SIMPLYkc Magazine April 2021 by SIMPLYkc Magazine

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BIG SMILES TO LITTLE FACES

7 WAYS TO UPDATE YOUR HOME ON A BUDGET

APR ‘21 | Vol. 10 No. 12

GETTING REAL WITH JULIE BURTON

JENKINS DENTISTRY FOR KIDS BRINGS

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- COVER FEATURE PHOTO The Rawlings floor plan by Rodrock Homes in Mission Ranch 157 th & Mission, Overland Park, KS

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CONTENTS

AROUND TOWN 12

HOME SWEET (NEW) HOME

INFOCUS 14

LITTLE PEOPLE, LITTLE TEETH, BIG FUN

BE WELL 16

QUESTIONS TO ASK YOUR MEDICAL ONCOLOGIST

WHO WHAT WHERE 20 ED GIESELMAN

LOCAL GOOD EATS 22 INFOCUS 24

WELL-DOCUMENTED CHAOS

HOME/STYLE 26

THERE’S NO PLACE LIKE THE 2021 HOME

36 48

7 THINGS 30

7 HOME UPDATES FOR UNDER $20

INFOCUS 32

AREA RUG DIMENSIONS PROVIDES UNMATCHED CHOICES AND SERVICE

PARENTING 34

FUN (AND COVID-FRIENDLY) PARTY OPTIONS FOR KIDS THIS SPRING

GIVING BACK 36

SOLVING FOOD INSECURITY ONE BAKE SALE AT A TIME

BEAUTY 38

44 42

LOOKING AT BLUE LIGHT GLASSES THROUGH A NEW LENS

INFOCUS 40 A LOCAL TREASURE

BECAUSE I SAID SO 42 THE GAME OF LIFE

GOOD TASTES 44 SPRING INDULGENCE

DEAR KACIE 46

SAY MY NAME (CORRECTLY)

APP 48

MAGICPLAN

SIMPLYkc MAGAZINE

APRIL 2021

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PUBLISHER’S NOTE

Sunshine, Here I Come As I write this Publisher’s Note, it’s cold outside. This weekend, it’s supposed to be in the 50s, but today it’s about 35 degrees. Yes, this is typical Midwestern weather, but I will never get used to it. I’m ready to wear those sundresses! Teenage me would be in the tanning bed in preparation for the coming sunny days. I’d get a base tan for my spring break vacation, and during the summer I’d slather on suntan oil to get that perfect level of bronze as I lounged by the pool. I only used sunscreen to prevent sunburns. Today, of course, we know the dangers of tanning. Ultraviolet radiation from the sun and artificial sources are a known carcinogen, according to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services and the World Health Organization’s International Agency of Research on Cancer. As an adult, I’m more cautious in the sun. I’m diligent with sunscreen— especially on my face—and I am militant about my kids’ sunscreen usage. If you’re worried about your past skincare decisions like I am, today’s advancements in beauty technology can help repair past damage. And, of course, don’t forget to visit your dermatologist each year for a skin checkup! In the meantime while we wait for those sunny days, let’s enjoy our homes. Read about the Parade of Homes coming to Kansas City (p. 12), 2021 home design trends (p. 26), and seven home updates for less than $20 each (p. 30). Here’s to warmer weather, our wonderful homes, and a safe and sunny spring!

Suzanne Steiner, Publisher

SIMPLYkc MAGAZINE

APRIL 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, Andi Telker, James Meierotto, Brooke Rigdon Photography, Adrienne Maples Photography CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Julie Burton, Brennan Hallock of Hallock Writing & Design, Rebecca Fischer, Madison Obermeyer, Shannon E. Roesgen, Sophie Oswald, T.E. Cunningham, Judy Goppert, Gina Reardon, AdventHealth Shawnee Mission 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 IMAGE PHOTO • Courtesy of Rodrock Homes, rodrockhomes.com FEATURING • The Rawlings floor plan by Rodrock Homes in Mission Ranch LOCATED AT • 157th & Mission, Overland Park, KS

SIMPLYkc Magazine is published monthly by Mach Publications, LLC. No portion of this publication may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, without the written permission of SIMPLYkc Magazine. All rights reserved. SIMPLYkc Magazine accepts no infringement or other responsibility for unsolicited or contributed copy, artwork, photography, or advertisements. No representation is made as to the accuracy hereof and is printed subject to omissions and errors. Opinions and statements in SIMPLYkc Magazine are contributed by authors and/or advertisers and do not necessarily represent the opinions of SIMPLYkc Magazine. Photography and material in the publication as well as design may not be copied or reproduced in any form without written permission. References for copy will be made available upon written request. All rights reserved. ©2021, Mach Publications, LLC.

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AROUND TOWN

HOME SWEET (NEW) HOME WRITTEN BY JULIE BURTON / PHOTOS BY ANDI TELKER

“Stay home.” It’s the catchphrase of 2020, and many Kansas Citians took it to the next level—“Stay in a new home.”

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APRIL 2021

he Parade of Homes is coming back to Kansas City April 24-May 9, and if you have lived in Kansas City any time since 1947, you’re probably familiar with it. The Parade of Homes is presented by the Home Builders Association of Greater Kansas City. It’s the second largest Parade of Homes in the United States.

in the notes. Take pictures, if the builder allows.” Telker advises her clients that model homes in the parade will still be available to view after the parade is over—as long as the model didn’t sell. New construction takes a while to hit MLS. The Parade app can help show you what is available.

The event features new construction homes, home builders, and communities in six counties across the metro. You’ll find townhomes, villas, and singlefamily homes with a variety of floor plans and the latest design trends.

Eighty percent of people going through the Parade of Homes are not going to buy. They are going through the homes looking for trends in design and update ideas for their current home. And some are just curious—what does a $2 million home in the gated community of Loch Lloyd look like?

Download the Kansas City Parade of Homes app for Android or iOS. “Download the app and pay attention to the stage of houses you’re looking at. It helps to know whether or not to visit. You don’t want to visit a home in a foundation stage,” Telker says. “And enjoy the experience. Map out your day and mark favorite model homes

• Use a real estate agent. It won’t cost you anything to get your own agent. Do not rely on the onsite agent to represent you. Telker and her husband figured this out after buying their first home years ago. “When we signed the contract, we didn’t know that we signed to use the onsite agent. We couldn’t legally have anyone else represent us. The onsite agents never went on our walkthroughs,” Telker explains. “We felt like we were blindsided.” • Ask questions. Research the builder. Ask the neighbors. Social media can be a huge help too. Telker offers behind-the-scenes knowledge on her Instagram (@KCHomeReport) from creating relationships with builders. She has also earned her real estate license and her niche is new construction.

Buying a new home is a major life change, and it’s most likely the largest purchase you will make in your life. Andi Telker is a new construction consultant and author of The Ultimate Guide to Building Your First Home. She gives us helpful tips in navigating the spring Parade of Homes 2021.

You don’t need to be looking for a new home to attend the Parade of Homes.

If you’re serious about buying a new home ...

