SIMPLYkc Magazine May 2020 by SIMPLYkc Magazine

Wellness

ISSUE

Finding PEACE DURING A PANDEMIC

FEEDING

MAY ‘20 | Vol. 10 No. 1

A LIFETIME OF HEALTHY BOUNDARIES

FINANCE

BEAR-LY UNCOMMON: THE TRUTH ABOUT BEAR MARKETS

INSIDE BUSINESS PREP YOUR BUSINESS FOR POST-PANDEMIC

7 THINGS

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A D V A N C I N G 2

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MAY 2020

T H E

P O W E R

O F

M E D I C I N E ®

PURCHASE A GIFT CERTIFICATE

FOR ONLY

YYYY

CONTENTS

MIND & BODY 10

FINDING PEACE DURING A PANDEMIC

LOCAL GOOD EATS 12 BE WELL 14 TAKE HEART

INSIDE BUSINESS 18

KEEP YOUR BUSINESS HEALTHY & ACTIVE DURING COVID-19

WHO WHAT WHERE 20 MEET DR. HEATH WILT

HEALTHY LIVING 22

NINE WAYS TO NATURALLY REDUCE TOXINS

18 30

GARDEN 24

STARTING AN INDOOR GARDEN DOESN’T HAVE TO BE HARD

BEAUTY 28

YOU GLOW, GIRL! HELP PREPARE YOUR SKIN FOR SUMMER

7 THINGS 30

7 WORKOUTS THAT DON’T FEEL LIKE WORKOUTS

HOME 32

HOW TO BECOME PART OF THE GREEN MOVEMENT

DEAR KACIE 34

MOTHER’S DAY TIP: DO SOMETHING, DADS!

PARENTING 36

46 10

FINANCE 38

WHAT IS A BEAR MARKET AND WHAT SHOULD YOU BE DOING ABOUT IT?

BECAUSE I SAID SO 42 THEY NEVER GOT TO SAY GOODBYE

SPOTLIGHT 44

CHANGING COURSE & PAVING NEW PATHS IN LIFE

APPS OF THE MONTH 46 ALLTRAILS, PAINT TESTER APPS

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MAY 2020

GOOD TASTES 48

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PUBLISHER’S NOTE

April Showers Bring… Making the Best of Stay-at-Home Orders I always loved the saying April showers bring May flowers, but in light of the pandemic we are experiencing, we’re unable to look forward to many of the typical spring and summer joys: summer sports, swimming at the pool, visiting the zoo, summer evening barbecues, and drinks on the patio or at your favorite restaurant. We are all adjusting to a new normal, but nevertheless, I feel we must all try to find a light in the current situation. There are some health benefits to our new normal, such as increased exercise. I make sure to get in a daily walk or run with my daughter. I’ve found great posts from online personal trainers with live instagram workouts and strength training that have entered my daily routine. There is less time spent driving and more time spent home with family. And, I think we can all agree, we are cooking a lot more these days. It’s nice to have time to plan healthy meals for the whole family and sit down together to eat. May is our wellness issue, and we have brought you a lot of great articles to read while you are at home. Learn about finding peace in the midst of this crisis in our Mind & Body section (p. 10), learn how to keep your business healthy (p. 18), or learn how to start an indoor garden in your spare time (p. 24). Check out our Local Good Eats section (p. 12) as well for some delicious local restaurants that offer curbside pickup and delivery. It is best to support local businesses as much as possible during this difficult time. Take a night or two off from cooking and order some great local takeout.

Suzanne Steiner, Publisher

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MAY 2020

PHOTO BY JENNY WHEAT

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PUBLISHER Suzanne Steiner suz@simplykcmag.com MANAGING EDITOR Brennan Hallock, Hallock Writing & Design editor@simplykcmag.com PHOTOGRAPHY Jami Marshall of Electric Imagez Jenny Wheat of Wheat Photography Samantha Levi of Samantha Levi Photography Cathryn Farley Photography Melanie McDowell Kenny Johnson CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Julie Burton Rebecca Fischer Madison Obermeyer Brennan Hallock Sophie Oswald Gina Reardon David Marks Jenny Kincaid Julian T.E. Cunningham Tiffany Killoren ART DIRECTOR Julie Faerman, Whoo Design ADVERTISING Gretchen McGraw, Sales 620.474.5859 gretchen@simplykcmag.com INQUIRIES SIMPLYkc Magazine 11730 W. 135th St., Ste. 116 Overland Park, KS 66221 913.209.9394 contact@simplykcmag.com simplykcmag.com

PUBLISHER’S NOTE IMAGE PHOTO Jenny Wheat Wheat Photography 115 W. 18th St., #200 Kansas City, MO 816.695.9542 @wheatphotography WARDROBE Standard Style 451 W. 47th St. Kansas City, MO 913.685.4464 HAIR & MAKEUP Katie Zehel, Oliver’s Hair Salon Rosana Square, 7590 W. 119th St. Overland Park, KS 913.338.2266, @olivershairsalon MAKEUP Jami Roth @mua_jamiroth

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

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MIND & BODY

FINDING PEACE

DURING A PANDEMIC WRITTEN BY JULIE BURTON

and worry are overwhelming, then reach out to a therapist or doctor. Many are available virtually to put your mind at ease.

No one could have predicted May 2020 would look like this. We’re in the midst of a major historical event. We will look back one day on what our lives were like as we lived quarantined under a stay-at-home order across not just Kansas City, but nearly the entire world.

Be kind to yourself.

t’s called the invisible war. Doctors, nurses, pharmacists, health care staff and first responders are fighting on the frontlines. They are putting their lives at risk—we’re all putting our lives at risk—because of a virus called COVID-19.

During this temporary life-altering pandemic, we must manage two things: we must protect our bodies from COVID-19, and we must protect our minds from anxiety. We are all under stress. If your anxiety, fear,

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There are other simple things you can do to put your mind at ease as well. Here are several recommendations from Mental Health America, a nonprofit dedicated to addressing the needs of mental illness. Your daily routine has shifted. It’s called “the new normal.” Even if your social anxiety is low, other factors could come into place that raise your stress levels, such as taking care of the kids, working from home, going into work, financial stability, beauty issues, and health issues. Do what you need to do to be kind to yourself. Allow yourself to take breaks at work, if you can. Take a bath.

Call a friend. Go on a picnic. Go for a walk at Liberty Memorial and see the Kansas City skyline (keeping a good social distance). Whatever you do, you’re allowed to treat yourself first.

Remember your long-term goals.

The pandemic will pass. It’s uncertain when that time will be, but it will pass. When it does, what are you going to do? Call your beauty salon? Hug your coworkers? Finally go on a real date with your spouse? It may help to focus on one or two long-term goals that are most important for you. Plan it out even if it may take a while to get there.

