The
Summer
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JULY ‘21 | Vol. 11 No. 3
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TRAVEL
THIS YEAR’S TOP TRAVEL DESTINATIONS
FINANCE
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Very Well KC, a new healing arts collective located in the heart of Downtown Overland Park, brings locals a healing experience unlike any other. This charming space houses a group of healers, practitioners and coaches committed to treating their patients and members holistically, while practicing with a whole person approach. Owners, Emily Hart and Stephanie Simon, sat down to answer a few questions, giving a glimpse into the soul behind this new collective. What types of services does Very Well KC offer?
What inspired Very Well KC?
Does Very Well KC offer memberships?
Owner Emily Hart
Owner Stephanie Simon
12541 Foster St., Suite 330 • Overland Park, KS 66213 SIMPLYKCMAG.COM
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CONTENTS
AROUND TOWN 12 COOKIES!
BE WELL 14
IMPORTANCE OF FOCUSING ON WHOLE HEALTH AFTER BIRTH
DISH 18
CLIFF’S TAPHOUSE SERVES FOOD FOR EVERY PALATE
LOCAL GOOD EATS 20 WHO WHAT WHERE 22 NATALIE BASS
WELLNESS 24
THE TRUTH ABOUT CUTTING OUT SUGAR
INFOCUS 26 26 36
EXPLORE THE FLAVORS OF THAI CUISINE AT TUK TUK THAI
42
BOOKISH 28
12
LET THEM SPLISH SPLASH WHILE YOU READ
7 THINGS 30
SEVEN WAYS TO BEAT THE HEAT
HOME & GARDEN 32
YOUNG FAMILY FARM: AN OASIS IN THE FOOD DESERT OF KC’S URBAN CORE
MIND & BODY 34 BOOST YOUR CONFIDENCE
PARENTING 36 GET OUT THERE!
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TRAVEL 38
GRAB YOUR PASSPORT: THESE ARE OUR TOP FIVE POST-COVID DESTINATIONS
BECAUSE I SAID SO 40 39 IS THE NEW 25
FINANCE 42
KILLING IT ON THE JOB HUNT
GOOD TASTES 44 THAT’S JUST PEACHY!
DEAR KACIE 46 ROTTEN APPLES
APP 48
AUDOBON BIRD GUIDE
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KANSAS CITY’S FIRST BOUTIQUE STYLE SALON SUITE! Your vibe...
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PUBLISHER’S NOTE
Oh, Those Summer Nights It may not feel like it, but we are halfway through the summer! Are you surviving, parents? Or are you counting down the days until school starts and you have a little break from the craziness of your kids? July can be a great month to get away on vacation or just take a break after swim team and camps have slowed down. My family is planning to relax on the beach at the end of the month. It will be a good way to finish the summer and return just in time to prepare for my oldest to head to his first year of college, and my daughter to get ready for her junior year of high school. For those of you who are staying in Kansas City this month, we’ve rounded up some fun post-COVID family-friendly activities to get you through the rest of the summer. Check out your options in our Parenting article on page 36. Stay cool, have fun, and get out there so you enjoy these last few weeks of summer!
Suzanne Steiner, Publisher
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PUBLISHER Suzanne Steiner suz@simplykcmag.com MANAGING EDITOR Brennan Hallock of Hallock Writing & Design editor@simplykcmag.com PHOTOGRAPHY Jami Bowman of Electric Imagez, Jenny Wheat of Wheat Photography, Melanie McDowell, Molly Kuplen, Kate Suter, Love and Sugar Cookie Co., Brittany Burdick Photography, Marie Chic Charlie’s Photography, Heather Morrow, Mike Tsai, Natali Bass, Jami Marshall, Alana Henry, Meghan Turner of Idlewild Photography KC, Luke Franke/Audobon Society, Zip KC CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Julie Burton, Madison Obermeyer, Sophie Oswald, Gina Reardon, Jackie Woods, Allison Gibeson, Tiffany Killoren, T.E. Cunningham, Shannon E. Roesgen, Rebecca Fischer, Judy Goppert, Chelsea Brimer 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
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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BEHOLD THE POWER OF THE RUG. From Persian rugs to custom designed rugs, we have the areas largest selection in all shapes and sizes. Our knowlegable associates can help find your perfect rug.
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9/8/16 12:35 PM
AROUND TOWN
COOKIES! WRITTEN BY JULIE BURTON
They’re almost too pretty to eat … almost. Cookies are a classic sweet treat. You have Grandma’s homemade chocolate chip cookies, the sorta-healthy-not-really flourless cookies, Girl Scout cookies, and cookie dough cookies (it’s a thing).But there is one type of cookie that is gaining attention, and it’s not surprising since these cookies are like looking at a piece of art. They’re custom sugar cookies that are thick, buttery, and cake-like. Each cookie is hand-decorated with icing and artistic details meant to be displayed in a stunning presentation. They’re also just as good to eat. We gathered a few favorite “cookie-ers” around Kansas City for you to try out.
Kate’s Cookies KC Instagram: @katescookieskc Facebook: @katescookieskc
You can’t blame her for keeping her
Kate’s Cookies KC
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day job. Kate Suter, owner of Kate’s Cookies KC, is a dentist by day. And by night—well, she’s making sure she has plenty of patients with a sweet tooth. Baking cookies became her side gig while she was in dental school. She moved back to Kansas City, started an Instagram account, and Kate’s Cookies KC was in business. Suter does everything from baking the almond-flavored cookies to decorating with her lemon-flavored icing. The intricate decorating can take hours, and only Suter has the artistic hand. Her next project is teaching classes for anyone wanting to impress their friends and relatives with their own cookies. Favorite cookie design: “The braille cookie I made for my niece, who is blind. She was always sad she couldn’t read her personalized holiday cookies, so for Easter one year I made her a personalized bunny with her name in braille.” PHOTOS BY KATE SUTER
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Love and Sugar Cookie Co.
Instagram: @loveandsugar_cookieco Website: loveandsugarcookieco.weebly.com Love and Sugar Cookie Co. began from a scroll of Instagram, of all places. Katlin Julo started her cookies business in 2019 after seeing beautifully decorated sugar cookies on Instagram. Baking since she was a little girl, she focused on sugar cookies and the art of decorating. Julo’s cookies are soft, thick, and full of vanilla and butter flavors. But the flavors don’t stop there. Julo loves to develop recipes to match the season. Her soft, ginger snap cookies were a customer favorite last fall. What’s next for the budding cookie-er? Possibly owning a bakery and coffee house. You can’t beat a very pretty cookie with a warm cup of coffee.
Love and Sugar Cookie Co.
Favorite cookie design: “My favorite cookie is probably my Christmas Cookie Santa! He’s just so cute!”