You will be able to walk through the homes, but there are COVID-19 rules. All houses will require masks to be worn. Some builders request that you leave the kids at home, too. Frequent hand-sanitizing is encouraged.

Remember, whether you’re in the market for a new home or looking to update your current one, it’s your home. Telker advises, “Some houses in the Parade are crazy with design, but it reassures you that you can do anything. You are the one who lives in your home. If you want to change something that’s not popular or not trending, do it. Do what makes you happy. Your home is not there to impress anyone but you.”

• Know builder terms. There is a difference between a true custom home versus a full production home. There are very few custom homes in the Parade. Most homes will be a full production home with set floor plans with minor tweaks.” Telker explains, “If the layout of the house has a name, that’s not a true custom. A true custom will be a builder sitting down with you and drawing the custom floor plan.” • Remember there will always be mistakes. No home or builder is perfect. • If you want to build, start looking now. Building a home is a long process. Base prices are continually going up. To offset that, the interest rates are at an all-time low, so the quicker you can lock in your price, the more you’ll save. Most builders have a push-back start of 5-6 months. Find more information, download the free app (search “Kansas City Parade of Homes”).

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INFOCUS

LITTLE PEOPLE, LITTLE TEETH, BIG FUN WRITTEN BY JUDY GOPPERT PHOTOS BY JAMI BOWMAN

verything about Jenkins Dentistry for Kids is inviting to children, from the friendly surroundings to the movies they can select to the stickers and treats they get as rewards for the good job they did during their treatment. Dr. Jill Jenkins, DDS, has felt a connection to children throughout her life, from babysitting and entertaining her cousins to her own kiddos. Simply being around children has always brought her joy, so it makes sense that she found her calling in children’s dentistry. A pediatric dentist mentor, Dr. John Haynes, who she met in high school, exemplified for her the happiness treating children provides. “If your values are based in creating an experience that specifically caters to the child, I don’t think you can go wrong,” says Dr. Jenkins. “I am fortunate to work with two pediatric dentists, Dr. Adela Casa and Dr. Emily Meyer, who inspire me every day with their dedication to creating an amazing experience for children.” They are committed to living their own values throughout all systems and processes. While many den-

SIMPLYkc MAGAZINE

APRIL 2021

Above: Dr. Jill Jenkins, DDS with happy patient

tal procedures are not enjoyable for children, they aspire to connect with each one to make sure the children feel heard and seen throughout the experience. They promote a partnership with parents in developing positive lifelong dental care habits. The team’s favorite part is helping an anxious child feel comfortable, which is mostly mind over matter. “We tailor our physical space to limit the amount of equipment and dental tools visible, and we use a language and psychology that ‘renames’ adult things with a child’s understanding,” Dr. Jenkins explains. For example, a cavity is renamed a weak spot on a tooth that they need to clean extra well and use muscle polish to strengthen. “My mirror is a princess mirror, and my dental explorer a magic wand

that helps me detect princess sparkles on the teeth. The highspeed drill sounds like Lightning McQueen racing around your teeth while the slow-speed drill bumping around a tooth sounds like Mater from Cars.”

Finding a Dental Home The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry recommends a child see the dentist around the eruption of their first tooth or by their first birthday. They also counsel parents on the links between overall health and dental health. A first visit is generally an exam—on a parent’s lap—to evaluate early conditions. But it’s also about building a relationship with the parents and answering questions about oral care habits like brushing, dietary pitfalls to avoid with infants and toddlers,

and establishing a dental home for years of optimal dental health. At Jenkins Dentistry for Kids, children can choose their favorite movie or video to watch on televisions mounted from the ceiling. They also have individually packaged ice cream servings as a reward for their efforts and bravery. Dr. Jenkins explains that she found herself stopping for treats for her own children after visiting the pediatrician, so she likes doing this as an added bonus for kids and parents. One client notes, “Dr. Jill and her staff are the best with children! They are professional and easygoing. They ‘pinky promised’ my grandson it would not hurt. Which it didn’t! Outstanding people.” Safety is a top priority, and more so now due to the pandemic. The large waiting room area at Jenkins Dentistry for Kids is conducive to social distancing, and they have implemented a system where parents can text upon arrival and wait in their

cars if they prefer. All traditional paper forms are now digital versions available 24 hours a day to complete prior to appointments, which means less paper to touch.

“The team’s favorite part is helping an anxious child feel comfortable.” As infection control is always a top priority in health care settings, they screen all staff, with temperatures taken upon arrival every day, and go above and beyond the required personal protection equipment. Everyone entering the office is required to wear masks, and all patients are screened with temperatures taken upon arrival. They have also staggered schedules, opening earlier and staying later to accommodate patients safely.

Jenkins Dentistry for Kids • 6810 Silverheel St., Shawnee, KS • 913.745.2500 • jenkinsdentistryforkids.com SIMPLYkc Special: Mention this article when booking your new patient appointment and you will receive a FREE electric spin brush.

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BE WELL

QUESTIONS TO ASK YOUR MEDICAL ONCOLOGIST

WRITTEN BY ADVENTHEALTH SHAWNEE MISSION / PHOTO BY JAMES MEIEROTTO

It is important for patients to have open, honest conversations with their oncologist in order to make informed decisions about cancer care. The days and weeks following a cancer diagnosis are so full of questions that patients may wonder if they’re asking the right questions and making the most of their time with each medical professional. As a medical oncologist certified by Anderson Cancer Network® at AdventHealth Shawnee Mission, Mouhammed Kyasa, MD, helps patients navigate their cancer diagnosis by answering a lot of those initial questions. Dr. Kyasa assures patients that

when it comes to cancer, no question is insignificant. According to Dr. Kyasa, here’s some particularly important questions for newly diagnosed patients to consider asking during their consultation.

What are the goals of treatment? Can this cancer be cured? It is important to set the goals of treatment early in the course of the cancer management plan. This opens up

continued on page 18

SIMPLYkc MAGAZINE

APRIL 2021

YOU ARE A PATiENT,

NOT A PUPPET.

Take control of your health care! Did you know that many medical offices are owned by hospitals? So when you need tests or medical imaging, your doctor will likely send you to the hospital where you end up paying two or more bills, wait weeks to schedule, and then wait even longer to get results. At Diagnostic Imaging Centers, you can get the same procedures for a fraction of the cost. With nine conveniently located clinics throughout the metro, we can get you in and out quick, and many times results the very same day. You will never receive more than one bill, and we can even provide you with a price quote before your exam. Next time you find yourself in need of medical imaging, tell your doctor to send you to Diagnostic Imaging Centers!

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BE WELL CONT.

a discussion about the limitations of treatment and the patient’s willingness to accept potential impacts of side effects to achieve better results.

How long am I going to live? Longevity after cancer diagnosis depends on what stage the cancer is in. Advanced cancer can be an incurable illness with certain estimates of life expectancy. Patients sometimes have personal goals that might be facilitated by knowing average survival expectations. With advanced cancers, it’s a good idea to weigh the pros and cons of seeking treatment versus not seeking treatment.