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Take small steps now. Create mini-challenges for yourself. Looking at your long-term goals, how can you get to your goals now? If you want to go on a date, re-create the date by ordering from your favorite restaurant after the kids are in bed. If you’re dying for interaction, make video-conference dates with friends. Before each mini-challenge, try to figure out what you’re most worried will happen, and afterwards, reflect on what actually happened. It’s most likely not as catastrophic as you thought.

Celebrate your accomplishments. You’re stepping out of your comfort zone. Everyone is. Celebrate and recognize when you finish an at-home workout. Pat yourself on the back for making homemade meals. Take note of what you’ve learned. You may pick up a new hobby you never imagined yourself doing. Home improvements, crocheting, finding the best deals online—whatever it is, celebrate it. Make sure to notice what you learned.

Media distance yourself.

We’ve had to practice social distancing to stop the spread of COVID-19. To stop the spread of anxiety, you must also distance yourself from the media. Anxiety stems from uncertainty and an active imagination. The news is available 24 hours a day. Distance yourself from the media for a few days. It will help put your mind at ease. Any vital information you need to know, you will find out. Word-ofmouth will always be there.

Do not go beyond CDC guidelines.

Compulsive hand washing until your hands are dry and red, taking off all of your clothes before entering the house, and isolating indoors are anxiety. They are not CDC guidelines. Focus on the experts’ guidelines during this time. More information can be found at Mental Health America (mhanational.org).

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GOOD EATS

Austins Bar & Grill has been serving Southern Johnson County for over 33 years. Our familyowned establishments offer a fun sports bar environment to watch all the games. Fresh quality food 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

Chef/Owner Carl Thorne-Thomsen of Story restaurant is offering no-contact curbside pickup and limited delivery 6 days a week 4 p.m.-8 p.m. (closed on Mondays). Order meals online at storykc.com. Featured menu items include halibut, soft shell crabs, braised beef short ribs, lobster tagliatelle, and more. Enjoy chef’s specials: tacos on Tuesdays, fried chicken on Wednesdays, and burgers on Thursdays. Chef’s breads, dressings, sauces and pantry essentials are also available at storykc.com. Thanks for your support, KC!

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

We are a gourmet pizza concept known for our creative pizza, salad combinations, and local craft beer. Our warm, caring team takes service to the next level.

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

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.

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 or an old-fashioned BBQ wedding. Come in and try the best BBQ in town!

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MAY 2020

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BE WELL

TAKE HEART WRITTEN BY DAVID MARKS

For years, Ken Crisp got out of bed every day at 5 a.m. to embark on a healthful 3-mile walk. But last April, when he began having trouble catching his breath on every hill along the way, he knew something was wrong. the hospital, for quite a while,” said Crisp. “I couldn’t work for six weeks.” Fortunately, Crisp was identified as a candidate for a newer, minimally invasive procedure called Transcatheter Aortic Valve Replacement (TAVR), performed by Ammar Habib, MD, and Casey Hertzenberg, MD, AdventHealth Shawnee Mission, who specialize in structural heart interventions, including TAVR. “Unlike with surgical aortic valve replacement, TAVR allows for implantation of a prosthetic valve without the need for a large chest incision or open-heart operation,” said Habib. “Instead, special catheters and X-ray imaging are used to allow a prosthetic valve to be placed using your vessels without needing surgery. It is a great option for patients who may not tolerate or be good candidates for open-heart surgery.” Shortness of breath is the most common symptom for what Crisp had: a valve disease called aortic valve stenosis. This condition occurs when the leaflets of the heart’s aortic valve become so stiff that blood doesn’t flow easily through the heart and body. It can also cause fatigue, lightheadedness, heart failure, and even death. An estimated 2.5 million people in the U.S. over age 75—more than 12 percent of the population—have this disease. “I had been working on losing weight

SIMPLYkc MAGAZINE

MAY 2020

recently,” says Crisp. “My heart function should have been improving, but it wasn’t. I’d had rheumatic fever in elementary school, and as you get older, that heart valve just gets weaker and weaker.” Because Crisp had undergone a triple bypass procedure in 2013, his cardiologist wanted to avoid opening up his chest again to repair the stenosis, if possible. “When I had the triple bypass procedure, I was in intensive care, and then

TAVR does not routinely require traditional anticoagulation or “blood thinners” like mechanical heart valves. Additionally, TAVR involves no significant wounds to recover from, and patients usually notice significant symptom improvement immediately. “The procedure was scheduled for a Wednesday morning last April, lasted less than two hours, and by 5 p.m. that day, I was walking,” said Crisp. “And I was back at work on Monday feeling great!”

“Dr. Habib, Dr. Hertzenberg, my nurse Stephanie Lininger, and the whole TAVR team were wonderful,” says Crisp. “I felt totally at ease and really well-prepared throughout the process. I knew just what to expect and didn’t have any anxiety.”

Who is best suited for TAVR? “Because aortic valve stenosis can be a complicated disease process, your doctor or cardiologist will likely want to refer you to a specialized structural heart team for further evaluation and treatment considerations. Patients are usually evaluated by both an interven-

Pictured: Ken Crisp | Photo: Kenny Johnson tional cardiologist and cardiothoracic surgeon,” says Habib. Patients evaluated in the Structural

Heart Clinic at AdventHealth Shawnee Mission receive a comprehensive evaluation by doctors Habib and Hertzencontinued on page 16

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BE WELL CONT.

berg to determine the best approach to managing their aortic valve stenosis. It is recommended that patients undergo a cardiac work-up to determine their risk for the various treatment options available, as well as to determine their appropriateness for TAVR. “TAVR is an acceptable treatment modality for patients with severe aortic valve stenosis, not only in patients deemed to be high or moderate risk for open heart surgery, but also those who are low-risk patients,” says Dr. Habib. “Having said this, each patient’s candidacy for TAVR will need to be evaluated by the structural heart team on an individual basis.” In addition to a detailed review of each patient’s medical history, the recommended work-up typically includes an ECG, CT scan, breathing test, carotid ultrasound assessment, and cardiac catheterization.

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Complete the seven-minute heart risk assessment online at AdventHealthKC.com/HEARTaware. At the end, download your results and share it with your primary care physician. For more information about the Structural Heart Clinic at AdventHealth Shawnee Mission, call 913.632.9418 or visit AdventHealthKC.com/Heart.

The number of minimally invasive heart procedures just keeps growing Today, a wide range of heart procedures can be done using minimally invasive, robotically-assisted techniques to help make recovery faster and more comfortable. Minimally invasive heart procedures may include: • • • • • • • •

Mitral valve repair and replacement Tricuspid valve repair and replacement Aortic valve replacement Atrial septal defect & patent foramen ovale closure Atrioventricular septal defect surgery Maze procedure for atrial fibrillation Coronary artery bypass surgery Saphenous vein harvest for coronary artery bypass surgery.

Potential benefits of minimally invasive heart surgery compared with open-heart surgery may include: • • • •

Less blood loss Lower risk of infection Reduced trauma and pain Shorter time in the hospital, faster recovery, and quicker return to normal activities • Smaller, less noticeable scars.