Fountain City Sweets Instagram: @fountaincitysweets Facebook: @fountaincitysweets Website: fountaincitysweets.com
It’s easy to be consumed by the exhausting job of child-rearing. It is rewarding, but you also lose a little bit of yourself being a stay-at-home parent. Sara Siegele, owner of Fountain City Sweets, needed a hobby after two years of staying home. She discovered decorating cookies, and she found her passion. She spends her early mornings and late nights dedicated to her “edible art.” When her kids get a little older, she plans to make the business her full-time career. She even started teaching cookie decorating classes at the local art studio, KClayton Studio in Overland Park. Her cookies are soft with a light almond flavor. And unlike traditional royal icing, the icing has a much softer bite when fully dry. Siegele also offers vegan sugar cookies. Favorite cookie design: “A customer
PHOTOS PROVIDED BY LOVE AND SUGAR COOKIE CO.
wanted me to incorporate her logo designs and then gave me creative freedom to do anything I wanted within the theme ‘Kansas City’ for the rest of the cookies. I had the best time designing that set.”
Swoon
Instagram: @justswoon Facebook: @justswoon Website: justswoon.com Swoon began in 2007 by accident. Sofia Hudson owned a furniture gallery in the Crossroads. Her mother-in-law made sugar cookies for First Friday Art Walks. Soon people began coming just for the cookies, so the two decided to turn Swoon into a cookie business. Swoon’s cookies are buttery and crisp. They are baked until the edges start to caramelize, and frosted with a crusting buttercream icing made with real butter, cream, and a lot of vanilla. The decorating is the longest process, taking at least three
days to complete. Hudson is turning Swoon into a national e-commerce site with standard assortments that are giftable. Stay on the lookout for a new retail space at their kitchen studio in Kansas City, Missouri. There will also be an expansion of offerings at their Made in KC Marketplace locations. Favorite cookie design: “We love to make personalized sugar cookie assortments full of inside jokes. The grouping of cookies may look crazy to a stranger, but the recipient’s face lights up with instant recognition.”
Swoon
PHOTO BY HEATHER MORROW
Fountain City Sweets
PHOTO BY MARIE CHIC CHARLIE’S PHOTOGRAPHY
PHOTO BY BRITTANY BURDICK
PHOTO BY BRITTANY BURDICK
SIMPLYKCMAG.COM
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BE WELL
IMPORTANCE OF FOCUSING ON WHOLE HEALTH AFTER BIRTH WRITTEN BY JACKIE WOODS / PHOTO BY GETTY IMAGES
Bringing a newborn home can be a wonderful and challenging experience for new and experienced moms alike. A growing family can bring much joy, but also present unique challenges. We hear a lot about taking care of ourselves during pregnancy, but it’s just as important to pay attention to your whole health after bringing a baby home.
Christine Khong, MD, is a boardcertified family medicine physician with AdventHealth Medical Group Primary Care at Prairie Village. She encourages her patients to focus on enhancing their whole health—physically, mentally, and spiritually—at all stages of life, and especially with a
newborn at home. “Creating new life can be demanding,” says Dr. Khong. “During pregnancy, women’s bodies go through many changes, and hormones affect their sleep, energy, and mood. It is important that women take care of their
physical health but also their mental and emotional well-being.” The postpartum period, defined as the six weeks after giving birth, can be one of the most difficult times for many women. Some physical challenges women face during this time continued on page 16
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BE YOUR OWN SUPERHERO.
Mammograms Save Lives. When breast cancer is detected early, the 5-year survival rate is 99%. Now is not the time to skip your annual mammogram. You do not need an order to have your screening mammogram. Schedule online, call, or walk in to one of our nine metro locations and walk out with results that day. At Diagnostic Imaging Centers, we remain centered on you and are continuing to follow CDC Guidelines at all nine of our locations to keep you safe.
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BE WELL CONT.
are perineal discomfort, abdominal cramping, sore breasts, and difficulty breastfeeding. They may also experience emotional distress as they try to adjust to a new normal. “While moms expect to feel happy about their newborn, many moms also feel moody and overwhelmed,” explains Dr. Khong. “This can be due to the drop of hormones and lack of sleep.” You may hear people call it the “baby blues,” and it is real. After bringing a newborn home, women often experience emotional distress in the form of mood swings, irritability, anxiety, and exhaustion. These symptoms usually begin two to three days after giving birth and start to improve when your baby is one to two weeks old. However, for some moms these symptoms last longer and turn into postpartum depression. Women with postpartum depression feel hopeless, sad, worthless, and lonely, and also struggle bonding with their baby. “If you are a new mom who isn’t eating, sleeping, or taking care of your baby because of your extreme sadness, you should talk with your doctor immediately,” advises Dr. Khong. The best time to start thinking about ways to improve your whole health as a new mom is during your pregnancy. Dr. Khong encourages women to have an open conversation with their partner about the challenges they are about to encounter.
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“Have discussions about your worries and set expectations and boundaries,” says Dr. Khong. “Talk about ways your partner can be most helpful once the baby arrives.” Here are some additional tips from Dr. Khong about how new moms can keep their whole health in check.
6. Know that you are not alone. Ask for help if needed. Confide in close family members and friends, especially other moms who have experienced similar feelings. You’ll be surprised to find how many women have experienced the same challenges.
1. Eat well-balanced meals and stay hydrated. With your focus on a new baby, it’s tempting to grab snacks that may not be the most nutritious. Prepare and freeze some meals in advance and accept offers from family and friends to deliver meals. Use grocery delivery services so you can keep fruits, vegetables, and healthy snacks on hand.
For moms who continue to struggle, it may be time to seek additional help. A good place to start is your primary care physician or ObGyn. These health care professionals can provide additional resources and ideas that can improve whole health and get you back to feeling like yourself.
2. Sleep when you can. You’ve likely heard new moms say they sleep when their baby sleeps. It’s good advice and will help you feel better and make it through nightly feedings. 3. Say no to unwanted visitors or visitors who have extended their stay. It’s an exciting time for you and your family and friends who want to see you and meet the new baby. However, you should not feel bad about restricting or limiting visitors during your first few weeks at home. 4. Go on walks once you feel up to it. Getting fresh air can help your mood. 5. Check in with yourself frequently. Writing your feelings in a journal can be helpful.
AdventHealth Birth Center offers a variety of services for new and expecting mothers, including a Postpartum Emotional Support Group, the only hospital-based support group in the Kansas City metro area. The group helps women who are experiencing emotional changes before and after birth by raising awareness and providing support, resources, and education. Learn more at AdventHealthKC.com/ BirthCenter.
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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.