Why did I get this cancer? Am I going to pass this cancer to my kids? While we don’t always know the root cause of an individual’s cancer diagnosis, we do know that some cancers develop from certain environmental or behavioral triggers, such as chronic chemical exposure or cigarette smoking. Others have genetic roots. Understanding the root cause of a cancer diagnosis will help patients adopt screening or preventive measures for themselves and their families.

What diet should I follow to help fight this cancer? Nutrition is very important to maintaining patient health and promoting the effectiveness of cancer therapy.

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APRIL 2021

There are also dietary factors that may increase side effects of treatment and create treatment-related complications. It’s a good idea for patients to have a conversation about their dietary habits and see if any changes should be considered.

Will I be able to continue to work during cancer treatment? Some patients are able to continue working during treatment, while others do not feel up to the task. Because every situation is different, patients should have a discussion with their oncologist about their work duties and what to expect during treatment. This information will allow the patient and their loved ones to adjust their schedules and to plan accordingly.

Can I travel? Travel is often an important part of a patient’s life plans. Rest assured that adjustments to the treatment plan and schedule can potentially be made to accommodate travel plans. Patients should discuss their travel goals with their oncologist to see if and how these adjustments can be made.

Should I get a second opinion? With increasing treatment options, getting more than one opinion can be an important part of the decisionmaking process for some patients. Don’t worry about offending a doc-

tor by seeking a second opinion—it’s common for patients to meet with multiple doctors before deciding on a treatment plan. At AdventHealth Cancer Center Shawnee Mission, we treat many types of cancer, including gynecologic cancers, head and neck cancer, breast cancer, prostate cancer, colon cancer, lung cancer, and more. As Kansas City’s only certified member of MD Anderson Cancer Network®, a program of MD Anderson Cancer Center, AdventHealth Shawnee Mission is raising the standard of cancer care. Our network of oncologists, cancer surgeons, nurses, chaplains, and financial navigators is here to help you find confidence and healing in mind, body, and spirit. To learn more, visit CancerCareKC.com.

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Overland Park Location Plaza Location -

7270 W. 98th Terr., #220, Overland Park, KS

1421 W. 47th St., Kansas City, MO

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 BROOK RIGDON PHOTOGRAPHY

WHAT, WHERE Meet Ed Gieselman Who - Ed Gieseleman is the owner of Jose Pepper’s and Cactus Grill in Kansas City.

What - Ed Gieselman loves food. This love guided him from being a

17-year-old dishwasher at The Copper Oven Bakery to owning Jose Pepper’s and the Cactus Grill restaurants here in Kansas City. After his first shift at The Copper Oven, Gieselman broke his collarbone in a motocross race. As he healed from his injury over the next four weeks, he started making pasta in a chair at the bakery. From there, he began managing the bakery with Rick Beery, who still works with him today at Jose Pepper’s. In 1988, Gieselman opened Jose Pepper’s with his friend, Bruce Ballah, at 103rd and Metcalf with money saved and borrowed from family members. Ballah moved to Arizona shortly after, and Gieselman took over full ownership. Hard work and discipline led him to steadily expand his restaurants, and eventually open Cactus Grill as well. We sat down with Gieselman to learn more about his KC favs.

Where - FAVORITE PLACE TO DINE Besides Jose Pepper’s Mexican Restaurant and

Cactus Grill, my house! My wife is an amazing cook. But if we go out, we usually go to locally owned restaurants. I like to support my friends who are in the restaurant business. FAVORITE PLACE TO DRINK I don’t have a go-to place to drink these days. With three kids—one in elementary school, one in middle school, and one who is 23 years old—my house is usually where we end up sipping tequila. FAVORITE PLACE TO SHOP I like to shop anywhere with restaurant equipment! FAVORITE HIDDEN GEMS Jess and Jim’s Steak House in Martin City. That was one of my parents’ favorite restaurants, and it always brings back good memories to eat there. FAVORITE PLACE TO TAKE OUT-OF-TOWN GUESTS I like to take guests to YaYas Euro Bistro, Nick and Jake’s Restaurant, or Garozzo’s. They are great spots to relax and get great meals.

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APRIL 2021

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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 April 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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APRIL 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 April 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!

Spring is here and our Strawberry Macadamia Nut salad is back for a limited time. Enjoy fresh field greens topped with strawberries, buttermilk blue cheese, oven-roasted Macadamia nuts, and our housemade raspberry poppyseed vinaigrette. Available for curbside pickup or dine-in. Learn more at deweyspizza.com.

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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

WELLDOCUMENTED CHAOS JULIE BURTON SHARES WHAT REAL LIFE LOOKS LIKE ON SOCIAL MEDIA

WRITTEN BY BRENNAN HALLOCK PHOTO BY JAMI BOWMAN

ulie Burton’s name is well known in Kansas City, and so is her personal life—all of the uncomfortable details. She is good at making fun of herself and the many challenges being a divorced 39-year-old mother of two brings with it. And her nearly 56,000 Instagram followers agree. “There’s nothing private about me. I just like to document my life,” Burton says. And between Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter, her life is well-documented. When she began the journey of chronicling her life, though, Burton had no idea she would eventually become a best friend to Kan-

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APRIL 2021

sas City women. “It started with a blog back in 2009,” she explains. “At that time blogging was huge, and so I started a blog—basically a journal for myself. I think five friends read it.” She was a stayat-home mom at the time with a three-year-old and an infant, and she wrote about the comical—but

not-so-glamorous—parts of staying at home with her kids, such as discolored poop, trying to reason with a toddler, and the impossibility of babyproofing your house. In 2012 one of Burton’s posts went viral—a post about her daughter refusing to color a KU Jayhawk at

school because her daughter was instead a fan of the K-State Wildcats. This post exploded, and it caused Burton to start writing to an audience instead of journaling mainly for herself. And that audience kept growing. Burton eventually moved most of her content to social media as Instagram, Twitter, Facebook and other platforms took over most of the blogging culture. Along with these platforms came the social media icons that make most of us depressed or bitter— the ones who are always on vacation, never have a bad hair day, or whose children are sports stars. Burton instead decided to offer something else on social media. “I want to make Kansas City laugh. I’m sick of the fake online presence of some people,” explains Burton. “A lot of people just have this perfect life on social media, and it makes me feel like I have a sh!#ty life. So I want to bust down that barrier and make people feel normal, especially moms and women. I want to see a fashion blogger cleaning up wine off her carpet or her kids screaming at Whole Foods.” And Burton has done just that through her online presence. Her posts range from talking about her recent visit to the gynecologist to highlighting how out of touch with generational trends she is to the constant struggles of dealing with a high-schooler and middle-schooler. By being a social media influencer—or, as she prefers to be called, a Kansas City public figure—Burton is actually able to do more than just make people laugh. She has

been able to network with Kansas City— to be there, be open, and to meet people. “I’ve made several really close friends through just direct messaging. I have a lot of women who are divorced reach out to me and tell me their story. Divorce isn’t talked about a lot. When I do talk about it, I have this huge audience running to me.” She talks about the real parts—and the humorous parts. For example, a recent post highlighted some of the complications and difficulties of having an ex-husband who you are continually interacting with because of co-parenting. The post read: “Before I hung up the phone with my ex-husband, I said ‘Love you. Bye.’ Don’t tell me you’ve had a bad day.” This level of openness and honesty has captured the attention of Kansas City women and has made Julie Burton a presence in the Kansas City community. And Burton finds joy in being open with her followers. “When someone sends me a message saying I helped them in some way—be it with divorce or dealing with teenagers or making them laugh when they had a crappy day—I will screenshot those and keep them. When I’m feeling sad or down I’ll go back and read those. We’re all here to help each other grow.” Julie Burton was recently hired by the Overland Park Convention and Visitors Bureau to manage their social media accounts and be a social media representative for Overland Park.