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INSIDE BUSINESS

KEEP YOUR BUSINESS HEALTHY & ACTIVE DURING COVID-19 WRITTEN BY JENNY KINCAID JULIAN, FOUNDER & PRESIDENT, SOCIALWORX PR

SIMPLYkc MAGAZINE

MAY 2020

The last two months have been incredibly hard. From ending the school year early to the closing of all non-essential businesses, many of you have had to make heart-rending decisions due to the COVID-19 pandemic. I don’t know about you, but I’ll be happy if I never hear the words “unprecedented” or “social distancing” again.

veryone has been caught off guard, but you can prepare for what’s next. We don’t know how and when the economy will recover, but we do know people are resilient, communities are supportive, and businesses will recover. How you prepare will set the stage for success when the economy reopens. Take advantage of this downtime by reviewing every aspect of your business— study analytics and data available to you, create processes that weren’t in place but needed to be, evaluate supply chains, build a contingency plan, and revise your budget. A well-prepared business could safeguard your investment and help protect your staff. If you’re not sure where to start, here are three tips to position your business for success when the time is right.

Review your budget, cut costs, and plan for a surge Once the initial sting of temporarily closing your business tapers off, take a deep breath and dive into your finances. Cut costs, not staff. Examine your budget, because less is more. •E liminate superlatives that are nice but not essential. What monthly subscriptions can you cut (or defer) that will not negatively affect your quality of work? A few that come to mind are music channels heard in the background, standing deliveries such as water and flowers, or services such as window washing. •L ower monthly retainers with subcontractors.

•N egotiate your rent, or if you’re month-to-month, cancel it. •D ecrease your social media planning software plan now that you have more time to do the work. • I f you’ve had to cut back production, heavily discount stock items, or suspend deliveries altogether. Be careful, though, because when the stay-at-home order lifts—and it will— businesses could see a surge in traffic and consumer demand, creating new problems. Mitigate client frustration by analyzing what your best-selling products are and keep those sufficiently stocked, or source new supply chains to decrease delivery times.

Stay awake, visible, and reach out more often Now is not the time to hide under the covers. Get to work! Stay as visible as you can. Update your website; regularly add product photos, videos, infographics, and customer feedback; and ask your current client base questions. More people are online now than ever before, so be a part of the action. If you have a service-based business, put your pearls on, color those lips, and get in front of the camera. Provide solutions to current problems that speak to your audience using Facebook Live videos or by using the Stories option on Instagram. Offer free resources and templates on your website. Everyone loves getting something for free, and they always remember those who help, particularly in a crisis.

your Google Business page? Make it easy for people to find you. I always say, “Push the easy button.” Write thank you letters to longtime clients, offer words of encouragement to others, and don’t forget to nurture leads in your pipeline. You and your business will be needed again.

Pivot by creating a new revenue stream or sales channel If you’ve wanted to create a new revenue stream, there’s no better time than the present. Online classes are an excellent option for solopreneurs. What can you recreate and convert into an online course? Build your reputation as an expert in your industry by providing a service to everyone, not just your current customer base. This ties into being visible and staying active. Would it be worth your time to host an online event and charge a small fee to walk people through a process or problem? If you’re a product-based business and you don’t offer shipping or curbside delivery, reconsider the pros and cons of why you’re not doing this. Several local boutiques have upped their online sales game and now offer curbside pickup. No, this won’t make up for your losses, but something is better than nothing, even if that means you must take on more work.

When was the last time you updated

Jenny Kincaid Julian is a media relations professional and agency owner who works with brands, businesses, executive teams, and solopreneurs to grow their personal and professionals brands. Contact Jenny at: 816.550.4382 jenny @ socialworxpr.com • @ jennykincaid PHOTO BY JAMI MARSHALL

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, o h W

WHAT, WHERE

Meet Dr. Heath Wilt Who: What:

Dr. Heath Wilt, Cardiologist at AdventHealth—Shawnee Mission Doctors are the new heroes. And this month we’re featuring our own hometown hero, a cardiologist practicing at AdventHealth. Dr. Heath Wilt completed most of his education and training in Kansas City. He was named Kansas City’s Top Doctor by Ingram’s Magazine in 2019. “I’ve always had a fondness for cardiology. To me, there’s something inherently intimate about the heart—both from a physical and an emotional aspect,” he says. Dr. Wilt is a father to three boys, including twins. His favorite part of being a dad is keeping up with his very active boys to make sure his and his wife’s hearts keep pumping.

Where:

FAVORITE PLACE TO DINE Where to start—Kansas City is full of amazing restaurants! My wife and I have always loved Blue Koi. Everything on the menu is excellent and we’ve never had a bad meal there. You also can’t beat the Sushi House in Leawood. And, of course, no one does better BBQ than KC. Q39 and Joe’s Kansas City Bar-B-Que are at the top of my list.

FAVORITE PLACE TO DRINK If I had to pick one bar that is truly unique and leaves

a lasting impression for a night out, it would have to be Swordfish Tom’s. But I’m more likely to head to The Peanut or Brooksider for beers with friends and to watch a game.

FAVORITE SHOPPING I’m not one to do a lot of shopping for myself, so the most likely place you’ll find me is Euston’s Hardware store in Prairie Village. It’s the perfect fit for the neighborhood. You see all the familiar friendly faces who can help with day-today chores. That’s true for most of the shops in the Village.

FAVORITE HIDDEN GEMS I love to cook, so I think The Culinary Center of Kansas City in Overland Park is an undervalued gem for their cooking classes. The Jazz District at 18th and Vine is also a place I recommend. Take a trip through the Negro Leagues Baseball Museum then stop for a drink and listen to some great music. It really gives you a unique perspective and makes you proud to live here.

FAVORITE PLACES TO TAKE OUT-OF-TOWN GUESTS Most people who I share Kansas City with don’t realize there’s something for everyone, but I suppose the places I’m most likely to recommend are the World War I Museum, Liberty Memorial, and the Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art. Of course, Arrowhead and Kauffman stadiums are great too if they’re into sports. And, there’s nothing more iconic than the Country Club Plaza during the winter.

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MAY 2020

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HEALTHY LIVING

NINE WAYS TO NATURALLY REDUCE TOXINS

WRITTEN BY BRENNAN HALLOCK

oxins are as much a part of our world as cell phones and drinking water. In fact, much of our water contains toxins that we ingest daily. “We’re exposed to toxins everywhere in our daily lives. There’s chemicals in everything from our food to shower water to mattresses,” explains Jan Kelly, Occupational Therapist and massage therapist at Midwest Myofascial Release Center. “There’s not much in our world that we come in contact with that doesn’t have toxins.” So what are we to do when our world is so saturated with toxins? Here are

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MAY 2020

some simple ways to reduce toxins in your life while still having a life.