DISH
CLIFF’S TAPHOUSE SERVES FOOD FOR EVERY PALATE WRITTEN BY JUDY GOPPERT PHOTOS BY MIKE TSAI
Above: Larry Kime (right), owner of Cliff’s Taphouse, with Laura Valdivia, executive chef
I
t is said that when one door closes, another one opens. That is precisely what happened for Larry Kime, former manager of Nick and Jake’s on the South Plaza. When they closed last year, he immediately began searching for another location. After talking with some commercial brokers who deal specifically with restaurant spaces, he found out that Ollie’s Local might be closing their doors in midtown’s Union Hill area at 3044 Gillham Rd. Kime sat down with Eddie Crane, the owner,
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and they negotiated the space. Kime believes it was a blessing in disguise, as the old Nick and Jake’s space was bigger than he could handle. So he and Laura Valdivia— his amazing chef—began putting together a menu somewhat Nick and Jake-ish. As time went on, they looked at the demographic and found that many people desired more vegan, gluten-free items. They opened Cliff’s Taphouse on April 16 and, after much taste testing and refining, they have a menu
that attracts everyone. Two of his daughters, Paige and Chandler, also work with him.
What was the inspiration for your name? My grandfather, Cliff Forsland, was Scandinavian, and when my sister and I would visit him in Chicago he would take us to his spot, a dark corner bar/restaurant. Each ethnic group has their own neighborhood hangout there, and he was happy to introduce us to all
How did you deal with the pandemic? With a heck of a lot of perseverance! We hired a really solid base of people, trained them, and gave them the tools they need. We co-exist and treat them like people; we treat them with a positive attitude. We let them know they are a part of what we’re doing.
What are some favorite dishes? Our number one seller is our buffalo cauliflower bites, which are cauliflower florets dusted in pea flower, so they are gluten free. They are fried and tossed in buffalo sauce and served with vegan ranch. We have a beet and goat cheese pasta that has walnuts, goat cheese, zucchini, and the pasta is tossed in a beet sauce. We can make it with gluten-free pasta if requested. One of the things about the menu is that although there are some vegan/vegetarian items, these can be manipulated easily. This gives people a lot of dining options, so we can really present ourselves to people with different eating habits.
his friends. Hospitality is in my DNA, and the restaurant industry is a place that is uber-hospitable. We want people to feel that when they come into our restaurant they are entering our home, and we will take care of them.
What do you do to connect yourself to the community and neighborhood? Nowadays, social media helps with that quite a bit. We are teaming up with some local groups and charities that we will help a lot. Also, we are
trying to be available when people come in. If you’re going to be a community restaurant you have to be willing to introduce yourself and talk to people. We want to impact what’s going on around here. This area is evolving, and we want to be part of that evolution and the positive growth of this community. Starting in June, Wednesday nights will be our charity nights, with proceeds going to a charity of our choice.
Cliff ’s Taphouse 3044 Gillham Rd., Kansas City, MO 816.569.2611 • cliffstaphousekc.com
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GOOD EATS
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, soft shell crabs and more. Story also offers monthly wine dinners, a fried chicken special on Wednesday nights, and a burger special on Thursday nights. Visit storykc.com to learn more.
3931 W. 69th Terr., Prairie Village, KS • 913.236.9955 info@storykc.com • storykc.com
Austins Bar & Grill has been serving Southern Johnson County for over 34 years. Our family-owned establishments offer a fun sports bar environment to watch all the games. Fresh quality food is provided with great daily food and drink specials. Enjoy our happy hour menu 3-6 p.m. Monday-Friday!
SOUTH OLATHE - 2103 E. 151st St. • 913.829.2106 NORTH OLATHE - 11180 S. Lone Elm Rd. • 913.322.2337 GARDNER - 245 Moonlight Rd. • 913.856.6965 austinsbarandgrill.com
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
Our food is simple, elegant, and honest. The menu is inspired by a combination of American, Greek, French, and Italian cuisines. Our commitment to freshness and quality is first and foremost, as we use the season’s best offerings and buy from local farmers and purveyors whenever possible. The service team at YaYa’s consistently aims to provide the best service and complete guest satisfaction. We’re proud to be able to meet each special request of our guests, whether it’s food, beverage, or a special setting.
7021 W. 135th St., Overland Park, KS • 913.345.1111 yayaskc.com
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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
Delicious Authentic Thai Food Our menu features our customerfavorite Thai Roasted Duck, Stir Fry, Curry, Phad Thai & more!
Tuk Tuk Thai is a local, Family Owned Business
DINE IN, CARRY OUT, DELIVERY Gift Cards Available Located off 135th & 69 Hwy in Overland Park Not Far from BV Recreation Sports Complex
8351 W. 135th St. - 913.291.0106 tuktukthaikc.com
In Threshingbee | 5501 W. 135th St. Overland Park, KS 620.474.5859 | ShopFitWear.com | @fitwearboutique SIMPLYKCMAG.COM
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PHOTO BY NATALIE BASS
WHAT, WHERE
Meet Natalie Bass Who: Natalie Bass is the direc-
tor of marketing for Zona Rosa. In this role, she oversees marketing the property, promoting tenants, managing social media, planning community events, and developing relationships in the community with nonprofits.
What:
Natalie was born in Iowa, but moved to Columbia, Missouri, when she was five years old. After growing up in Columbia, she stayed local when it came time for college and attended the University of Missouri. After graduating with a journalism degree, she landed an internship in account management with VML here in Kansas City. After six months, she was hired full-time. After her stint at VML and time at Barkley, her career then took her to Houlihan’s as their firstever digital marketing manager, and she stayed with the company for nine years. With two children and a need for better work-life balance, she decided in 2016 to start working on a contract basis, which eventually led her to her current position—which she began in 2018—contracting exclusively for Zona Rosa.
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“I enjoy building relationships,” Natalie says. “I love working with our tenants to market their stores—from small, local businesses to national retailers. Each has its own unique challenge and people working to be successful, and I love being a part of that.” She met her husband while working at VML, and their boys are both active in sports. The family loves to travel, and their preCOVID excursions included a twoweek-long RV adventure out west to national parks, including Rocky Mountain, Zion, Bryce Canyon, and Grand Canyon.
Where:
FAVORITE PLACE TO DINE Silo Modern Farmhouse in Lenexa is one of my favorites, as I especially love the patio that overlooks the golf course and the interesting take the chef has on classic dishes. Brookside Barrio is also somewhere I frequent. In terms of family dining with the kids, Mi Ranchito and Joe’s Kansas City Bar-B-Que are always go-to places for my family. I am a restaurant girl at heart.