Julie Burton • @ksujulie • facebook.com/JulieBurtonWriter • twitter.com/ksujulie

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HOME/STYLE

SIMPLYkc MAGAZINE

APRIL 2021

THERE’S NO PLACE LIKE THE 2021 HOME WRITTEN BY SHANNON E. ROESGEN

“Happy New Year,” they said. “2021 will be better,” they said. While 2021 may be slowly inching its way toward a new sense of normalcy, the general consensus is we still have a long way to go.

ith new virus strains quickly spreading and vaccinations slowly spreading, people are still focused on home life; they are still being forced to spend most of their time at home. Because of this, not only are people taking time to redesign their homes, some are going as far as a full remodel. Following are some design and remodeling trends for 2021.

and backlit mirrors and medicine cabinets are making bathrooms glow.

Zoom meetings and curious children do not mix!

With so many of us working from home, the home office remodel has become mandatory on the “honey-to-do” list. The term for the 2021 home office is “cozycorporate.” It’s cozy enough to feel like home, but at the same time professionallooking enough to be presentable for Zoom meetings.

Design Trends

The Remodel

A comfortable chair is imperative. If one must sit eight hours per day, one must sit comfortably. Bright colors for the home office are also popular, as well as an abundance of lights.

When it comes to remodeling the home, people are focused on the bathroom, kitchen, and home office. Increased time at home has forced the realization of how important it is for each of these rooms to optimally function for our individual lifestyles.

For those with children at home, a door with a lock on it has become a vital boundary for the home office.

“Trendy design is a great way to update the look of your home,” says Kline. “Just remember: when incorporating trends into your home, trends come and go. Pick something that can stand the test of time, but can also work into your unique style.” For smaller rooms like mudrooms (a space in your home that transitions between the inside and the outside) a trend for 2021 is to use bold accent tiles with painted cabinets. People are also getting creative by incorporating the use of an oversized cabinet for

“At Everleigh Design Studio, we are seeing a lot of kitchen and bathroom remodels,” says Sara Kline, marketing and business development manager at Everleigh Design Studio. “With the housing market as it is, many homeowners are making the decision to stay in their homes and make it what they have always wanted it to be.” Some of the remodeling and design trends for the kitchen include brass hardware such as door pulls and knobs, painted cabinetry in deep hues of midnight blues and dark greens, hexagon backsplashes, and contrasting colored islands. Bathroom remodels include floating vanities, as well as large-format tiles (tiny mosaic tiles are out for 2021). Large soaking tubs are also trending, continued on page 28

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HOME/STYLE CONT.

storage in mudrooms. Another small room in the home is the laundry room. Gray appliances are popular, as well as adding a wall-mounted farm sink. When the pandemic hit, one of the positive outcomes was that dog shelters saw their adoptions increase. It was springtime, and if people had to be home, what better time to get a dog? With the increase in canines in the home, the doggie tub has become a hot trend and a very useful resource for homeowners. And what better place for one than the laundry room? To further the trend of adding new life to the home, greenery is also trending. (Yes, folks, that means plants!) With home still being central in people’s lives, there is an overwhelming pattern

of filling the home with vibrancy and life. Plants are said to create not only clean energy in the home, but also brighten the room and one’s mood. Incorporating metals into the room is a growing trend. Chrome and brass are coming back as the accents of choice. “We love the use of metal accents in a room. It can fit with many different design styles. Metal pairs

well with any color and easily adds an upgrade to any room,” says Kline. Wallpaper is also making a comeback. “Wallpaper is a fun way to design elements to a space. It can create a bold accent or add a softness to a space that you can’t always get with paint alone,” says Kline.

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APRIL 2021

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7 THINGS

HOME UPDATES FOR UNDER $20 1 Paint Your Door:

What is the easiest way to refresh your home sweet home on a budget? Give a fresh coat of paint to the one item everyone sees first—your front door! Reuse leftover paint or choose a bright new color to shake things up.

2 Decorate with a Dried Bouquet: A weekend

peony pick-me-up can go a long way! Next time you pick up a budget bouquet, extend its lifetime by hanging it upside down to dry once it starts to lose its luster. Then you have a dried bouquet that will bring life to any room!

3 Update Your Kitchen:

Let’s face it—this is where we all spend the majority of our time. Why not give it a makeover? From stick-on subway tile to chic new hardware, the budget-friendly opportunities are endless … just make sure you hunt for the best deal!

4 Vogue Goes Vintage:

Those old magazines laying around don’t have to go to waste. Turn ads into art by cutting out your favorite editorials, heading to your local thrift store to sift through vintage frames, and voila! Inspiration surrounds you.

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APRIL 2021

5 Smooth Ceilings Ahead:

It’s time. Grab a ceiling texture scraper from your local hardware store and scrape that popcorn ceiling right back to where it belongs—the trash! No more bumping your head and trying to catch all the detritus. It’s smooth sailing (and ceilings) ahead.

6 Give Your Garage Door a New Look:

A fancy garage? Yep, you know what we’re talking about. The kind that looks like it belongs in a French chateau or an old English cottage. Forget a new garage door! Magnetic hinges and handles will give your garage door that medieval look— no hardware (or shining armor) required.

7 Create More Space:

If we’ve realized anything over the past year of working from home, it’s that we all need a little more space. Enter floating shelves! With plenty of budget-friendly options, it will be incredible how much bigger your space will feel without all that extra clutter laying around!

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INFOCUS

AREA RUG DIMENSIONS PROVIDES UNMATCHED CHOICES AND SERVICE

WRITTEN BY T.E. CUNNINGHAM PHOTOS BY JAMI BOWMAN

T Area Rug Dimensions has been providing quality, affordable rugs to the Kansas City area for over 25 years.

he showroom and store at Area Rug Dimensions boast a superior selection of rugs and runners, with price ranges for every budget. Customers can shop hand-woven, hand-knotted, hand-tufted, machine-loomed, and machine-woven. The upscale products come from all over the globe— Persian, Tibetan, Nepalese, and more. Rug shapes include round, square, oval, hall runner and stair runner, octagon, and abstract. Serving Greater Kansas City and based at W. 127th St. and Metcalf Ave., Area Rug Dimensions is KC’s one-stop shop for unique and beautiful area rugs and runners in any price range. With over 25 years of experience, the team at Area Rug Dimensions prides itself in creating an engaging and enjoyable shopping experience for customers by providing unparalleled consulting and an expansive inventory of choices. Chris Bradford, founder and owner, has over 25 years of experience mastering every facet of rugs. Bradford enthuses, “We will make your rug shopping experience enjoyable and your home interior as wonderful as it should be!”