1. Pay attention to where your food comes from. Avoiding canned foods, bottled liquids, plants grown with pesticides, and animals grown with hormones can decrease the levels of toxins in your body. “Knowing the source of your food is important. Asking where your food comes from, such as at a farmer’s market or restaurant, is important,” says Kelly. Staying away from all processed foods can seem like an insurmountable goal. But simply choosing to reduce the amount of processed foods you eat will help.

COVID-19, an infrared sauna can give you some of the benefits of sweating and releasing toxins from your body.

4. Reduce stress levels.

You may be your own source of toxins. Stress creates harmful toxins in your body, encouraging a difficult cycle to escape. If you’re stressed out, you’re harming your health in a number of ways. Avoiding stressors or finding ways to take your mind off stressful situations will lower the levels of toxins in your body. Meditation, rest, exercise, mindfulness, or relaxing hobbies can decrease your levels of toxins.

5. Eliminate poor eating habits. If you are not intentional about your eating habits, you may develop poor habits. Relying on fast food, eating irregularly, or eating late at night can all harm your body. “When you eat on the go, it puts you in a fight-or-flight mode. It often delays the digestive process and causes the food to not be processed as well by your body. Over the course of a few months this becomes a habit and negatively impacts your health,” Kelly explains.

2. Pay attention to where your makeup comes from. Makeup can be a daily source of chemicals and toxins. Buying natural makeup can improve your skin and eliminate a constant source of toxins.

3. Exercise regularly.

Your body naturally flushes toxins. Exercising regularly will encourage your body to increase good, naturally occurring chemicals while eliminating the harmful ones. “Take time to exercise,” Kelly says. “It increases your blood flow, causes you to drink more water, and improves your immune system.” If you can’t get out and exercise as much right now because of

6. Get healthy amounts of sleep. Every person’s body requires a certain amount of sleep to stay healthy. You may be able to function on much less sleep, but you’re also introducing toxins into your body by not getting a full night’s rest. “If you cause your digestive process to work a lot at night, it can impair your sleep. Let your body unwind for about an hour before bed—don’t turn on the TV or stare at your phone, and don’t eat,” says Kelly.

7. Watch the household cleaning products. Household cleaning prod-

tergent, each has its own set of toxins harmful to your body. Some products even contain well-known toxins such as formaldehyde. Common household cleaning items that contain toxins include toilet-bowl cleaners, air fresheners, laundry detergents, floor cleaners, all-purpose cleaners, stain removers, oven cleaners, and dish liquids. Fortunately, there are natural alternatives to many of these products, such as items commonly found in your kitchen like filtered water, vinegar, and baking soda. The Environmental Working Group (ewg.org) and the Breast Cancer Fund (breastcancerfund.org) are valuable sources for identifying harmful cleaning products and determining alternatives.

8. Embrace moderation. When attempting to reduce toxins in your body, moderation is the best method. “Small changes can have a big impact,” Kelly explains. “Just make a choice once a day to decrease animal proteins and increase the plant-based foods you are eating.” Even something as small as that can reduce toxins.

9. Educate yourself.

“Increasing your knowledge is the best way to improve your health,” says Kelly. “Research many different information sources, know the sources of your foods, and create habits. You often can’t make changes unless you know why you are making them. If you don’t understand what you are moving toward, you will not know why you are doing it and you likely won’t succeed. It’s much bigger than just choosing a salad.”

ucts are a veritable well of toxins. From Palmolive dish soap to Ajax laundry de-

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GARDEN

STARTING AN INDOOR GARDEN DOESN’T HAVE TO BE HARD WRITTEN BY SOPHIE OSWALD

Having plants in your home can make your space feel calm and bring a positive aura to your environment. Having indoor plants goes beyond aesthetic benefits by purifying the air in your home and reducing stress. And growing even a little bit of your own food is one of the best things you can do for the environment. Along with all of these perks, though, one of the greatest things about starting an indoor garden is that they don’t have to be difficult or costly. Starting an indoor garden may seem nerve racking, but plants can thrive indoors once you figure out what they need and how to control their environment. Whether you want to grow plants you harvest from or you just want a little more green in

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MAY 2020

your life, here are some things to think about if you’re starting out.

First you will need seeds.

You can shop a wide variety of seeds in store or online and receive them in the mail. If this is your first time

gardening, you may find it easier to start with a plant instead. Starting with a plant rather than using seeds will take away many struggles you may run into as well as save you several months of waiting on the plant to grow. You can find rooted

plants at local garden centers and even grocery stores. Most of the problems people face when trying to start an indoor garden involve not having enough light. Without a good light source, none of the effort you put into growing your plants will pay off. On top of that, each plant is different, so it is important to research how much light the plants you want to grow need. For example, most herbs require having at least six hours of sun each day. When using a window, make sure you rotate your plant about once a week. If your windows aren’t in the best location,

continued on page 26

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you can provide supplemental lighting such as clamp lights or other systems you can find at a garden center. These vary in price but will be a great investment in the long run. If you are completely lost when it comes to figuring out the best location in your home to start your indoor garden, you can find resources online to help you see the sun patterns over your home. South facing windows tend to be the best at providing bright sun all day.

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Soil is the next most important thing.

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Overwatering is another thing you will want to watch out for. It is hard to know how much water to give your plants, especially when you are just learning how to garden. The amount of water your plants need will vary depending on the climate, location in your home, time of year, size of pot, and type of soil you use. Because of this there isn’t a simple answer to how often you should water your plants. You have to learn how to read them. A popular method to learning how much water your plant needs is by performing a finger test. If you stick your finger into the soil and it feels wet at the tip, your plant doesn’t need any additional water. Bennie Palmentere, owner of River Market Hydro, explains that, “Knowledge is power. The internet is a great tool, but having someone local to bounce questions off is key. Many of your local hydroponic stores are staffed with knowledgeable gardeners.” There are many local garden centers and stores in the area that have everything you need, including access to educated individuals ready and willing to help you start your own garden.

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BEAUTY

YOU GLOW, GIRL! HELP PREPARE YOUR SKIN FOR SUMMER WRITTEN BY MADISON OBERMEYER

t’s not a zit, a group of blackheads, or even leftover self-tanning lotion ... so what is that discolored patch of skin on your face? If you’re experiencing darker spots around your nose, mouth, or cheeks, then melasma may be at fault. But put the magnifying mirrors down—we have answers. Taking care of your skin goes beyond face masks on a Friday night. It means truly understanding how your day-to-day activities can potentially affect your skin. We spoke with Molly Menser, DO, FAAD, FAOCD, of Sunflower Dermatology to get to the bottom of what those dark spots truly are, what can help, and what your options are. Melasma is a very common, natural condition of the skin—no matter what stage of life you’re in—that can produce patches of brownish coloring on the face that may worsen in sunlight

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MAY 2020

or blue light. Although melasma is often seen in women throughout or following pregnancy, Dr. Mesner says she has seen an increasing amount of melasma in her practice and always uses a customized integrative skincare regimen. According to Mesner, a tinted mineral SPF 50 (tinted ingredients, called iron oxides, can help protect from blue light), a strong antioxidant serum, and a dark spot corrector are the key components in your home skincare regimen. Before you take a magnifying glass to your face, it will pay off to have a second opinion. Melasma doesn’t have to be medically diagnosed, but if you notice the beginning symptoms of any sort of skin discoloration, pigmentation or spot unbeknownst to you, it’s best to leave the digging (for information, that is) to your dermatologist.