FAVORITE PLACE TO SHOP Zona Rosa, of course! I love the Dillard’s there as a onestop shop for items for both myself and the kids. I also enjoy the local wear found at Zona Rosa’s The Pink Dinosaur. FAVORITE HIDDEN GEMS Lake Olathe is a wonderful place to hang out, especially considering their new marina. I enjoy the trails and seeing beautiful sunsets there. FAVORITE PLACE TO TAKE OUTOF-TOWN GUESTS I like to take guests to Joe’s Kansas City BarB-Que for food and then to Lake Olathe and various state parks for recreation. FAVORITE KANSAS CITY ACTIVITY We are a big baseball family, so going to a Royals game at Kauffman Stadium tops our list of favorite classic Kansas City activities.
I love Kansas City for its big-city amenities—the professional sports teams, the fantastic arts community, the great restaurants and shopping—but we have little pockets of communities around the metro all with their own unique vibe and Midwest, laid-back attitude.
HOURS T W F 11am-5pm T H U R S D AY 1 1 a m - 7 p m S AT U R D AY 1 0 a m - 3 p m
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FRANKIE ANDJULES.COM @FRANKIE ANDJULES FRANKIE & JULES BOUTIQUE
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WELLNESS
THE TRUTH
ABOUT CUTTING OUT SUGAR WRITTEN BY SOPHIE OSWALD
P
art of living a healthy lifestyle means knowing the truth behind what you are fueling your body with. Sugar is one of those things that most of us know we should be limiting. But there’s a difference between foods that naturally contain sugar and processed foods that have sugar added. The natural ones, including fruits and vegetables, are good for you and shouldn’t be avoided. However, added sugars don’t provide any nutritional value. Foods with added sugars are difficult to avoid as they seem to be everywhere. In fact, there are over 50 names for added sugar! Most nutritionists and medical professionals teach that completely cutting something out of your diet doesn’t work. When you tell yourself you
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can’t have something, you’re going to want it even more. Completely cutting something out might last for a little while, but ultimately it will likely lead to issues such as binge eating. Georgina Lile is a registered dietitian and internationally board certified lactation consultant at NourishWell. Lile explains that while there can be an increase in the risk of health issues when consuming excessive amounts of added sugar, it doesn’t need to be completely avoided. “Moderate amounts of added sugar can be consumed alongside balanced meals without causing any health problems,” she explains. “I caution anyone trying to completely eliminate added sugars from their diet,” Lile continues. “Our brains are wired to fight food restrictions. Your brain will actually send you cravings
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Sleek Physique for foods you are trying to eliminate. You may end up replacing your usual sweet treat with more food in general.” Ariel Johnston, RD, LD, and owner of The Tasty Balance, LLC, gives similar advice about complete elimination of sugar. “It is like me telling you that tomorrow you could never have ice cream again if your favorite treat is ice cream. I would bet that tonight you would binge on ice cream. This is the scarcity mindset created by telling yourself you can’t have sugar.”
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But there are realistic things we can do to move ourselves in the direction of less sugar without completely cutting it out. A great place to start is ditching soda and other sugary beverages. Soft drinks can be hard to stop consuming. Most of us grew up drinking them, so they are a normal part of life. But a single can of soda has at least 39 grams of sugar. This is close to the recommended sugar intake for an entire day!
Improves skin clarity Increases exfoliation Relives minor muscle aches & pains Increases blood circulation Decreases stress & anxiety
Cut back on the desserts and the sweets. These are enjoyable, but they don’t offer much nutrients. When you do choose to consume them, consider replacing them with a low sugar option. There are many tasty sugar-free options, and stores are beginning to stock more and more. Try some and see what you think! Although we may not realize it, many sauces and dressings contain loads of added sugar. Again, opt for low sugar options. Plenty of the brands you know and love have a low sugar option that tastes similar. “I tell my clients that all foods fit! This approach takes into account that some foods are more nutritious than others, but they should all carry the same weight emotionally,” says Johnston. “It’s educating that fruit juice, for example, is going to be high in sugar and carbohydrates. You don’t have to avoid it, just to be aware that when you have fruit juice it might not keep you as full as having a whole piece of fruit.” Lile adds, “We can moderate our intake through mindful eating and connecting with how certain foods make our bodies feel. Eat small amounts of the foods you crave mindfully with balanced meals. The complex carbohydrates, protein, fiber, and healthy fats cause sugar to enter our bloodstream more slowly to prevent blood sugar spikes and reduce inflammation.” In most cases lowering our sugar intake will increase energy, improve weight management, improve mood, and help focus. If you cut out added sugar as much as possible and consume more balanced and nutritious whole foods, you will quickly notice the benefits.
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INFOCUS
EXPLORE THE FLAVORS OF THAI CUISINE AT TUK TUK THAI
WRITTEN BY SOPHIE OSWALD PHOTOS BY JAMI MARSHALL
K
ansas City has many options for food connoisseurs, but those who love the aromatic and spicy dishes that Thai cooking offers need to try a relatively new restaurant in the area—Tuk Tuk Thai—which has quickly become an Overland Park favorite.
to life and filled an existing space in Overland Park. They now offer a deliciously authentic selection of Thai cuisine to the public. There is a variety in the dishes found on the menu, so you’re sure to find something you enjoy.
Tuk Tuk Thai started as a shared dream of two sisters. “It has been my big sister’s dream to own a restaurant since I first came to the United States,” says co-owner Nicole Brizendine. “She works so hard to help her family, and she also helped me through college. I have been thinking of a way to pay her back, so we opened up a Thai restaurant together.”
“We want to spread love through food, & this is a perfect way to connect with our friends, family, and community.”
In May 2019 this shared dream was fulfilled when they brought their passion for Thai culture and cuisine
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Thai dishes tend to have a combination of five flavors: salty, sweet, sour, bitter, and spicy. This creates
an almost perfect combination. “Thai food is known to be one of the best foods in the world. We use many different kinds of ingredients. Some spices and herbs are Thai chili, ginger, galanga, lemongrass, and basil, just to name a few,” explains Brizendine. At Tuk Tuk Thai you will find many chef specialties all made in unique house sauces. “Some of them are traditional and some are classic Thai street food. Our popular dishes are pad thai, drunken noodle (pad kee mow), tuk tuk thai roasted duck, gaprow and curries,” says Brizendine. She recommends that new customers who may not be familiar with this style of food try one of the chef specialties. Another dish she recommended is the pineapple fried rice, which is served in a half-cut pineapple.
Most Thai restaurants allow you to choose your own level of spice: mild, medium, or spicy. Tuk Tuk Thai is no exception, ensuring you get food that comes at a spice level you can handle.
enjoy the natural light and open seating as you savor your food. There are even outdoor seating options!
