced, and in many cases prevented. In fact, studies show that healthy lifestyle choices by women are already resulting in hundreds fewer heart-disease related deaths per day.

WHAT A HEART ATTACK FEELS LIKE TO A WOMAN: Upper body pain Nausea Shortness of breath Unusual fatigue Breaking out in a cold sweat Light headedness or dizziness Chest pain discomfort, like there’s a ton of weight on you.

Here are a few of the lifestyle changes every woman should consider: • Don’t smoke • Manage your blood sugar • Get your blood pressure under control • Lower your cholesterol • Know your family history • Stay active • Lose or manage your weight • Eat healthy.

AdventHealth offers HEARTaware, a free, online heart disease risk assessment designed to help you identify your risk factors for developing heart disease. To complete a quick and free heart risk assessment, visit AdventHealthKC.com/Heart.

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BOOK YOUR SPRAY TAN TODAY VIA BRONZEDKC.COM OR 913.954.7829 @bronzedkc

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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 availSIMPLYKCMAG.COM | 19 able on our website.

L ocal

GOOD EATS

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

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

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

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

UNdo what you think you know about food. We live to serve you chef-inspired food made with fresh, local ingredients. We promise to buy and support seasonal, local ingredients first; if not local we source from smaller family GAP-certified or organic farms, prime growing regions, artisan producers, and with fair trade partnerships. Fork or no fork, you can be sure you’re getting the highest quality, socially responsible ingredients possible.

OVERLAND PARK - 7337 W 119th St. • 913.661.9887 KANSAS CITY (Crown Center) - 2450 Grand Blvd. #113 • 816.283.3675 WESTWOOD - 4719 Rainbow Blvd. • Coming soon! unforked.com

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

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

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MARCH 2022

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

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HOME/STYLE

COMPOSTING FOR BEGINNERS

HELPFUL TIPS FOR STARTING YOUR COMPOSTING JOURNEY WRITTEN BY SOPHIE OSWALD

he environmental impact of our decisions is at the forefront of many conversations these days. People are looking for new ways to do their part in protecting the environment—and the people impacted by the environment. There’s been a rise in simple living, plant-based lifestyles, water conservation, and other sustainable practices. But what about food waste? You’ve probably heard the saying reduce, reuse, recycle. These three words are said often, but there are quite a few other Rs involved in protecting the environment that you may not have heard. One of these words is rot, which refers to using food waste to create a beneficial resource through composting.

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MARCH 2022

Both yard waste and food scraps make up a decent amount of what people decide to throw in their trash. By turning this waste into fertilizer, you can help your garden grow, and do your part in limiting your carbon footprint. Whether you want to limit your waste as much as possible or just create a more productive garden this year, composting is an excellent place to start.

Don’t let a small (or nonexistent) backyard keep you from composting. People often hesitate to begin their composting journey because they live in a small apartment. Many think a backyard is required, but you can start composting no matter the size of your home. Thankfully, there are a variety of enclosure options available.

You can even build one! “If you don’t have any yard waste you may just need to have a worm bin to feed the food scraps to worms, or you may want to do one of the subscription services that picks up your food waste and takes it to Missouri Organic,” explains Stan Slaughter, composting expert at Missouri Organic Recycling. That’s right. If you don’t want to keep up with a bin in your home or you lack the space for outdoor composting, you can take advantage of one of the many curbside pickups in the area.

After you decide if your compost will be indoors, outdoors, or picked up by a service, there are a few other things to consider.

You will need to decide where you will set up your compost, the type of enclosure that fits your needs, and a way to store food scraps so you can create the perfect mix. Another thing to consider before you start composting is what kinds of food scraps you often have within your home. You must understand which items are safe for your compost and which do not belong in your pile. Unfortunately, you can't compost everything. For example, you should not put meat or dairy products in your compost. You should also be cautious when adding citrus peels and onions. The acidity of these scraps can be harmful to microorganisms and worms. Keep in mind that some plastic containers and other products you use might be labeled compostable, but that does not mean you can add them to your home compost.