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“There are various forms of pigmentation on the face, including melasma,” Dr. Mesner explains. “I advise that it be diagnosed by a dermatologist to ensure proper diagnosis and treatment so you can achieve the best results and not overlook other medical problems—or skin cancer.”

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Beyond the dermatologist’s office, integrating an antioxidant serum as part of your at-home topical routine (typically retinol and a brightening agent) can help keep melasma at bay.

Reduces cellulite Tones loose skin

“I use scientifically tested, reputable antioxidant serums in the daytime followed by SPF 40-50,” Mesner shares. “I advise using retinoids at night time, but start slowly! Begin using any retinoid twice a week and slowly increase every night as tolerated, or you may get dermatitis.”

Slims fat pockets Improves skin clarity Increases exfoliation

Mesner said she often incorporates brightening agents customized to a person’s skin type, such as hydroquinone, tranexamic acid, kojic acid, and glycolic acid for starters. If you don’t know your skin type (normal, combination, oily, or anything in-between) you can talk to your dermatologist about understanding your skin before learning how to best take care of it. However, not all discoloration is melasma—malignant brown spots can occur on the face and all over the body, such as melanoma, Mesner explains. That’s why it’s crucial to visit your dermatologist when you are unsure of or can’t distinguish the difference between sunspots and something potentially life-threatening.

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Using an SPF should be one of the core pillars of your skincare regimen, but what if you spend most of your days indoors? No matter where the light comes from, protecting your skin is key. In addition to ultraviolet rays from the sun, tinted mineral sun creams can also protect from blue light, which can worsen melasma. “Melasma is not necessarily genetic, though family history may make you prone to many skin problems,” Mesner explains. “Triggers [for melasma] can be hormonal and can be related to various forms of birth control agents as well as pregnancy.”

So what’s the best course of action? As the peak summer months approach, the best thing to do is to obsess about sun protection, Mesner says. “It will help you in the event you develop melasma as well as protect you from skin cancer and premature aging,” she explains. “Wear SPF 40-50 every day and glam it up with a fab hat—it’s a must!”

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7 THINGS

WORKOUTS THAT DON’T FEEL LIKE WORKOUTS

1 Walk your dog:

When everyone started working from home, suddenly everyone’s dogs started getting walked. This comes with a great benefit, though, since you’re not just exercising your dog. You’re also getting a workout.

2 Backyard games:

If you don’t have a backyard, this one may not be for you. But if you have a backyard with a little bit of space, there are lots of games that can be played that are also a good form of exercise. For example, you can play bocce ball, croquet, cornhole bag toss, and—if your backyard is really big—games like kickball or badminton.

3 Jump on a trampoline:

Put a trampoline in your yard just in time for warmer weather. Jump, flip, do acrobatics—whatever it is you want to do on a trampoline, it will give you a workout.

4 Clean: This one isn’t so exciting, but it still can be a work-

out. While you are cooped up in your house, getting to that

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MAY 2020

cleaning list can be beneficial both for your sanity and for your health.

5 Play fitness games:

If you have an Xbox, Nintendo Switch, Nintendo Wii, or other device that has fitness games, these can be exciting, fun, and great for your health.

6 Dance:

Learn some moves while getting into shape! YouTube has lots of dance routines you can learn, or you can practice with dance games on your video game console.

7 Roughhouse with your kids (or dog):

Taking advantage of your opportunity to be at home means spending more time with your family, right? Well you can enjoy time with your family and get exercise at the same time by playing with your kids (or dog) on the floor.

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HOME

HOW TO BECOME PART OF THE GREEN MOVEMENT WRITTEN BY T.E. CUNNINGHAM

The words sustainability, green, and livable are common in today’s world. But what do they mean? At its core, the green movement—or sustainability—is about avoiding the depletion of natural resources so that we can maintain an ecological balance. We only have one Mother Earth! You may not be so enamored that you want to run out and join the Environment Defense Fund or Sierra Club Organization, but each of us can take some simple action in our daily life—both professionally and personally—to make our community more sustainable.

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MAY 2020

HERE’S A LIST OF WAYS YOU CAN HELP Recycle.

Recycle glass, paper, aluminum—anything you can! And just as important is to reuse. For example, don’t use paper plates, bowls, and plasticware unless absolutely necessary, and if you do, recycle them. If you have safe tap water, don’t drink bottled water. They say one man’s trash is another man’s treasure; make this true. Give things you don’t want or need to others who will use them instead of throwing them away.

According to Rubicon Global, a single recycled plastic bottle saves enough energy to run a 100-watt bulb for 4 hours. It also creates 20 percent less air pollution and 50 percent less water pollution than making a new bottle.

Travel Green.

If you can walk, do it! It’s better for your body and the environment. If you can bike, do it! If you can take a bus instead of drive, do it! Emissions from vehicles are one of the worst forms of pollution, so do your part where you can. And keep this in mind when you travel as well.

Save Energy. There are so many fea-

Buy Less Clothing. Here in the U.S.,

tures out there on this one topic that it’s impossible to cover them all here, but everything from LED light bulbs to properly insulating your home to smart thermostats to solar panels and more can help you make a significant dent at home.

we are a consumption-driven bunch, but you can help keep landfills from filling up as quickly by not buying and then discarding as many clothes. You can also buy organic and green clothing that lasts longer than cheaply made in-fashion pieces.

In the workplace, lobby to put together a task force to help figure out how your company can do better. Any new construction should have a “green” plan incorporated from the start.

Garden.

Conserve Water.

Stacy Glazer, Executive Director for the Goodcents Foundation, which has a core mission of supporting sustainability, says the organization puts a significant focus on educating children about gardening. “Gardening teaches kids motor skills and resourcefulness, which positively impacts their self-confidence and, ultimately, their academic performance,” she explains. ”Studies

The sad truth is many areas of the world do not have access to safe, clean water. Yet in the U.S., according to the Environmental Protection Agency, an average family uses a staggering 300+ gallons of water daily. Also, make sure you do not pour chemicals in the drains at home, which can pollute local water tables.

Plant some of your food. When you don’t use your own, shop for food grown using “regenerative farming methods.” This means the farmers replenish the soil they have farmed.

show that kids, even the picky eaters, will eat the fruits and vegetables that they help grow.” Glazer continues, “The goal is for the kids to move through the process, from start to finish, through a full season of successes and overcoming failures. They can then bring the experience home, working with their families and neighbors to grow fruits and vegetables so they can continue the tradition of sustainability for generations to come.”

Use Nontoxic Products.