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APRIL 2021

The experienced interior designers can even guide you through creating your own custom rug. Nothing is off-limits—color, design, texture, or size. The designers also offer inhome consultations.

weeks later found it somewhere else priced even lower? The store’s customer service is second to none, and this includes a lowest price guarantee. Bradford maintains that their pricing is “lower than the ‘big box’ stores, furniture stores and, yes, even the internet.”

“The team understands how colors, textures, patterns, and styles come together to add beauty to your home,” says Bradford. “In fact, if you prefer in-store consultation, we often ask that you bring samples from your home—pillows, curtains, paint chips, or photos—so our consultants can see the environment and narrow your selection down to exactly the right choice for the room.” Anne, who purchased a runner from Area Rug Dimensions, raves about the product and the experience. “It looks absolutely regal and is so plush to walk on that I insisted my husband and I go up and down the stairs in our bare feet just to enjoy it! They dyed the runner and matched it perfectly. Their customer service and insight are unparalleled.”

“We found the perfect size and pattern, the quality was excellent, and the price was very reasonable!”

The gallery features hundreds of styles in a unique gallery-style display, making it easy for potential buyers to view the selection. Interested shoppers can also take a quick video tour of the gallery on the website. Many photos of rugs are placed within online furniture groups, giving customers the complete picture. Pictured: Chris & Christy Bradford, owners of KC Wholesale Carpet and Area Rug Dimensions

cept,” Bradford explains. “We took two premade rugs, cutting them to the perfect shape and sewing them together along a common seam. This resulted in a shape that was precisely what the couple wanted, and best of all it saved them a lot of money. Better yet, they were able to get their rug in six weeks instead of six months!”

Bradford prides himself on his team’s creativity. He notes that one couple came in with a specific idea of what they needed—shape, style, color, etc.—but were on a strict budget.

The effort to find the perfect decorating addition for your home while maintaining a tight budget can be both frustrating and time-consuming, notes Bradford. “When you know what you want, you’ll go to great efforts to find it, even with the fear that you’ll find that perfect area rug and realize it’s beyond your reach.” As such, Area Rug Dimensions also carries more economical machinewoven and hand-tufted rugs.

“One of the Area Rug Dimensions designers came up with an exciting con-

Have you ever purchased a piece of furniture—even on sale—and two

Recent customer Jacquelyn Davis adds, “The store has a friendly, helpful staff, and there was a variety of rugs to choose from. We found the perfect size and pattern, the quality was excellent, and the price was very reasonable!”

Area Rug Dimensions and KC Wholesale Carpet • 12623 Metcalf Ave., Overland Park, KS • 913.327.8784 arearugdimensions.com • kcwholesalecarpetstores.com SIMPLYkc Special: Mention this SIMPLYkc article and receive a FREE accent rug from stock (up to $100 value) just for visiting the showroom. This offer is valid through May 2021, while supplies last.

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PARENTING

FUN (AND COVIDFRIENDLY) PARTY OPTIONS FOR KIDS THIS SPRING

WRITTEN BY REBECCA FISCHER

iven the social distancing and shutdowns of the past year, Prince’s song “We’re Gonna Party Like It’s 1999” may need an update. We just want to party like it’s 2019!

largely retained when the Johnson County Arts & Heritage Center (AHC) moved into it in 2009. A scraped-up section of concrete floor, located in what was once the ice skate rental area, was even retained.

That goes for both parents and kids. Luckily, there are some fun options nearby that are actively following CDC guidelines but still providing you and your little ones the chance to get out of the house, interact with others, and have some fun.

The skating rink and bowling lanes have been replaced with a county museum; a community theater, art galleries, and gathering space; an event rental facility; and fine and performing arts classrooms, studios, and dance studio for the young and old, retaining 8788 Metcalf’s renowned reputation as a place for making happy memories with family and friends.

Johnson County Arts & Heritage Center Speaking of 1999, remember when King Louie West bowling lanes and the Ice Chateau occupied the building at 8788 Metcalf Ave.? Anyone over the age of 25 can tell you this was the best place to have a birthday party when they were a kid. As one of the most identifiable buildings in the area for many Johnson County residents, the structure’s Googiestyle architecture—most popular in California in the ‘50s and ‘60s—was

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APRIL 2021

KidScape birthday parties at the Johnson County Museum located within the AHC have been a safe option for families throughout much of the pandemic. The “kid-sized community” mirrors the museum’s main exhibit, complete with a farmhouse, schoolhouse, city hall, hospital, and more. The facility is fully sanitized twice a day, complete with electrostatic fogging. “It’s a big space, but small enough to manage and keep very

clean,” says Leah Palmer, curator of education for the Johnson County Museum. “KidScape is great for birthdays, but also a fun and safe outing for families any time. I’ve brought my kids here to play over the past several months. They love it!” In addition to three hours’ access to KidScape, birthday parties at AHC include a private party room. Parties are scheduled on Saturdays and are restricted to 30 people.

Lenexa Recreation Center In just a few years, the area south of Shawnee Mission Park has been transformed. What was once mostly open land is now a vibrant, dynamic neighborhood: Lenexa City Center. The Lenexa Rec Center is part of the civic campus, which also includes city hall, a library, a public market and farmers market, and a Park University Campus.

Kids’ birthday parties at the rec center were put on hold during the pandemic, but reservations were recently opened again, with dates starting this month (April). All party packages come with a private party room and a gift for the birthday child, and offer the choice of the pool, the activity gym, or both. Parents can pick from several options available in the activity gym, including the Ninja Turtles or Frozen bounce house, dodgeball, gaga ball, wiffleball, and other physical education games. The limit on the number of attendees depends on the selection.

Ernie Miller Nature Center Let out your inner party animal at Ernie Miller! Located in Olathe off Highway 7, Ernie Miller Nature Center offers a variety of wildlife themes for children’s birthday parties.

The “Birthday Safari” includes your child’s selection from a variety of animals to meet and learn about, including one from each category: birds (screech owl, barred owl, kestrel), mammals (mouse, rabbit, ferret), and “creepy-crawlies” (spider, snake, turtle, salamander, toad, hissing cockroach). Other themes include “Enchanted Forest,” “Magical Party,” and “Snake Celebration,” and offer the chance to meet and learn about a variety of woodland creatures. For the care and protection of both the animals and the children, no touching of the animals is allowed. All parties are two hours long, including a 30-minute nature program. Ernie Miller also features nine unique hiking trails, all maintained well and clearly marked.