You can compost most vegetables, fruits, coffee grounds, tea leaves, nutshells, and varieties of paper and cardboard. Yard waste such as trimmings, grass clippings, and leaves are also great for your compost. Oddly enough, even hair and certain pieces of clothing can be added. The key is sticking to natural and organic materials. You will need a balanced mix of greens and browns. Some lean toward more greens and others decide to use more browns. Landing somewhere in the middle is good. Materials that are rich in nitrogen or protein are considered greens. A few examples of green materials are coffee grounds, grass clippings, vegetable scraps, and fruit scraps. Materials that are rich in carbon or carbohydrates are browns. These include paper, cotton fabric, dryer lint, tree branches, and more.

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Remember that composts are living things. Microorganisms and invertebrates work together to carry out the decomposition process. Knowing this and understanding all aspects of the process will set you up for success. Before you begin composting, you will want to do some more research. Slaughter stresses the importance of learning the basics. “You could use Google for that or you can watch YouTube. There’s actually a lot of good stuff on YouTube channels about composting,” he explains. He recommends videos featuring Charles Dowding as an excellent place to start. It can take some time to get in the swing of things, but once you do, composting will become just another helpful habit. This process is rewarding and an excellent way to contribute to a greener planet.

Take the guesswork out of your job search and hire an EXPERT resume writer. Call today for your F ree consultation! Alana Henry, CPRW, NCOPE Founder & Editor-In-Chief

317-207-0224 • alana@thewritique.com @thewritique • thewritique.com SIMPLYKCMAG.COM

7 THINGS

GARDENING HACKS

1 R ecycle an empty jug into a watering can.

There’s no need to spend money on a watering can when you can reuse the plastic jug you were planning to throw out anyways. All you need to do is rinse it out and poke a few holes in the lid. After that, you can fill it with water and care for your plants.

2 Reuse those coffee grounds.

The coffee grounds from your morning cup of joe can find a new life in your garden. How you choose to use them will depend on what you are growing. Some gardeners sprinkle a thin layer around their plants as a fertilizer. Others combine them with mulch.

3 Use vinegar to kill weeds. You can turn vine-

gar into a non-toxic weed killer. If you have pesky weeds, a mixture of white vinegar, salt, and dish soap will do the trick. You can find exact measurements online. But be careful with your sprays because vinegar will kill any plant it touches!

4 Grow your leftovers.

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You can regrow lots of

MARCH 2022

vegetables from leftover end pieces—lettuce, garlic, celery, green onions, and cabbage, to name a few.

5 C rush up eggshells and put them to good use. If you regularly enjoy eggs, you can save up

the shells and use them in your garden. They can make good fertilizer, and some gardeners even use crushed eggshells to keep snails and slugs away.

6 M ake a drip irrigation system with plastic bottles. There are quite a few different ways to do

this. One popular method is to cut the bottom off your plastic bottle and put a few holes in the cap. Put the top of the bottle in the ground and fill it up.

7 U se old toilet paper rolls to start your seeds. You can do this with used-up rolls of paper

towels or toilet paper. Cut the tubes a few inches tall and place them on a tray. Fill each roll with soil and add the seeds. Water them as needed. Once they are ready, you can move them to the ground, and the cardboard tubes will decompose over time.

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FASHION

Vintage IS THE NEXT NEW Old and new are in for spring! A good vintage piece will tell a story, not to mention hold the sustainability in your closet. Mixing new, fresh colors and patterns with one-of-a-kind pieces is what spring, vacations, and life not taken too seriously is all about.

BORN INTO MONEY bornintomoney.com @bornintomoney

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Photography / Samantha Levi Models / Katie Kennedy with Voices &, and Gretchen McGraw Hair / Jen Kelly, Frankie’s Salon & Spa Makeup / Ashley Rodden Wardrobe Stylist / Gretchen McGraw Shot on location / Family Tree Nursery

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DISH

SWAGAT FINE INDIAN CUISINE

WRITTEN BY PAMELA SPRADLIN MAHAJAN PHOTOS COURTESY OF SWAGAT

Komal shares what he considers his favorite dish, how they have fared during the pandemic, and more.