While we are on the topic of DIY, try making your cleaners using simple household products like vinegar and lemon. If you don’t have that kind of time, make sure you shop for green-friendly cleaners. Don’t stop there—extend your green purchases to lotions, candles, and more. And if you hire out house cleaning, hire a company that subscribes to the same green principles you do.

Spring & Summer Home Improvement Tips

Do you have home projects you avoided all winter? Now is the perfect time to start fresh, even the smallest projects can help maintain your home and add value. 1. Clean out Gutters 2. Service HVAC 3. Clean out Dryer Vent 4. Declutter and Donate old clothes and household items 5. Lawn Cleanup: Fertilize, Mulch and Fresh Flowers

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r a e D

KACIE MOTHER’S DAY TIP: DO SOMETHING, DADS!

Last year was my first Mother’s Day. I didn’t receive anything from my husband because, “I’m not his mom.” To be honest, it stung. I know Mother’s Day isn’t about the gifts, but I was hurt I didn’t receive any kind of recognition for being the mother of his child. Should I bring this up this year to my husband?

Hopefully you told a girlfriend about this and she was smart enough to tip him off, because every mother should feel appreciated on Mother’s Day. I’m not a huge fan of gifts either, but breakfast in bed or a print of your baby’s hand would be sweet. He doesn’t have to buy you something, but he should still acknowledge the day. And excusing it by telling you “You’re not my mother” isn’t very kind. By the way, what did he get his mother? Mother’s Day is a day of recognition. It’s not about gifts or brunch. Maybe this year it is even easier to stop and remember what mothers do—with the quarantine and all. Worst case, give a girlfriend a call and let her send tips his way. Or, you know, throw him this magazine. Do something, dads. Don’t just say, “You’re not my mother.” We probably won’t be in quarantine anymore while celebrating Father’s Day.

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

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MAY 2020

The 31st Annual Jazzoo

A Toast to Tusks August 28, 2020 7:30pm–Midnight Proceeds from the event feed the Zoo’s 1,700 animals for the year, and provide funds for the Zoo’s education programs.

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PARENTING

BROCCOLI? YUCK!

IS IT OKAY TO CATER TO YOUR CHILD’S FOOD PREFERENCES? WRITTEN BY REBECCA FISCHER

ith frequently changing diet trends, it can be hard to know what to feed our kids. It can even be hard to know what to feed ourselves! However, with growing rates of childhood obesity in recent years as a real concern, educating our young ones about healthy choices is imperative. Younger and younger kids are being diagnosed with Type 2 diabetes, heart disease, and other lifethreatening conditions. It’s impossible to name one single cause for the rising statistics, but according to leading nutritionists, there are specific things parents can do to set their children up for a lifetime of healthy eating habits. It doesn’t mean never letting kids have their favorite unhealthy foods, but it also doesn’t mean letting them eat whatever they like, whenever they like.

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MAY 2020

Moderation is (still) key. It turns out, moderation is the best approach. So is taking the long view. “Raising a healthy eater is an 18-year job,” says Jill Castle, a registered dietitian and childhood nutrition expert, in a recent CNN interview. But the payoff is the development of healthy habits—and better odds that children will grow up to be healthy adults. With the right attitude toward food, kids also have less of a chance of being overweight or having a negative body image. They are more likely to enjoy trying (and even preparing) new foods.

Establish a lifetime of healthy habits. Dietitians advise letting children have a say (some say, not all say) in what they eat. For example, provide two healthy options and let the child

choose which one. “A parent says, ‘Do you want green beans or broccoli for dinner?’ The parent is still in control of the choices, so it’s a reasonable choice,” explains Castle. Children tend to mimic the eating style of their parents, so it’s important to set a good example. For example, eat meals at a regular time rather than grazing all day or grabbing a bowl of ice cream for dinner. Focus on relaxing at mealtime— let your child see that you enjoy eating a variety of foods. Castle recommends setting clear boundaries and rules for kids, such as having everyone come to the table for dinner— making it a “family event”—even if someone isn’t hungry and doesn’t want to eat. “Your child has to come to the meal table, whether they eat or not,” she says.

“You can have a conversation about why they are not hungry, but we have to do a better job as parents of respecting children’s appetites and let them own that piece of their bodily function.” She recommends reinforcing the schedule by not allowing snacks if the child is hungry before bed. Remind the child that it is not snack time and that breakfast is the next meal, Castle says.

When it comes to sweets, try not to demonize them. Nutritionists agree that as long as the majority of the diet consists of healthy foods, there is some room for sugary treats or high-fat side items, like french fries. Eliminating these foods from the home can cause children to become even more focused on them.

It’s best not to offer sweets as rewards either. “The science tells us the children build a strong preference for the reward food, like candy or soda, while the target food, for example broccoli, falls to the bottom,” Castle says. Finally, have a conversation about food— and keep it fun. You might be putting a small bag of M&M’s in your child’s lunch box, but they would prefer to have a scoop of ice cream after dinner. Maybe your child would like to be more involved in shopping for food and preparing meals. Encourage their curiosity and their participation. The more children are relaxed in their approach to food, the more likely they’ll be to make healthy choices.

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FINANCE

WHAT IS A BEAR MARKET

AND WHAT SHOULD YOU BE DOING ABOUT IT? WRITTEN BY BRENNAN HALLOCK

Under any other circumstances, the only thing you would be seeing on the news right now would be discussion about the unstable stock market. Over the last couple of months, the Dow Jones Industrial Average plunged nearly 35 percent, completely wiping out 2019’s approximately 22 percent gain. As of this writing, the stock market has seen a rebound, but is still sitting at an almost 17 percent loss for the year.

whatever else raises its head during these times. It is important, though, to look at the market based on its history, and get a better perspective of what a bear market generally means.

What is a bear market? The term bear market refers to when securities prices fall 20 percent or more from a recent high. This indicates widespread pessimism toward the economy and an overall negative outlook. A correction refers to when securities fall 10 percent or more from a recent high. Corrections are actually common and considered by most investors to be healthy. It is a way that the stock market naturally resets itself to a more accurate price after being overvalued. A bear market, on the other hand, is not healthy.

How often do they happen?

nstead of the stock market dominating news, though, COVID-19 sits atop our news feeds. And for good reason. But despite the severity and potential implications of COVID-19, the bear market we have just entered deserves some discussion. For most people alive today, we have only seen one other stock mar-

ket incident like this one: the 2008 financial crisis. This causes us to assume the worst and believe we are entering a global recession as bad— or worse than—the 2008 recession. Since we are currently in the midst of it, no one knows the full effects of this recession, the economic impact of COVID-19, the drop in oil prices, the unstable stock market, and

Despite being unhealthy for the economy, bear markets are relatively common. Since 1945, the S&P 500 has had 23 corrections and 12 bear markets (not including the current one).