The passion behind this business extends to the staff. They are attentive and friendWhen dining at Tuk ly as they welcome Tuk Thai you will notice customers and give them the open kitchen style as Above: Co-Owners and sisters excellent service. The food Nicole Brizendine and Boonlue well as the many windows arrives quickly, but withAthajarusith surrounding the dining out sacrificing any of the area. As you wait for your food to flavor. “We ordered during the pancome, you will even hear the food demic and the food was delicious!” cooking. You and your company can says customer April Skidgel. “I had
the chicken pad thai and highly recommend it.” During the pandemic they not only continued to serve carryout and delivery, but also gave back to the community with generous donations from their friends and family. They served lunch and dinner to front-line personnel, donating over 250 meals across seven hospitals in the area. “We want to spread love through food, and this is a perfect way to connect with our friends, family, and community through food,” says Brizendine. “Food brings us together. It is heartwarming to see the joy and happiness of our customers.” If you’re looking for a new local restaurant to add to your favorites, stop by Tuk Tuk Thai.
Tuk Tuk Thai • 8351 W. 135th St., Overland Park, KS • 913.291.0106 • tuktukthaikc.com
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A Not-So-Ordinary Book Discussion
LET THEM SPLISH SPLASH
WHILE YOU READ WRITTEN BY TIFFANY KILLOREN
Pools are open, and fun in the sun can come in all forms. By all means, throw caution to the wind and cannonball with the other cool parents, but when the time comes to chill poolside or beachside this summer, throw one of these great reads into your bag with the sunscreen. No worries, a few water drops on the pages will be worth it.
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The Last Mrs. Parrish Liv Constantine, 2017
A story about temptation, desperation, and a willingness to do anything to get where you want to be in life, The Last Mrs. Parrish is a quick read with a fabulous twist and shift in perspectives. As it follows the journey of one woman who diabolically covets the life of another, a seemingly simple story develops into something so much more as karma takes hold and dishes out exactly what the characters deserve. An easy read with a satisfying ending, The Last Mrs. Parrish would be a great addition to your pool bag by bringing its own heat to the summer.
The Shadows Alex North, 2020
My first time reading Alex North, I devoured 200 pages in one sitting. Very Stephen King-esque in terms of creep plus supernatural storyline, The Shadows details a mystery spanning 25 years involving a group of teenage boys intrigued by the concept of lucid dreaming (becoming aware that you’re in a dream without waking up). Encouraged by the disturbing belief that the dream state would lead to wonderful things, they’re led by one boy with different and darker motives. I love North’s writing style, and the end of each chapter makes it impossible to set the book down.
The Silent Patient Alex Michaelides, 2019
She kills her husband and then refuses to speak, sitting silently in the mental hospital until a psychotherapist becomes committed to helping her talk again and share her story. The twists and turns of this novel are dizzying in a wonderful way, and I actually said, “Oh….that’s so good” out loud while reading it. With two parallel stories throughout the book, readers join the characters as they travel into the darkness of their own minds while being pushed to their mental and emotional limits. Pushed to their limits or jumping willingly … now that’s something you’ll have to decide.
The Better Sister Alafair Burke, 2019
A perfect pool-side read, The Better Sister is engaging yet quick-paced and suitable for the put-down-pick-up-again reading moments that busy summer schedules provide. Among a backdrop of the wealthy and well-known in New York City, the story focuses on the complex relationship between two sisters who both have secrets to hide. When one marries her sister’s ex-husband (who then ends up murdered), twists and turns reveal that not all is what it seems in life or in families.
Tiffany Killorenis a local author and lover of the written word. Her novel, GOOD WILL, was released in 2020 and she is always thinking of new stories to tell. Follow her at @readandthreads on Instagram for book and life musings as she tries to balance career, family and her passion for writing one step - or word - at a time. PHOTO BY MOLLY KUPLEN
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7 THINGS
7
WAYS TO BEAT THE HEAT 1 Homemade Ice Cream:
A workout and a sweet, cold treat in one? They really had it figured out in the good ol’ days! Get the entire family in on the fun and crank out some fresh, homemade ice cream to cool off in the middle of a sweltering day. (I’ll take vanilla if you’re offering!)
2 Splash Pad:
Don’t have room for a pool? These inflatable mats leave just enough water to cool you off but without the need to dive in. The best part? You can find them for under $50 at your local store, or score one on Amazon.
3 Have a Sweet Summer Snack: You probably
already know that staying hydrated helps keep you cool, but practicing what you preach can be a little more difficult. If eight cups of water a day sounds like a chore, try adding produce with high water content into your diet, like watermelon or cucumbers.
4 Explore a New (or Old!) World: Sometimes
the best way to beat the heat is to get out of it—and into another world! Head over to your KC Public Library branch to browse beloved books, both new
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and old, with the family. Want to get some steps in? Take an afternoon to explore the Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art.
5 Check Your Fans:
Did you know your fan has more than one operating mode? In the summer, your ceiling fan should rotate counterclockwise to push cool air down to the floor, helping cool you off without cranking up the AC (and your utility bills)!
6 Focus on Fresh:
Fresh ingredients don’t just taste better in the warmer months, they feel better too! Kitchen appliances like your oven can really heat up the room. Try mixing in oven-free recipes like salads, smoothies, and—for a sweet treat—no-bake cookies!
7 Switch Up Your Summer Wardrobe: The
sky isn’t the only thing sporting a brighter color! Did you know wearing lighter colors attracts less heat? Switch up your favorite winter hues for whites, lights, and all the sweat-friendly materials you can get your hands on!
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HOME & GARDEN
YOUNG FAMILY FARM AN OASIS IN THE FOOD DESERT OF KC’S URBAN CORE WRITTEN BY SHANNON E. ROESGEN / PHOTOS BY ALANA HENRY
A
lan and Yolanda Young, owners of Young Family Farm, have resided in the Ivanhoe neighborhood of Kansas City, Missouri, since the ‘90s. Having a passion for gardening and being positive contributors to their neighborhood, the Youngs planted Young Family Farm in the heart of the neighborhood. This creation was born from necessity. “As long-time residents, we are personally familiar with and impacted by the urban core’s ‘food desert’ status because of the lack of grocery stores and good, healthy foods. The ethnicity is roughly 89 percent African American and 6 percent Latino. These ethnic groups suffer the highest rate of obesity, type 2 diabetes, and high blood pressure,” says Yolanda.
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The Mission “The Young Family Farm is committed to growing fruits and vegetables using organic practices, and providing those healthy food choices to the underserved population of Kansas City’s urban core—which we believe will ultimately lead to better health outcomes for residents,” says Alan. They only have heirloom vegetables; there are no hybrid vegetables that have been genetically modified on their farm. Alan adds, “A lot of hard work goes into producing food that is not tainted with pesticides. All of our produce is organic and we use a bio-intensive, no-till, high density spin farming method. By not tilling the ground and by adding nutrients to our compost, we grow better produce.” The Youngs use only
permanent raised beds to grow their vegetables. Young Family Farm has become a multi-generational business. Alan and Yolanda’s eldest daughter, Alana, continues what her parents began and is a vital part of growing not only the garden, but increasing community awareness of their farm. Having Facebook and Instagram accounts allows customers to preview what will be available on market day, which is every Saturday between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. until November.