The interior of the restaurant is beautiful. Could you describe a few of the features? Everything in the restaurant—from the colors to the ceilings and arches—was carefully designed to resemble Mughal architectural styles dating back to the sixteenth century. We have two dining halls—a main dining hall and a private one. The private hall can accommodate private parties of up to 30 people. We also have outdoor patio seating, which is very popular during the warmer months.

What was the inspiration behind the name? We wanted a name that embodied the hospitable and caring nature of the people of Punjab, a state in the northern Indian subcontinent. "Swagat" was perfect because it literally means "welcome" in Punjabi and other Indian languages.

When Gurdev Choong moved his restaurant, Swagat, to its current location in 2005, he designed the space to resemble sixteenth-century Mughal architecture. Gurdev runs Swagat with his sons, Anoop and Komal. “No other Indian restaurant in this part of the country has been designed or built in this manner,” says Komal. This spring, the restaurant will bring back their popular lunch buffet on Saturdays and Sundays, in addition to unveiling a new lunch special menu during the week (they are now closed on Tuesdays). They will also be adding a new drinks menu that features beer, wine, and cocktails. Swagat accepts reservations for groups over 30 and can accommodate large take-out orders. For orders serving hundreds of guests, they can arrange delivery and set up catering services.

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MARCH 2022

How have you been dealing with the pandemic? The pandemic has been challenging, but great for the business. In the 30+ years my dad has been in business, 2021 was by far the best year we’ve had. I believe a few things may have contributed to the success, including the public feeling more comfortable dining in-person (perhaps a bit of pent-up demand as well) and more people discovering us online and getting food delivered. I also think people have become more health-conscious as a result of COVID and are more open to trying Indian food, whose ingredients have countless health benefits. These ingredients include garlic, ginger, turmeric, cumin, fenugreek, and more. During the onset of the pandemic, we indefinitely closed our famous lunch buffet, but after countless requests and careful consideration we are

bringing it back this spring on Saturdays and Sundays.

What is your favorite item on the menu? This is a tough question because there are so many dishes I love! I have to say my all-time favorite is our butter chicken paired with a garlic naan. Nothing beats the simplicity and pairing of the two.

Is there a memorable customer experience you can share? One of our longtime customers invited a friend for dinner. This friend was visiting from London, which is known as one of the most iconic destinations for Indian food outside of India. After dinner, this person mentioned that after having Indian food all over London, this was by far the best he’s ever had. While reviews are all subjective, this compliment by far exceeded all of our expectations. We still to this day get similar comments from folks visiting Kansas City.

Swagat Fine Indian Cuisine Zona Rosa / 7407 NW 87th St., Kansas City, Missouri 816.746.9400 • swagatkc.com

KC CULINARY COMMUNI TY

Join us for a socially-distanced version of our famous bake sale! Featuring contributions from culinary professionals including wholesale & retail bakeries, specialty bakers, caterers, restaurants, and confectioners, plus a host of other wildly talented independent and Next Generation bakers!

Saturday, May 7 9am - 2pm

(OR UN T IL S O LD O U T ! ) MASKS ENCOUR AGED

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INFOCUS

LOVE + BIKE LOVELO

STRENGTHENS THROUGH FITNESS, CYCLING, AND CONNECTION WRITTEN BY LAUREN DREHER PHOTOS BY JAMI BOWMAN

t’s personal,” owner and founder Becca Pento says. This is the main component in everything loVELO does. Becca, a Kansas City native, grew up on bikes. She remembers riding on the handlebars of her brother’s bike as a child. Now, as a mom, she incorporates cycling in everything she can. She loves to ride with her family locally, and she uses these family adventures as a way to explore when traveling. This is why it was only fitting for her to open her own cycling studio. Located in downtown Overland Park, loVELO is a small, boutique-style fitness studio with multiple kinds of workouts available. First, there is a cycling class which has high-energy, dynamic lighting, and intentional music. Becca emphasizes that classes are not a competition or comparison. She knows that people who join her cycling class have many different body types and needs. From accommodating beginners to someone who is training for a

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Above: Becca Pento, owner of loVELO

“Just walking in you get a feeling of friendship, positivity, and acceptance.” long-distance outdoor ride, she customizes the workout to achieve all goals. This includes endurance level, health concerns, or other limitations. Becca prides herself in taking those needs into account and making ev-

eryone feel comfortable. She also choreographs the music to match the changing intensity of the ride. “If you sign up for a cycle class, you won’t get a typical cycle experience,”

one of loVELO’s customers says. “Yes, you will burn a ton of calories, but not only that, you will be taken on a motivating and uplifting journey! Instructors build in times for reflection and introspection. You will leave the class not only with a serious sweat, but also with a renewed spirit!