How long do they last? Bear markets last on average about 14 months. It has been the case that typically the faster the economy enters a bear market, the faster it continued on page 40

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pulls out of it. This bear market has been the fastest 20 percent drop on record for the S&P 500. Of course, there are many circumstances influencing this bear market that have never been seen before, so there is no way of knowing how quickly this one will end.

How do I know when a bear market is ending? Investors look for a growth of 20 percent from a recent low as well as sustained gains for at least six months. This indicates the beginning of a bull market. Bull markets have lasted on average 4-1/2 years. The most recent bull market, which just ended, has been going for almost 11 years.

What should you do? A bear market indicates that an overall panic has set in among investors. Panic is never a good thing for the economy or for an individual investor. It causes people to do things they will later regret, such as selling off their portfolios. Make sure you do not allow panic to influence the decisions you make about your finances. Step back, take a deep breath, and allow some time to think about your decisions. Get advice from trusted financial advisors before you make decisions. For the average investor, now is the time to hold onto your stocks—or even to buy more. Stocks that were once expensive are essentially “on sale.” When the economy rebounds

(and yes it will), stocks you buy at these lower prices will make you a good profit. The worst thing you can do at this point in time is to sell your shares because of fear. You will lose out on enormous amounts of profit, massive potential gains, and be contributing to the overall global panic that has overtaken many investors. No one knows how long this bear market will last and how much economic pain it will cause. It has already had a devastating effect on our economy and caused millions to lose their jobs. But it is best—if possible—to sit tight, wait it out, and enjoy the potential gains that will come when we exit this bear market and enter the upcoming bull market.

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BECAUSE I SAID SO...

THEY NEVER GOT TO SAY GOODBYE WRITTEN BY JULIE BURTON / PHOTOS BY SAMANTHA LEVI

he warm sun is finally on our face. It seems as though everything on earth grows in a shade of green. The days are long and, no matter what your age is, the whole summer is ahead of you. Mother’s Day. Memorial Day. Shorts and sunscreen. But there are a few things missing this year: the crack of a bat at Kauffman Stadium, the first splashes into the neighborhood pool, and the last school bell for the year. May 2020 is canceled. COVID-19 has turned our lives up-

side down. And the worst part? My daughters never got to say goodbye to their teachers. Emma’s locker in her final year of middle school and Kate’s desk in her final year of elementary school still hold their school supplies, art projects, books, pens, pencils, and notes passed in class. The middle school locker and elementary school desk sit frozen in time—in the first week of March, right before spring break. Emma will never return to middle school. Kate will never return to

elementary school. Those last few weeks of school were supposed to be slow, bittersweet, and transitional. A fifth grade graduation. A choir field trip to the Ozarks. “But what about our yearbooks?” “I’m sure they’ll be mailed.” “But what about the signatures?” “I don’t know.” “Can we say goodbye to our teachers?” “One day.”

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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MAY 2020

“What about my field trip?” “There will be more next year.”

high school sitting next door, ready to take her in this August.

I suddenly have a high school freshman and middle schooler. I won’t get to walk out of that elementary school for the last time. I’ll never again ask, “What’d you do at recess?” I can’t tell Kate’s teacher thank you for raising my daughter when I wasn’t able to. I won’t get to see Emma run out of middle school for the last time, wearing a crop top (because it’s against school dress code) with the beast of a

I won’t get that last-day-of-school picture. It’s so much better than the first day. There are no chalkboards with grade levels, no backpacks, no perfect outfits, and definitely no parents stealing the spotlight by pushing their kids off to school with a bottle of champagne for breakfast.

so proud of them—they did it. It’s the picture that says, 7 minutes, 34 seconds—first fight of the summer. I timed them. No school bells will ring this May. There are no splashes into the neighborhood pool. No kids screaming in complete feeling of freedom. Middle school and elementary school—gone. We never even got to say goodbye.

The last-day-of-school picture is so much better because it says, I’m

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SPOTLIGHT

PHOTO BY CATHRYN FARLEY PHOTOGRAPHY

CHANGING COURSE & PAVING NEW PATHS IN LIFE

Tiffany Killoren sat there for a moment with her finger hovering over the “send” button, fully aware doubt would take over if she waited too long. So, with a deep breath and all the hope in the world, she hit send and waited for the universe to send her its response.

sk Tiffany about that email and she’ll tell you it seems like both yesterday and a lifetime ago. Thirteen years ago she was a practicing attorney and a new mom, struggling to find the balance. As her new baby boy lay sleeping one night, she opened her laptop and decided to write about the day he was born. And then she just kept writing. As she balanced a career and motherhood, she tried to reconcile the nagging feeling that told her she should be writing full time. One day she looked up the contact informa-

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MAY 2020

tion for the editor of a local parenting magazine and drafted an email asking for the opportunity to write for them. She sent the email and walked away, confident the universe would be in touch if her instinct was correct. And just like that, the universe answered. Tiffany is now celebrating the pub-

lication of her second novel. Looking back she recognizes that it took some courage to hit that send button years ago, but a change in trajectory was what she needed to feel like she was living her authentic life. Tiffany is not alone. Women often feel like they face a crossroads in life where they can either stay

the course or pave a new path. “For women in their 40s to 60s, this is the conversation,” explains life coach Dr. Nikki Crawford. “It’s a discussion about whether we’re doing what we love and enjoy, or whether we’ve got our heads down and are just pushing through the day.” Why women resist such life changes is easier to explain than how to embrace a new and exciting chapter. Crawford explains that societal expectations— cultural and familial expectations—pull our attention away from an inner dialogue about our own dreams and personal passions. The biggest deterrent for women to take that next step is fear. “There a lot of reasons we don’t look at ourselves in a deep way,” Crawford says. “It is fear that we will be criticized, will make things unsafe financially, or that we are upsetting that apple cart in a way that people don’t expect us to. We are stepping outside of what our cultural expectations are. Fear is an ancient protector when we notice it at the right time, but we have so much fearful thinking when we’re not in danger.” It takes both courage and honesty to ask yourself if you’re on the right path in life. Such a personal awakening is a valuable first step, but it can be scary to make a change that will impact both you and your family. Crawford offers some tips for how to approach such a change in a manageable (and less scary) way:

Question your own thinking. Devote time to be alone with your thoughts. The only thing keeping you from making a change is thinking you can’t. Acknowledge your fear and move past it.

Take small steps. Change doesn’t have to be drastic. Find the next easy step and take it.

Realize that you don’t have to have it figured out all at once. That’s not even possible.

Drop your idea of perfection. It doesn’t exist. Imperfect action is better than inaction.

Hold yourself accountable. Engaging a friend, life coach or family member to help encourage you throughout the process increases the chance of follow-through. They say there’s no such thing as a roadmap to life, but maybe that’s because we’re supposed to be open to altering, rerouting and adjusting our paths based on where our talents and passions lead us. Maybe the universe is waiting for us to hit the send button and take the first step toward a new life. “This experience—this shift—evolves and reveals itself to you while you are moving through it,” Crawford says.