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GIVING BACK

SOLVING FOOD INSECURITY ONE BAKE SALE AT A TIME

WRITTEN BY BRENNAN HALLOCK PHOTOS BY ADRIENNE MAPLES

Above: Gina Reardon, former owner of Catering by Design and culinary philanthropist, leads the KC Chapter for No

Kid Hungry, including culinary professionals and community members focused on supporting Share Our Strength’s No Kid Hungry campaign. Funds raised help connect the nation’s 17 million low-income children with better access to school breakfast, after-school, and summer meals.

he fact that food insecurity has increased dramatically in the United States over the last year is a sad reality that has been on the minds of those who were already working diligently to alleviate food insecurity before the coronavirus arrived. National Geographic recently estimated that in the U.S. the coronavirus drove an additional 15.2 million people into food insecurity, including 6.3 million children. This is in addition to the estimated 35.2 million people (10.7 million of whom are children) who were already suffering from food insecurity.* And Kansas City is no exception to

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APRIL 2021

food insecurity. In fact, in Kansas an estimated 1 in 4 children will likely face hunger this year, and in Missouri the statistic is 1 in 5 children. About a year ago (before the coronavirus), it was approximately 1 in 7 children who were struggling with food insecurity in Kansas. These staggering numbers are one of the many reasons that Gina Reardon is continuing to grow her No Kid Hungry bake sale, which raises funds to alleviate hunger. Reardon began her No Kid Hungry bake sale in 2014 when she stumbled across a friend’s bake sale in another city. “I learned about No Kid Hungry through a social media post that a friend put on Facebook about

supporting a community bake sale in her community,” Reardon explains. “I wasn’t familiar with No Kid Hungry as an organization so I did some background research and I was taken aback with the statistics about food insecurity in the U.S. You tend to think about your immediate neighborhood and the people you know. You hear about families who are struggling, but you don’t have a clear understanding of how widespread that is.” Reardon was moved by her research, and inspired by the No Kid Hungry’s “Share Our Strength” mission which teaches that everyone has a strength to share. “In many communities, people were hosting bake sales to help raise funds, and I felt that with my skill set, background, and passion for baking I would be in a position to recruit people I knew and have a successful bake sale,” she explains. The initial bake sale team was about 12 culinary professionals and half a dozen of Reardon’s neighbors or friends. But she realized that this was just barely touching the surface of all the talent and interest in the Kansas City community. Reardon’s team has gone on to raise over $300,000 for No Kid Hungry and has expanded by creating more events throughout the year. The bake sale takes place in a large tent and involves booths and tables with baked goods arranged artfully. Everything is labeled, so if you are looking for something specific it is easy to find. “What is remarkable is the wide variety of goods we have

This special promotion is being done in collaboration with Vintegrity Wine and Spirits in Kansas City and Koval Distillery, which is based in Chicago. These two businesses have partnered with No Kid Hungry for March and April 2021 to give proceeds from local sales to the No Kid Hungry organization.

to offer,” says Reardon. “Everything from artisan breads, muffins, scones, rolls, cookies bars, and this last fall we started offering some pantry items for cooks who wanted to be involved who weren’t necessarily bakers. So jams, salsas, peanut butters—there’s just about everything, sweet and savory.” In addition to finding delicious foods, the atmosphere is fun as well. “It’s like going to a fair. It’s fun, the energy is really high, and people are joyfully shopping,” says Reardon. The bakers and cooks are excited to share their skills, and the people who are buying are excited to see their money going to such a good cause.

Spring Into Gin The success of the bake sale has allowed Reardon to expand into new fundraising opportunities for No Kid Hungry. Spring Into Gin is a great way to support your local community, have fun, and see your money go directly to a great cause all at the same time.

“Local bartenders will be creating craft cocktails using the Koval and Vintegrity products, and proceeds from the cocktails will benefit No Kid Hungry. If you purchase a bottle of Koval gin or Vintegrity wine at your favorite store it will benefit No Kid Hungry,” explains Reardon. A portion of the proceeds for the sale of Koval Gin, Koval Barreled Gin, Koval Cranberry Gin Liqueur, and Vintegrity Wine and Spirits sold in March and April will be donated to No Kid Hungry through the Spring Into Gin promotional campaign.

2021 No Kid Hungry Bake Sale Saturday, May 1, 2021 9 a.m.-2 p.m. (or whenever we run out!) 6336 Brookside Plaza Kansas City, MO (vicinity of Wornall Road & Meyer Blvd. under the big white tent on the green space next to Commerce Bank)

kcteam4nokidhungry.com nokidhungry.org

*https://www.nationalgeographic.com/history/article/one-in-six-could-go-hungry-2020-as-covid-19-persists

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BEAUTY

LOOKING AT BLUE LIGHT GLASSES THROUGH A NEW LENS HOW TO HACK YOUR WFH SLEEP SCHEDULE WRITTEN BY MADISON OBERMEYER

ore than a year later, we’re still here—but our surroundings have adapted. Our makeshift desks on beds and couches have been replaced with real home offices. Video calls are the new norm. Technical difficulties have replaced the coffee spills and unexpected walk-ins that used to make up our day-to-day lives in the office. In short, we’ve learned how to adapt. We are working with coworkers we’ve never met—and may never meet—with little video cameras as our medium. Gone are the days of breakroom chats and coffee runs. We connect through virtual chat rooms and little pings that pop up on our desktop—and when we say “little,” we mean little. We squint at our screens to read when our 2:00 appointment was rescheduled to and what our boss needs

SIMPLYkc MAGAZINE

APRIL 2021

last-minute before meeting with a potential client. Our eyes, however, cannot adapt as quickly as our desk. That’s where blue-light glasses come in. Call it an online phenomenon, a hoax, or a way to legitimize rewarding yourself for spending eight hours staring at a medium-sized screen to then stare at a big screen and a small screen simultaneously. But do they actually work? Let’s look at the facts.

What Exactly Are Blue Light Glasses? According to Medical News Today, blue light “is a short-wave blue light in the spectrum of colors visible to the human eye. Its wavelength is in the blue portion of the electromagnetic spectrum, which is roughly 400–500 nanometers (nm). Researchers believe that peak light damage occurs

roughly at 440 nm.” Therefore, blue light glasses filter a portion of that blue light coming through the screen via surface coatings or materials on the lens itself. As for the benefits? It’s touted that less eye strain, improved sleep, and even prevention of eye disease may top the list of impressive factors. While some blue light-blocking glasses come with an option for magnification to match your specific prescription strength, you can’t necessarily choose the amount of blue light that is blocked through your glasses.

How Can They Help a Work-from-home Schedule? According to 360 Research Reports, the global market for blue light eyewear will increase to $28 million by 2024, up from $19 million in 2020.