Flexibility classes are uniquely effective for alignment, injury prevention, balance, posture, and better mental health. “I believe flexibility is overlooked. I use an internationally certified program that focuses on movement and ligament lengthening. We’ve seen great results in all ages and skill levels,” explains Becca.

Additionally, loVELO offers mat classes that improve your mobility and flexibility. These classes compliment cycling and appeal to all audiences.

MoBALLity is a Pilates-based workout with the use of fitness balls. This fusion class builds pillar strength—the muscles that hold up the skeleton. It combines

core foundation with music and movement, which leads to strengthening while having fun. Last, there is BOOTility which is a circuit-based, energetic class led by David, one of the coaches at loVELO. He is encouraging, motivating, and helpful. Another customer adds, “Just walking in you get a feeling of friendship, positivity, and acceptance. loVELO’s coaches emphasize using good form, listening to your body, and challenging you to push yourself! It’s a place where I enjoy going to work out, and that has never happened to me before.” Find out more by visiting loVELO’s website which includes class schedule, packages, and booking a reservation.

loVELO • lovelo.us Downtown Overland Park 8018A Santa Fe Dr., Overland Park, KS SIMPLYkc Special • Receive your first class for only $5 using the code highfivevelo.

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GOOD TASTES

PRESENTING ARTICHOKE SEASON! WRITTEN BY GINA REARDON PHOTO BY MELANIE MCDOWELL

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MARCH 2022

I’ve always wanted to visit Castroville, California, also known as “Artichoke Capital of the World!”

Located just a few miles inland from Monterey Bay, Castroville is known for its beautiful globe artichoke crop and its annual Castroville Artichoke Festival, where the first Artichoke Queen was crowned in 1948, none other than Marilyn Monroe! The artichoke plant, a variety of a species of thistle, consists of tightly knit flower buds attached to wildly rustic stalks. Only the heart (the meaty center), inner portion of the stem, and the large outer leaves (or petals) are edible. The

latter part is scraped against your teeth to extract the edible portion. It’s an adventure to be sure! But because artichokes are a fatfree, low-sodium food—and one of the richest sources of antioxidants, key nutrients, vitamins, and minerals—and loaded with fiber, they are a rewarding addition to your diet. I once read it was like taking a scrub brush to your intestines! I favor artichokes steamed and grilled, sprinkled with sea salt, and the tender leaves dipped in lemon

aioli. Or steamed whole and then stuffed with a mixture of Italian sausage, sautéed garlic and onion, bread crumbs and herbs, and served with a marinara sauce for dipping—a meal in itself. Or one more favorite: a velvety artichoke soup! I first enjoyed artichoke soup at Starker’s Restaurant on the Plaza years ago and have never forgotten it. Some dishes are like that, arousing memories that take you back to a time and place with someone special. Bon appétit!

Artichoke Soup SERVES 8

Ingredients

Preparation

7 tablespoons unsalted butter

In a large pot, melt three tablespoons butter and cook the artichoke hearts, leek, garlic, onion, and shallots until tender but not brown. Add potatoes and stock. Tie up the bay leaf, thyme, parsley, and peppercorns in cheesecloth and add to the pot. Simmer uncovered for one hour.

Sliced hearts from five large artichokes, leaves and choke discarded, stems peeled 1 medium leek, white and light-green part sliced and rinsed 6 large garlic cloves, chopped 1/2 cup sliced yellow onion 3 medium shallots, sliced 8 ounces Yukon gold potatoes, peeled and sliced 12 cups chicken or vegetable stock

Remove and discard the herbs. Purée the soup and pass it through a fine strainer. When ready to serve, heat the soup and whisk in the remaining butter and cream. Season with salt and serve.