Tiffany considers her novel, Good Will, to be a tale about serendipity. It follows the lives of four women, all of whom find something they need in unlikely places and through unexpected relationships. It’s a novel about faith and friendship, about being open to the messages that life is sending you when the going gets tough. Good Will is about the energy we send out into the world and clinging to the belief that, in time, the universe will send it back. Good Will is available on Amazon and major bookseller websites.

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APPS OF THE MONTH

ALLTRAILS APP REVIEW The gist: The coronavirus lock-

down has restricted many of our daily activities: our work, our school, our shopping—even visiting friends and family is severely limited. The only totally unrestricted activity is Netflix and other streaming services. But the great outdoors comes in at a close second! Outside, we can easily practice social distancing while breaking free of our TV rut and getting some much-needed exercise. My boyfriend and I have made it our goal to visit a new trail or park every time we take a walk. This change of scenery has been wonderful for both our physical and mental health. Although we have been successful in finding new places to hike, we were excited to hear about the AllTrails app. AllTrails is a free app that uses location services to find nearby trails. The trails are rated in stars (one through five) by app users and labeled as easy, moderate, or difficult. The length of the trail is provided in miles, along with the estimated amount of time it takes to walk and bike it. A generous description of the trail is given, along with searchable tags such as “dogs on leash,” “mountain biking,” “views,” and “wheelchair friendly.” You can also search by difficulty, popularity, closest to you, length, elevation gain, and more. A fun, useful feature we liked is “Record,” which captures your miles, your time, your minutes/ mile, your elevation change, and more. You can even personalize your calories burned. Welcome the warmer weather with this step into the outdoors. Available on Android and iOS.

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MAY 2020

NO NEED FOR PAINT SAMPLES

The gist: Some people (who ar-

they’ll match, only to discover that my sofa is more golden than tan. Oops!

I’m the one who takes the new pillows for my tan-colored sofa home hoping

The Paint Tester app is made for people like me. Okay, it may be for you visual types too. Paint Tester is a lot of fun! And easy to use. Once you’ve downloaded the free app, just upload a picture of the room to be painted. Create a color from an adjustable palette—or from actual paint colors. Then start painting with the bucket or brush tool.

en’t me) are good visual thinkers. They say things like, “Wouldn’t this throw look perfect on our new couch?” or “This new shower curtain matches my bathroom décor perfectly.”

This is easy if you have a picture of a room with bare walls and even lighting. If you don’t, no need to worry, though. You can use the tape and eraser tools. Tape the area you want to paint, proceed with the bucket or brush tool, and use the eraser to clean up the edges. Even if it’s not perfect, you’ll get the idea. A good idea and a fun app! Available on Android and iOS.

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GOOD TASTES

IF YOU DONâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;T BRING ME FLOWERS... WRITTEN BY GINA REARDON PHOTO BY MELANIE MCDOWELL

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During a half-hearted attempt at spring cleaning, I stumbled across a sweet relic from the past—a Mother’s Day card created out of now-faded pink construction paper. “Happy Mother’s Day” was written on the front in addition to a hand-drawn bouquet of flowers. Inside there was a message: “I saw these pretty flowers on the ground and thought of you!” (Because we all know you’re not supposed to pick flowers that aren’t yours.) The card was unsigned … as if I wouldn’t know. On Sunday, May 10, I hope we all can take a moment to do something thoughtful and loving for our mothers who are living, remember with love our mothers who have passed, celebrate all the soon-to-be mothers in our lives, and create a moment that will live on. If brunch or lunch is a part of your plan for the day, this asparagus tart will be a light and lovely addition to your celebration.

Asparagus Tart Yield: 6 to 8 servings INGREDIENTS FOR PASTRY 1-1/4 cups flour 1/4 teaspoon salt 2 tablespoons cold shortening 6 tablespoons cold unsalted butter, cut into 1/2-inch pieces 2 to 3 tablespoons ice water

DIRECTIONS FOR PASTRY Combine the flour and salt in a food processor. Add cold shortening and butter, and pulse until the butter-flour mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Add ice water and pulse just until the dough comes together. Gather dough and form into a disc, then wrap in plastic wrap and chill for one hour. Roll the cold dough on a floured cloth into an 11-inch round, then fit the dough inside a quiche dish or 9-inch tart pan with removable bottom. Press the dough against the bottom edge and inside of the ring. Run the rolling pin over the top edge of the ring to cut off the excess dough. Chill for 30 minutes. Carefully line the tart dough with aluminum foil, fill with pie weights or dried beans, and blind bake the pastry in a 375-degree oven for about 20 minutes until the dough begins to set and no longer appears wet. Remove foil and pie weights.

INGREDIENTS FOR FILLING 1 medium leek (white and pale green parts only) 1 pound of medium asparagus, trimmed 1 tablespoon unsalted butter 1/2 teaspoon salt 1/2 teaspoon black pepper 1-1/3 cups heavy cream 2 large eggs 1 tablespoon chopped fresh tarragon

DIRECTIONS FOR FILLING Wash leek in a bowl of cold water, agitating water, then lift it out and pat dry. Quarter lengthwise, then cut crosswise into 1/3-inch pieces. Blanch asparagus in a pot of salted boiling water, about 2 minutes, until it turns bright green. Lift asparagus out with tongs, plunge it into a bowl of ice water to stop it from cooking, then drain and pat dry. Cut off and reserve the tips, then thinly slice the stalks crosswise. Heat butter in a 10- to 12-inch heavy skillet over moderately low heat until the foam subsides, then cook the leek with 1/4 teaspoon salt, stirring, until softened, about 6-8 minutes. Stir in sliced asparagus and 1/4 teaspoon pepper and remove from heat. Whisk together cream, two eggs, tarragon, and remaining 1/4 teaspoon each of salt and pepper. Spoon the asparagus mixture into the quiche/tart shell, spreading evenly, then pour cream mixture over the asparagus. Bake the tart until the filling is just beginning to set but still loose on top, about 20-25 minutes. Scatter the asparagus tips over top, pressing lightly if necessary to help them settle into the filling, then continue to bake until the custard is golden and just set, but still slightly wobbly in center, about 30 minutes more (custard will continue to set as it cools). Cool the tart on a baking rack until warm, about 30 minutes. Serve warm or at room temperature, then cut into 6-8 wedges.

Notes: You can make the dough up to one day early—either stored as a dough ball or already rolled out and placed in the pan. Just make sure to wrap and chill the dough before storing. You also can bake the tart two hours ahead. Let it cool, then cover loosely with plastic wrap and keep at room temperature. Reheat, if desired, in a preheated 350-degree oven until warm, about 15-20 minutes.

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care for the whole person, body, mind and spirit. Thatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s more important than ever as we work as a community to fight the coronavirus outbreak. On behalf of our team members on the front lines, please wash your hands, practice social distancing, and if you are sick, isolate yourself and contact your physician. For the latest updates, visit AdventHealthKC.com.