Although the science behind blue light glasses is unproven, and blue light glasses themselves are not regulated by the Food and Drug Administration, blue light glasses in 2021 might just be like that extra scoop of ice cream after the end of a long day—a comfort to make the long workday feel better. However, there could be one overarching benefit: better sleep. “Blue light alters the body’s circadian rhythm, which is our wake-andsleep cycle,” Purnima Patel, MD, clinical spokesperson for the American Academy of Ophthalmology, told Women’s Health Magazine. “During the day, blue light is supposed to wake us up, but exposure at night can make us have some difficulty getting to sleep.” While any type of light source can affect the amount of melatonin our bodies produce (a hormone released by the pineal gland primarily at night typically

associated with control of the circadian rhythm), artificial light like blue light can suppress melatonin for about twice as long as other sources of light like green light, a Harvard study found. As crucial as a good night’s sleep has always been to a productive workday, the massive amount of screentime we now consume without the option of a commute to break up our day has only solidified the need to get a solid sleep and stick with any sort of normal schedule we can grasp onto.

How to Find Blue Light Glasses That Actually Help Without any science-backed benefits to bolster our confidence, it can be tempting to try out the blue light glasses trend the cheap way. But if you are truly looking to invest in a pair of glasses that will help lessen the impact of increased screen time, take your time deciding

which pair will best suit your needs. Additionally, not all blue light glasses are the same. Traditional computer glasses preferred by night owls and gamers alike may be a bit more obvious, with a yellow-orange tint as aggressive as their blue light-blocking ability … not exactly video conference friendly. If you regularly see an optometrist or ophthalmologist, inquiring about their blue light options or blue light add-ons to your prescription glasses is a great way to ensure the quality you’re paying for will potentially pay off. All in all, blue light glasses may be doing less to protect your eyes and more to protect your routine—but in a world where routine was thrown out the door more than a year ago, protecting any ounce of normalcy is essential to the modern businessperson.

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INFOCUS

A LOCAL TREASURE

ART & FASHION BLEND AT LULU’S BOUTIQUE WRITTEN BY SOPHIE OSWALD / PHOTOS BY JAMI BOWMAN

Local artist Jennifer Bricker-Pugh bought Lulu’s Boutique during a time in her life when she was looking for change. Her passion for art was still alive, but after spending years as a professional freelance artist she was ready for something new. “I had dreamed of opening a resale or consignment shop since college, so when Lulu’s Boutique came up for sale, I thought to myself, I wonder if I could work the boutique as well as have a little corner studio where I could continue to paint and sell my work,” explains Bricker-Pugh. She was already expressing herself through her artwork, but her creativity was limited to what she could put on a canvas. “Now I have an entire shop to curate and merchandise and decorate to my heart’s content, all while still having my studio at arm’s reach,” says Bricker-Pugh. Lulu’s Boutique, located in Mission, offers a unique, trendy selection of pre-loved designer clothes and locally made goods and fine art. You will find popular brands at sensible prices that fit into any budget. “I have curated a shop that not only carries high-end pieces such as Louis Vuitton handbags and Prada heels, but also items from Anthropologie to Free People to vintage fur coats and dresses,” states Bricker-Pugh. Knowing what it’s like to shop in resale stores herself comes in handy when procuring items to be sold at her boutique. Bricker-Pugh is selective when picking out what will stock her shelves, ensuring that customers can be confident they are getting high quality pieces ev-

ery time they shop. The pieces she sells are all well cared for, so much so that she refers to them as “preloved.” She also makes sure to carry clothes fit for a range of shapes, sizes, and ages. There truly is something for every woman in her store.

tomers will find jewelry, fabric, paper, stationery, and much more. As an artist herself, it is important to Bricker-Pugh to find and sell work from local artists. “All of my artists are female, which I love. And although I would never turn away a male maker, I love having a shop full of girl power,” she smiles.

“Jenny Bricker-Pugh’s heart for the community and everyone in her life shows through her business.”

By shopping at Lulu’s Boutique, patrons can know they are supporting a small business plus local artists. But in addition, they are even supporting the planet. “The most important aspect of my shop is creating an environmentally friendly shopping experience,” states Bricker-Pugh. “Recycling one’s clothing has never been more important than now, with the awareness of climate change and the effects of the clothing industry on this topic,” she explains.

One thing Bricker-Pugh loves about her store is meeting new people. Over the past three years she has been able to develop relationships with customers and artists in the community, some even becoming her best friends. Janie Bush, a customer of Lulu’s Boutique, absolutely adores her time spent there. “Jen, the owner, is amazing!” raves Bush. “She has such a great eye for fashion, and I never leave the store empty handed. Lulu’s is such a fun place to shop! The atmosphere is inviting and the service is top notch.” If you’re not looking to add something to your wardrobe, this boutique is also a great place to find beautiful art pieces. There is no limit to the kinds of art carried. Cus-

“I want to offer a huge, heartfelt thank you to all of my loyal customers who have made this journey such an amazing one! I could not have made it through 2020 without your support,” says Bricker-Pugh. Customer Jennifer Hersh adds, “Jenny [Bricker-Pugh] truly loves what she does and provides such a beautiful and unique environment for her customers. Her heart for the community and everyone in her life shows through her business.”

Lulu’s Boutique • 6017 Johnson Dr., Mission, KS • 913.362.2442 • jenniferbricker-pugh.com @lulusboutiquekc • facebook.com/LulusBoutiqueKC SIMPLYkc Special: Mention this SIMPLYkc article to receive 10% OFF a commissioned piece of artwork.

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APRIL 2021

Below: Jennifer Bricker-Pugh, owner of Lulu’s Boutique

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BECAUSE I SAID SO...

THE GAME OF LIFE WRITTEN BY JULIE BURTON / PHOTO BY JAMI BOWMAN

I arrived at college with a perm. It’s true. I sent frat boys running, beer in hand, from my sulfur-smelling head. There is at least one family Christmas photo of me with a mullet. And I definitely had bangs up until high school. Perms, mullets, and bangs are never in style. Generation Z, those born in the midto-late 1990s to the early 2010s, declared it: I’m not in style. Gen Z rules everything from fashion choices to which social media apps to use. They decide who is cool and who is not cool (aka old) because they are now “the youths.” Teenagers. I’m talking about teenagers. Teenage daughters, to be specific. Here’s what’s cool: middle parts, baggy jeans, baggy sweatshirts. Here’s

SIMPLYkc MAGAZINE

APRIL 2021

what’s not cool: side parts, skinny jeans, and being a 39-year-old mom. Being told my side part and skinny jeans make me old doesn’t hurt my feelings. I don’t feel uncool or even out of style. I do feel old, but that’s not because Gen Z told me so. Here’s how I can tell I’m old. I have a freshman in high school. That statement alone places me in enemy

territory. I’m the parent from whom you hide your beer, cigarettes, and make-out or school-skipping stories. The UV sun rays are starting to show up. Sun spots, wrinkles, and questionable moles have found their way to the surface. But what really aged me was when the dermatologist said, “No, Julie, that’s not a mole. It’s a dark age spot that will grow exponentially. I can remove that if you’d like.”

My bones hurt. To be honest, I blame the analog school years of carrying a backpack full of heavy textbooks. I’m pushing 40. Age is not just a number according to the boob-smashing doctor, the camera-up-your-butt doctor, and the can-you-read-this-up-close doctor. Pop culture makes me wince. Doc and Marty arrived in the future six years ago! My playlists are stuck in 2006 and earlier. Mick Jagger is a great-grandfather!