What You Will Find “People visit us not only for the food, but for the company,” says Alana. “There is a real community feel. We greet all of our customers and love to get to know people. We give the highest quality customer service.”
tard greens and kale. “We also love okra and sweet potatoes. It is so hard to pick a favorite!” says Yolanda. “Young Family Farm is a family-owned, blackowned urban farm when there is a lack of black farmers in the country,” says Yolanda. She attributes one of Above: (l to r) Owners Alan & Yolanda Young with daughter Alana Henry the reasons to stigma PHOTO BY MEGHAN TURNER OF IDLEWILD PHOTOGRAPHY KC related to the trauma of slavery. “Sometimes my daughter and I will look at each othShe adds, “Often, customers are er and say, can you imagine what amazed that we pull vegetables our ancestors went through who right out of the ground, clean off had to work in the heat all day with the dirt and bag it for them to very little food — and involuntarily?” take home!” she says. The Young’s say their farm A selfless and unique aspect of this is a way to pay homage and tribute business is that one of their goals to enslaved peoples and their anis to empower residents to grow cestral line. their own vegetables. “We have Young Family Farm is a vessel for made it our mission to do our part fighting food injustice and food inin empowering residents to grow equality. Alana says, “We start small their own food, shop local, and with something that we can do. We provide them with healthy food alinvite others to join us, and that’s ternatives,” says Alana. how transformational change happens.” The Youngs want to empowThe Youngs’ Personal er community members so they Favorites can be a part of something that The Youngs say they love the vibrant betters their personal health and colors of the beets and squash, the neighborhood. and the lovely textures in the mus-
THE MAIN ATTRACTIONS: WHAT THEY GROW Banana Peppers Beets Bell Peppers Broccoli Cabbage Cantaloupe Carrots Cauliflower Crowder Peas Cucumbers Eggplant Garlic Greens (Collard, Mustard, Turnip)
Green Beans Green Onions Habanero Peppers Jalapeño Peppers Basil Kale Mint
Kohlrabi Parsley Lettuce Rosemary Okra Sage Onions Thyme Poblano Peppers Potatoes Purple Hull Peas Radishes Squash Sweet Potatoes Swiss Chard Tomatoes (Red, Green)
Turnip Roots Zucchini Watermelon Zinnias Honey
Young Family Farm 3819 Wayne Ave., Kansas City, MO (816) 237-0572 • instagram: @youngfamilyfarmkc facebook: facebook.com/youngfamilyfarmkc
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MIND & BODY
BOOST YOUR CONFIDENCE, BE LESS CRITICAL OF YOURSELF WRITTEN BY CHELSEA BRIMER
Almost everyone can benefit from a confidence boost now and then, but what, exactly, is self-confidence, and how can you increase it? Simply put, self-confidence is a sense of satisfaction with, and trust in, your feelings, abilities, and personal judgment. It’s what allows you to be positive yet realistic about yourself and your situations. So what happens when you don’t feel confident? According to the Mayo Clinic, “low self-confidence can negatively affect virtually every facet of your life, including your relationships, your job, and your health.” But there are steps you can take to boost self-confidence, even if you’ve felt bad about yourself for years. Perspective plays an important part in how you see yourself and the world around you—the whole “glass-ishalf-empty” versus “glass-is-half-full” business. Both viewpoints are true, but one allows for a more positive outlook on life than the other. If you can learn to adopt the glass-is-half-
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full view, your self-confidence will start to rise. For instance, if you find yourself always running late, don’t beat yourself up over it—acknowledge the fact that you may show up late, but at least you always get there. Another way to help change your perspective is to start focusing on your talents instead of your flaws. What do you love doing? What is it that you do well? Take pride in those things; it will help you feel accomplished, which in turn will help build your confidence. Next, recognize your insecurities and listen to your thoughts about them. According to the Mayo Clinic, self-criticizing situations might include a family crisis, business presentation, job loss, or trouble with a spouse, loved one, or coworker. What do you tell yourself about those situations or behaviors? Are you beating yourself up? Pay attention to your self-talk and see if you can take a more positive outlook or approach. Make sure you are not comparing yourself to others. Boosting your
self-confidence means improving yourself and the way you feel, not trying to make your life exactly the same as someone else’s. Their lives are irrelevant to yours; what is relevant is caring about yourself and advancing your own personal goals and aspirations. So forget about them! Do some soul searching of your own and find out what standards you want for yourself.
Once you begin changing your perspective, you can start taking actions to boost your confidence. Here are some tips and tricks you can use to keep self-criticism in check and kick your self-confidence into high gear:
Accept compliments gracefully. Don’t roll your eyes or say negative things about yourself in response. Smile and thank the person who complimented you.
Take up more space.
Check
your body posture throughout the day—are you slouching? Leaning forward? Making yourself look smaller? Sit or stand up straight and throw back those shoulders! Studies have shown that confident posture projects confidence to others, and will in turn make you feel more confident.
Help others. Even little things like holding the door open for others or being sure to thank those who help you will brighten your day. And when those around you see you being kind and helpful all the time, they will be more kind and helpful, too. And then you’ve made the world a better place. Put care into your appearance. You don’t have to look like Cindy Crawford or George Clooney, just take some time every day to maintain basic personal hygiene: shower, brush your teeth, fix your hair, and wear clean clothes that fit you properly. People tend to treat you
with more respect when they can see that you treat yourself with respect.
Make eye contact. (But don’t be weird about it.)
Avoid negative people.
That friend who always one-ups you with the latest and greatest of everything or who pities you for one reason or another—kick her to the curb. Part of maintaining your own self-confidence is making sure those around you aren’t trying to bring you down.
Be thankful. No matter what you do or don’t have, you surely have more than some. And being thankful for the family, home, job, vehicle, or life you have is a powerful way to maintain a positive attitude. Keeping these pointers in mind will help make sure your self-confidence is top-notch and help you keep self-criticism at bay.
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PARENTING
GET OUT THERE!
FAMILY TIME POST-COVID WRITTEN BY T.E. CUNNINGHAM
PHOTO PROVIDED BY ZIP KC
B
reaking out of the COVID-19 lockdown sure feels good. While we are not out of the woods yet, the fog is lifting and it’s time to start thinking about getting out and having fun with the family. “It’s been an unpredictable time for kids and families. This is a moment to mark with your kids. Make a point to acknowledge the difficult times. Take time to honor each person’s feelings about the pandemic, maybe asking them the ‘worst part’ of the last year and then make a big deal that the worst part of the pandemic is over,” advises Catherine Craig, licensed specialist clinical social worker. Craig adds, “This summer is a perfect opportunity to bring home the point that while there are difficult times in life, this is evidence they can handle difficult moments. Maybe ask what one thing was that they did to help manage those moments, and one way this challenge made them stronger. Celebrate the family’s strength and resilience and spend quality time together.” From outdoor adventures to spending some time inside, here are some
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local family-friendly experiences to try this summer.