1/2 bay leaf 2 sprigs fresh thyme 4 sprigs parsley 1/4 teaspoon cracked black peppercorns 1/2 cup cream Salt, to taste

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

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PARENTING

CHANGE–POWERED BY SPORTS INTRODUCING SHAREWAVES

WRITTEN BY SHANNON E. ROESGEN / GRAPHIC PROVIDED BY SHAREWAVE

WHAT IS SHAREWAVES? ShareWaves is a 501(c)3 public charity delivering high quality sports experiences to kids in under-resourced communities. ShareWaves launched just three years ago, and serves children from under-resourced homes who experience many barriers to sports access and are less likely to receive the support they need. Bill Brandmeyer, founder and CEO of Sharewaves, explains that children in under-resourced communities have an overwhelming need for equitable physical activity, exercise, and high quality sports experiences. Multiple studies have shown that physical activity, exercise, and sports participation positively impact a child’s physical and mental health, including decreasing obesity, early heart disease, social isolation, anxiety, and depression.

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ShareWaves website (sharewavesfoundation.org) says, “Without access to sports and structured play, kids miss critical developmental benefits, including physical health, social-emotional growth, and academic advancement.” BARRIERS SHAREWAVES HOPES TO BREAK DOWN ShareWaves emphasizes that kids are dropping out of sports at an alarming rate. 35-40 million children ages 4-14 participate in organized youth sports, but 70 percent of them drop out by age 13. This causes them to miss opportunities for socialization, character development, exercise, and fun. Cost is given as the primary barrier preventing kids from playing youth sports. One of ShareWaves’ goals is to provide GameChanger grants to children who need financial assis-

tance in order to play sports. THERE ARE RISING NUMBERS IN CHILDHOOD OBESITY AS WELL AS A SURGING MENTAL HEALTH CRISIS DUE TO THE PANDEMIC Children in Kansas City (and other cities) are experiencing isolation, separation, depression, disconnection, and loneliness. The safety restrictions imposed during the pandemic have been causing and exacerbating this problem. There is a rise in mental health problems reported among young people, including generalized anxiety disorder, major depressive disorder, and intentional self-harm. Extended social isolation, educational uncertainty, and inactivity are causing a large amount of stress for young people. But physical activity, exercise, and sports are proven methods to help young people reconnect, heal, and thrive.

SHAREWAVES INITIATIVES FOR 2022 1. Provide GameChanger grants to assist in connecting kids to high quality sports experiences 2. B uild #Ready2Play Training Experiences for Kids and the #Ready2Play app 3. # MovementIstheMedicine: Movement Is the Medicine is a “program that links physical activity, exercise, and sports participation to adolescent well-being, improvement in mental health, and teenage suicide prevention” (sharewavesfoundation.org). ShareWaves and their #MovementIstheMedicine campaign hosted a 5K this past year to raise awareness about mental health. Mental health awareness events are regularly scheduled to draw attention to movement as an essential component of healthy, positive mental wellness, and are designed to help reduce the stigma of seeking help. The 5K was a huge success and a pos-

itive step forward, bridging the health benefits of physical activity as a helpful panacea to mental health struggles. THE POSITIVE IMPACT OF SPORTS ShareWaves explains that in sports, children contribute to something bigger than themselves. They learn important life lessons and experience character-building interactions. These can have an impact both on and off the field. The values delivered through sports encourage respect for oneself and for others. Sports can teach cooperation, how to work toward a common goal, healthy responses to victory and defeat, and virtues like courage, humility, patience, and perseverance. HOW YOU CAN HELP There is a text-to-donate site set up for the #MovementIstheMedicine campaign. Money raised for this goes to developing programs for kids who are

suffering from the post-COVID trauma. ShareWaves is also planning their third annual March Gladness fundraiser, scheduled for this month. They are partnering with local nonprofit organizations to raise money for Power of Sports GameChanger grants. Visit ShareWave’s website for more information about the March Gladness fundraising event and to learn more about ShareWave’s purpose and initiatives: sharewavesfoundation.org.