Kurt Cobain would have been 54. Eddie Van Halen is no longer with us. And I have no clue who was bouncing around the stage during the Super Bowl’s halftime show. Let’s just not talk about the Super Bowl at all.

My days of snacking on bagels, pizza, and breadsticks at the pool are over. I look forward to fiber in my diet.

If I get carded, the only thing the cashier needs to look at is that my birth year starts with a 19. The other two numbers don’t matter. Anyone born in the 20th century has peaked. And that’s if I get carded. Big if.

I wear skinny jeans and have a side part—just like the rest of the moms.

My youngest daughter is closer in age to Patrick Mahomes than I am.

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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GOOD TASTES

SPRING INDULGENCE WRITTEN BY GINA REARDON / PHOTO BY MELANIE MCDOWELL

I made the best of this last winter by baking dozens of iced shortbread cookies, the posh cousin of America’s favorite—the sugar cookie. I adore sugar cookies, but I’ve always favored shortbread for three reasons: the decadent buttery flavor, the dough doesn’t require chilling before rolling and cutting, and the baked shapes maintain their sharp edges and crisp details.

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APRIL 2021

I’ve shared my shortbread recipe dozens of times, but the dough can be a challenge to mix and hard to work with. I recently discovered the beauty of shortbread bars, though. There’s no mixer required, and this dough comes together in minutes and bakes and cuts into bars for a crisp, butter-rich indulgence (perfect with coffee, tea, or lemonade). This version, enhanced with lemon zest and lavender, is just sweet enough for spring!

Lemon Lavender Shortbread Bars YIELDS 18 BARS

Ingredients Lavender Sugar

Shortbread Bars

3/4 cup granulated sugar

1 cup unsalted butter, melted and cooled

1 to 1-1/2 tablespoons freshly grated lemon zest

1/4 cup lavender sugar

2-3 teaspoons culinary lavender *

1/2 teaspoon sea salt

1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract 2 cups all-purpose flour 1/4 cup rice flour or cornstarch

Directions Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Lavender Sugar: Combine sugar, lemon zest, and lavender in a food processor and mix until well blended. Shortbread Bars: Line 8-inch square pan with parchment paper. In a medium-sized bowl, stir together melted butter, sugar, vanilla, and salt with a wooden spoon or sturdy spatula. Add flour and stir until combined. Crumble over bottom of prepared pan and pat evenly. (For an even base, cover with plastic wrap and use the bottom of a glass or small measuring cup to smooth out the dough, then remove plastic wrap.) Bake in the lower third of oven for approximately 40 minutes, until slightly firm to the touch. Remove from oven and sprinkle evenly with 1/2 cup of lavender sugar. (This will seem like a lot of sugar, but it works!) While still hot, cut evenly into bars or squares. Let cool.

I cut my bars into a 6 by 3 grid, yielding 18 bars. Store in covered container. These bars are even better the second or third day. Alternatives:

Lemon Rosemary Shortbread: For an her-

baceous alternative, omit the lavender sugar, stirring 5 tablespoons granulated sugar and 1 tablespoon crumbled dried rosemary into the dough. Once baked, top the bars with granulated sugar and cut into bars.

Citrus Shortbread Bars: Omit lavender sugar,

stirring 1/4 cup granulated sugar, 1 tablespoon each freshly grated lemon zest and freshly grated orange zest into the dough. * Morton & Bassett spice company markets a culinary lavender available in some supermarkets along with other dried spices; it is also available at Penzey’s and Sugar & Spice retail shops.

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

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r a e D

KACIE SAY MY NAME (CORRECTLY)

I got divorced last year. I decided to keep my ex-husband’s last name because I don’t want to go through the hassle of name-changing legal forms. And I also want to keep the same last name as my kids. There’s one thing bothering me, though—it makes me cringe, really. How do I stop people from calling me Mrs.? I would like my title to be Ms.

I googled the etiquette on the two titles. While you don’t need to follow etiquette rules, I wanted to see what Miss Manners would do. Or maybe it’s Ms. Manners. Mrs.? Who knows? Tradition says a married woman should use the title Mrs. only with her husband’s name: Mrs. Ryan Reynolds (versus Mrs. Jennifer Reynolds). But times have changed and most married women use their first name and husband’s last name following the Mrs. A divorced woman traditionally should use Mrs. followed by her maiden name and former husband’s last name: Mrs. Smith Reynolds. Again, times have changed and most divorced women do not refer to their title this way. If you decide to keep your former husband’s last name, it is acceptable by today’s standards to be Ms. Jennifer Reynolds or Mrs. Jennifer Reynolds. If you decide to take your maiden name back, the correct title is Ms. Jennifer Smith. People are not technically wrong when referring to you as Mrs. Jennifer Reynolds or Mrs. Reynolds, even though you are divorced. Remember, they’re not trying to insult you. But it’s your name and your title. You don’t need Miss, Ms., or Mrs. Manners to tell you otherwise. If you want to be referred to as Ms. Jennifer Reynolds, the answer is simple—politely tell them.

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

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APRIL 2021

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APP OF THE MONTH

PHOTOS COURTESY OF MAGICPLAN

MAGICPLAN The gist: magicplan makes it easy for anyone who uses floor plans (realtors, contractors, home-shoppers) to create them on the spot using just their smartphone.

The app uses the phone’s camera to measure a room’s walls, and then you tap to add in room features, including windows, counters, wall “openings,” and more. I wish I would have discovered this app when I was house shopping. Having wall heights and lengths, the space and size of the refrigerator location, and the kitchen island size right there on my phone would have saved me trips back and forth for measuring. On the downside, the measurements are accurate but not exact. In my test, a wall measured 12 feet 3 inches with magicplan, but when I measured it with my tape measure, it was 12 feet 3.5 inches. However, you can manually change the measurement. There is a learning curve to figuring out the features of the app as well, but overall magicplan offers a great shortcut for measuring walls and rooms and laying out the room. For realtors, contractors, inspectors, and others needing easy-to-build floor plans quickly, there are paid subscriptions that offer 2-D and 3-D floor plans, as well as reports with photos and pricing estimates. magicplan also integrates with other helpful apps for professionals. Learn more at magicplan.app.

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APRIL 2021

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In matters of the heart, it’s ladies first. Learn how to stay in front of heart attacks. A woman’s heart beats faster than a man’s by almost eight beats a minute. And that’s not the only difference. Women are more likely to experience “atypical” symptoms when their hearts are in distress. Signs of heart attack in women could include: • Nausea or vomiting

• Dizziness

• Shortness of breath without chest discomfort

• Pressure in center of chest

• Pain in arms, upper back, neck, jaw or stomach

• Insomnia

• Fainting

• Unusual fatigue

• Cold sweats When you learn more about your health, you’re learning how to take better care of your incredible self. Take the AdventHealth Heart Risk Assessment today to find out more about your heart and how to keep it healthy at every stage of life.

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