The Kansas City Zoo Our KC Zoo is home to more than 1,300 animals. Located in scenic Swope Park, the zoo was founded in 1909. There are a variety of fun things to do, but make sure you check out the koala bears—they are not to be missed!
Fritz’s Railroad Restaurant Fritz’s is a delightful, unique, and economical dining experience for the family. It has been around for decades, yet many locals are not familiar with it. Once seated, guests place their order via a telephone, and your lunch or dinner is delivered to your table by an overhead train. This one is a kid-pleaser and may even garner a grin from Mom and Dad!
Worlds of Fun and Oceans of Fun There is no longer a moose outside the park telling you it’s not open. The tropical-themed water park and 235acre amusement park are back in action this summer! It’s worth reviewing the promotions and offers to save
PHOTO BY CARMEN CARVER
money, and make sure to visit the website for any special rules that may still be in place.
The Kansas City Monarchs The baseball team formerly known as the Kansas City T-Bones made a bold and meaningful move this year. Under new, local ownership, the team rebranded as the Kansas City Monarchs, paying homage in partnership with the Negro Leagues Baseball Museum to the rich history of that team, born 100 years ago. The completely renovated facility is filled with all kinds of family fun and promotions at an affordable price—so let’s play ball!
guide leads your group on the trek, which includes various obstacles. The company also offers a variety of ziplining experiences!
Deanna Rose Children’s Farmstead Located in Overland Park, this is an experience not to be missed. With over 250 animals and birds, your kids will have a blast. They will also learn about growing flowers and vegetables, experience a Kanza Indian encampment or a one-room schoolhouse, and relax at the fishing pond.
ans. Teach your kids about history, pay your respects, and work in a picnic at one of these fascinating locations. Here are a few to consider:
Donutology This place is a surefire hit with the kids. Treat them to a special breakfast at a place that genuinely believes donuts equal happiness. Your family members get to create their own donut and, even better, they get to eat it! The variety of ingredients to choose from is mindblowing!
• The World War I Museum and Memorial, which was created in honor of those who served in the first world war in defense of liberty and the United States of America • The 9/11 Patriots Day Memorial located just off of 125th Street and Antioch Road at the Overland Park Fire Department
Kansas City Auto Museum The KC Auto museum is an engaging trip for the entire family. The museum “embraces the unique and diverse stories of Kansas City, while educating young and old, and celebrating the culture, artistry, industry, and innovation of the automobile.”
• The Korean War Memorial on 119th Street in Overland Park
Tour KC from the Air! Consider a hot air balloon ride for an unparalleled experience with your family. Many of the local companies can carry up to six passengers.
Zip KC This fun outdoor adventure offers a Ninja Training Obstacle Tour and a twohour guided hike through wooded trails along the bluffs of the Kansas river. A
PHOTOS BY JULIE FAERMAN
Tour of Honor Take a road trip around the city and visit several memorials and tributes to veterPHOTO PROVIDED BY ZIP KC
PHOTO BY ISTOCKPHOTO
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TRAVEL
GRAB YOUR PASSPORT THESE ARE OUR TOP FIVE POST-COVID DESTINATIONS WRITTEN BY MADISON OBERMEYER
Norway
D
eciding your travel destinations for post-COVID can be daunting. Considering your very being not only has the potential to be, but will be altered by the places you visit, the strangers you meet, and the food or culture you experience—it’s time to take planning seriously. In 2021, we encourage you to indulge in travel. Walk the intimate cobblestoned streets. Place your hand on a piece of architecture far older than you or anyone alive at this time. Read the small towns around you like a book, and get to know each and every character. You may think the first step of traveling is planning, but we say it’s daydreaming. Travel Advisor Kerry Mooneyham of Midwest Travel Solutions weighs in on some of this year’s hottest destinations—read on to discover our top five, or skip to the bottom to find one of this year’s most popular spots!
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(Just remember, things can change quickly. So always look into the ins and outs of COVID regulations for each country.)
Monterey Follow in the footsteps of the Monterey Five (but not their husbands!) as you visit this gorgeous coastal gem. Take the kids to the Monterey Bay Aquarium to discover every big, little secret about the ocean, then finish off the weekend with fine dining and a California wine even Madeline would be proud of!
Pisa Small town, big history. Lots of marble. That’s right—we’re talking about the one from your history textbook. Just a short train ride away from Florence and perfect for a short weekend trip, don’t skip out on the food— you’re (theoretically, if you’re reading this) in Italy! Stop in any restaurant with a man shouting “bella” at you
from the street and you’re in for a treat. Finish off the night with a slow walk through moonlit streets and humming “Amore” by Dean Martin. Eccellente.
New Orleans From touring a swamp to exploring the French Quarter, New Orleans has a spooky amount of attractions. “I love New Orleans!” Mooneyham says. “And you can drive there from Kansas City!” If you don’t feel like taking a ghost tour from Madame LaLaurie’s mansion to Marie Laveau’s old home, pick up a chicory coffee from Cafe du Monde and ride the streetcar to the Garden District for a day filled with beautiful architecture and hot, fresh beignets! Are you convinced yet? It’s all just one Big Easy 13-hour drive down South.
Copenhagen What do the Little Mermaid, amazing
hot dogs, and the world’s largest collection of unopened beer bottles have in common? Copenhagen! Do yourself a favor and take a walking tour of this quaint and stylish city. A little trick from the 2014 eponymous film—at the highest point of a lose-your-stomach ride at Tivoli Gardens, you can see Sweden on a clear day. Oh, and get all the toppings on the hotdog. You won’t regret it!
Norway Do as the Viking do! A reigning mustsee on our list, Norway is a complete and utter showstopper with polar bear safaris, views of the aurora borealis, and breathtaking fjords taking the cake for anyone looking to cross a few items off the bucket list. “A wild coast is dappled with charming towns and the country’s glacier-carved fjords, rugged mountains and streaming waterfalls give Norway a uniqueness that has historically been underappreciated as a top travel destination,”
Mooneyham explains. Norway seems to be a country in favor of equilibrium—the vibrant and modern cities of Oslo and Bergen meet their match in desolate Svalbard, rife with polar bears, arctic foxes, and reindeer, Mooneyham says, and long summer days are balanced by cold, dark winter nights. “Top city sights in Oslo include Vigeland Park, home to some of the world’s most interesting sculptures, and the Viking Ship Museum, an exceptional collection of authentic ocean-going vessels rich in history,” Mooneyham says. “While in Oslo take a stroll through Aker Brygge, an upscale neighborhood with restaurants, and boutique offerings built on the site of the former shipyard. It is located on the west coast of Pipervika, the Oslo Fjord arm, west of downtown.” Ser deg snart! Who’s ready to pack their bags?