ShareWaves Foundation

6721 W. 121st St., Overland Park, KS 913.219.9435 info@sharewavesfoundation.org sharewavesfoundation.org

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

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r a e D

KACIE FIGHT ALONE OR TOGETHER?

I’ve been married to my husband for 15 years. To be honest, it’s not going so great. We have two kids–one in elementary school and one in middle school. We’re just not in love with each other anymore. It feels more like we’re roommates than husband and wife—roommates who fight and are annoyed with each other. We’ve tried date nights, but we fight there too. I’m wondering if I’d be better off divorced. We’re both unhappy but we want to give it a shot for the kids. Should I go to individual therapy or couples therapy?

Ah, the 15-year itch. Or is it seven-year? Marriage is hard. Every couple you see on social media with the perfectly posed, matching-clothes kids argues. All of them. I promise. Not that you should compare yourself to the lies of the internet. Just remember, it is completely normal for couples to lose their “fire,” so to say. Everyone knows the honeymoon ends eventually. Kids arrive with their high demands. Careers and responsibilities grow. You change individually and as a couple. So yes it is a normal question, Is individual or couples therapy better? Ask your partner what he would like. That should give you an idea if he truly wants to save the relationship. But keep this in mind—research shows that when a person attends individual therapy for relationship issues, that person will divorce or leave their partner at a higher rate than when the couple goes to a couples therapist. Divorce is hard, but it isn’t the end of the world. If you both want to give your marriage a shot, I recommend going to a couples therapist first.

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

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BECAUSE I SAID SO...

THE PROS AND CONS OF BED BUGS WRITTEN BY JULIE BURTON / PHOTO BY JAMI BOWMAN

Pro: I scheduled my first mammogram! Con: I’m old now. Pro: I didn’t really have time to worry about the unknown—the pain level, a cancer diagnosis, the image of pancakes. Con: I didn’t have time to worry because I was working and on my hands and knees with a flashlight and a piece of tissue searching every fabric of my apartment looking for and killing bed bugs. Pro: I know a lot about bed bugs. Con: I know too much about bed bugs. They survive on human blood. A female can lay three eggs a day with a host nearby— over 300 in her lifetime! She lays eggs near a host so they can immediately feed. They are attracted to a human’s CO2. Pro: I still remember CO2 is carbon dioxide—our exhale—from high school chemistry. I still remember freezing bugs for my ninth grade biology bug presentation. I learned so much, high school teachers. Thank you! Con: Bed bugs don’t die by freezing. Pro: I could have pinned a frozen-but-still-alive bed bug to my presentation causing an infestation to the school and ending all bug projects for future generations. Con: That bug project showed up again when my daughter had to complete one in elementary school. Another opportunity lost to end the dreaded bug project.

Con: The state of Kansas puts the cost of bed bug treatment on the tenant even when the tenant pays an exterminator fee every damn month! And we must use the landlord’s exterminator due to liability reasons. Pro: I tried really hard not to hang up on my apartment building’s office. Con: It’s about $1,000. Pro: That $1,000 is going to someone’s family, right? Someone’s going to pay their mortgage and pay for their family’s groceries. Con: My kids are getting ramen noodles for dinner until summer. Pro: The bug inspection guy told me, “It’s a good thing you don’t have a lot of furniture. You don’t even have a bed! Just a box spring and a mattress. Should be easy.” Con: Divorce. Ugh! Pro: Divorce. Yay! Con: I have to wait five days for treatment and I’m kicked out of my apartment for six hours. Pro: The bed bugs will be gone in less than a week! Con: Oh yeah. My boobs got squished like a bed bug. Not painful. Just uncomfortable. Pro: I’m cancer-free.

Pro: Bed bugs are killed by heat. They will die at an exposure of 118 degrees for 20 minutes. Con: I don’t live in Arizona where temperatures reach 118 degrees. Pro: I live in Kansas. A beautiful state with beautiful people. Overland Park and our backyard neighbor, Kansas City, are fun destinations to bring your family!

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 2022

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A Not-So-Ordinary Book Discussion

HOW DID I NOT KNOW THIS? WRITTEN BY TIFFANY KILLOREN

I consider myself a well-educated and relatively “worldly” person. I read a lot (thank goodness, or this column wouldn’t be that interesting) and am a lover of history. That said, I read each of the following books and had the same response: How did I not know this? Isn’t that the amazing thing about books, though? We can continue to learn and stretch our minds to explore new parts of the world and history. Spanning the worlds of organized crime—the hunt for war criminals and murders that will hit you at your core—these recommendations will open your mind to true events that rival any fictional drama.

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MARCH 2022

I Heard You Paint Houses (Charles Brandt, 2004) My husband and I unknowingly gifted each other this book for Christmas one year—but we chose different book covers, which was a fun and interesting twist. The gift idea occurred to us because we were both so intrigued by the movie of the same name and history surrounding organized crime, its origins, and the ongoing pursuit of mob leaders and questions that still remain. This book details the life of Frank Sheeran, a hitman for the Bufalino crime family, and his relationship with Jimmy Hoffa. With so many theories out there about the disappearance of Hoffa, this account provides a believable explanation for those looking for an end to one of the most intriguing mysteries of the 1970s.

Killers of the Flower Moon: The Osage Murders and the Birth of the FBI (David Grann, 2017) As if this story wasn’t devastating enough, it happened in our own backyard, which makes me both ashamed and embarrassed that I didn’t know the history. An appalling true tale of the murders of Osage Indian tribe members for oil rights, this is a story about ruthlessness and those who would do the unthinkable for money. In the early days of Hoover and the FBI, this book takes you on an unexpected journey to finding those responsible for the murders thanks to the relentless efforts of a cattleman dedicated to discovering the truth. Although the movie will undoubtedly be amazing, you really need to read the book to appreciate a tale this complex.

Citizen 865: The Hunt for Hitler’s Hidden Soldiers (Debbie Cenziper, 2019) People are interested in the details of World War II for different reasons. Many consider it the ultimate display of good vs. evil in a world where we still can’t quite imagine such evil existing in human form. The attendance of the Auschwitz exhibit at Union Station is further evidence that, as hard as the atrocities are to hear, it’s important to acknowledge them and never forget. Citizen 865 uncovers the work of a dedicated group of historians, lawyers, and others to track down World War II criminals who had escaped to the United States after the war’s end. Their work and personal sacrifice to bring these people to justice is a little-known story that should be read, shared, and added to our history books.

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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APP OF THE MONTH

SLEEPSCORE The gist: We all agree our phones are incred-

ible machines, but did you know your smartphone has sonar? That’s right—the technology of the ocean exists in your pocket, and the app SleepScore has harnessed it to be able to track your sleep in a simple, noninvasive way. This app is designed to help people who struggle with sleep disorders such as sleep apnea, but it can prove useful to most anyone interested in improving their sleep (and who isn’t?). The app uses your phone’s speaker to emit sound waves that track your nighttime movements and breathing. Just set your phone on the nightstand

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MARCH 2022

next to your bed and turn on the app. No devices need to be worn. The sound waves are used to determine whether or not you are asleep, how long it takes you to fall asleep, your breathing rate, your amount of light sleep, your deep sleep, your REM sleep, your sleep duration, and more. It breaks down all of this data into an easy-to-read graph, a sleep score, a mind score, and a body score. All of this data (and more) is available in the app and can be reviewed at any time. If you have questions about your sleep and want to learn how to improve it, this app is for you. $7.99 per month ($49.99 per year) after a free one-week trial.

Did You Know? Elephants eat over 600 pounds of food each day? The ongoing pandemic has profoundly affected the volunteer efforts and tourism to Elephant Nature Park, an elephant rescue and rehabilitation center in Northern Thailand. You can support these efforts (as well as supporting a local artist) by purchasing a print with the Photography for a Cause campaign. Half of the proceeds on ﬁne art prints will be donated to ENP to help offset some of the costs to feed, care for, and protect the elephants, dogs, cats, as well as the many other creatures at this incredible rescue in Chiang Mai, Thailand. www.melaniejoi.com/pfc for more information.

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Articles inside

BOOKISH

APP

INFOCUS

GOOD TASTES

PARENTING

7 THINGS

BECAUSE I SAID SO

INFOCUS

DEAR KACIE

LOCAL GOOD EATS