Monterey SIMPLYKCMAG.COM
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BECAUSE I SAID SO...
39 IS THE NEW 25 WRITTEN BY JULIE BURTON / PHOTO BY JAMI BOWMAN
I feel like I’m 25 years old. I said feel like, not look like. And I don’t mean physically feel like either. I’m pushing 40 this year. My legs are tingly because I’ve been sitting on the couch too long writing this. My face is starting to show how much I’ve laughed over the years.
I feel mentally 25. I bought a car. It’s not a new car, but it’s a new-to-me car. I know “Now you have a car payment” isn’t exactly something to get excited about. But I am excited about it. It’s my car. I went from cars gifted to me by my parents right into 15 years of (the always humiliating) “college degree,
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homemaker, income zero” on credit reports. I found a car I liked. I saved up money to put down. I found out that buying a car titled in Missouri and moving it to Kansas involves a 7 a.m. inspection at the Kansas Highway Patrol’s office while wearing pajamas and sporting rat’s nest hair (because that is way
too early to have a car inspected). I found car insurance and patted myself on the back for being a good driver. I made an appointment at the DMV and paid dirty old Uncle Sam. (I called him much worse, but my editor would red mark those words right out of this column.)
Most people spend their 20s making terrible mistakes, but they’re learning how to navigate a world on their own. They find entry-level jobs and get good at shopping generic brands. They look at babies and think They’re so cute! but also NOPE! They take Sunday naps because they can. I take Sunday naps because I’m tired, I’m divorced, I have teenagers, and I’m pushing 40. I didn’t spend my 20s like most people.
I had babies young and married even younger. We weren’t even allowed to rent a car on our honeymoon because we were too young to be insured. We bought a house. A few houses, actually. We bought cars. We did all this before turning 35. It was a lot of responsibility at a young age, but for me it was always with the safety net of someone else’s income.
own, dating, starting a career from nothing, and have three-day hangovers from tequila because I can’t trick my body into being 25 no matter how young I feel. I felt good leaving the DMV—as good as you can feel after you curse out Uncle Sam. I officially have my own car with my own Kansas license plate at 39. But I feel 25!
I’m experiencing the best of what might have been in my 20s. I’m living on my
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
BIRTHS & POSTPARTUM SIBLING CARE WHILE A MOTHER LABORS MEAL PLANNING & PREP
(With some occasions of preparation)
CHILDBIRTH EDUCATION
Come check out our new menu! Glow from the inside out. We’re here to please them all. Billie’s Grocery will bring mostly organic, nutrient-dense whole eats and treats to the community’s ever-growing health food scene.
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Helping to Bring Balance to Your Sacred Space What is a doula?
A person trained to provide advice, information, emotional support, and physical comfort to a mother before, during, and just after childbirth. —Susan Gilbert
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FINANCE
KILLING IT ON THE JOB HUNT WRITTEN BY T.E. CUNNINGHAM
A
s we begin to shake off the COVID-19 hangover, many of us find ourselves u n e m p l oye d — w h e t h e r we were laid off, the company we worked for closed their doors for good, or a family situation forced an employment change. If you are one of these individuals and looking to get back to work, how do you find your way to that perfect job fit? Here are a few essential tips for landing your dream job.
• Get yourself and your personal brand “job-ready.” Make sure your resumé is an excellent representation of you and your skills. This means making sure your professional re-
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sumé is targeted to the industries you are interested in and that you “look good on paper,” as they say. Make sure to include industry keywords that show your knowledge and applicability in the industry. It’s a good idea to have multiple versions of your resumé if you are applying to different industries.
• Make sure your social media is up to snuff. Potential employers will check you out online, so ensure there is nothing posted on your pages that you would not want a potential employer to see—vulgarity, overly political posts, off-color humor, etc. You may be evaluated and passed up without you ever being aware!
• Spend some time on LinkedIn before you begin your career exploration. Take the time to give your profile the same attention you give your resumé and fill out every field you can. Including all the organizations you have been or are a part of makes you more discoverable online, as well as including certifications or skills that are important to your industry. Additionally, you should place precise search terms in your headline—skills and endorsements that would resonate with potential employers. “Skipping a tool, technology, or specialized skill that seems obvious given your career history will lead to fewer hits off your resumé,” advises Kira Davidson, SPHR, SHRM-SCP, Human Resources director for TRI 3, Inc. “Make it easy to find yourself online. Most search tools today are built with not only the ability to search your keywords but identify how closely you match a given role.”
• Perform job searches and use multiple tools, from regularly checking sites like Indeed, Facebook jobs and ZipRecruiter to sending resumés to headhunters and alumni job opening sites from your school. Use job search engines to find jobs using keywords that match your interests and the location in which you want to work.
• Connect, connect, connect. Networking is one of the most
overlooked and wildly effective ways to land your dream job. Make sure all your connections on social media know you are out there looking. Meet for coffee with past colleagues and give them a heads up. Think about organizations you are a member of—your church, exercise group, or professional association, for example. Recruiters and HR practitioners give special notice to referrals. Some of the best and most tenured team members were the result of a referral.
• Don’t ignore old-school communication. Kira Davidson notes that candidates should be prepared for old-school and newschool communication tactics. Recruiters still call and leave messages. Ensure your voicemail box is set up and cleared out. Keep your greeting message simple: your name or phone number should be a part of that message. Become familiar with video interviewing tools. Many programs allow you to utilize free backgrounds; this helps hide clutter or items that dive too deeply into your personal life. Office and solid backgrounds are great in helping keep the attention on you. Many recruiters have moved to using texting features as part of their applicant tracking tool. This allows you quick and easy access to your recruiter, but does not allow you to connect via a call. Instead, ask for a direct contact number.
questions. Take your notes with you—it sends a good message to your potential employer. A candidate who knows nothing about the company can quickly move down the consideration list as early as the phone interview. Have your 30-second “elevator pitch” polished by being ready to tell the interviewer what you do and what you’re looking for in a job. Be professional in appearance and dress for the interview. Arrive early. Try to connect with your interviewer at the beginning of the session with something small (but authentic) that can help break the ice.
• Follow up after your meeting. Remember to ask for a business card from everyone present at the interview and send each one a note. Express gratitude for the discussion and outline why you should be hired. If the position is not one you want to continue to pursue, follow up with a thank you regardless.
• When the job offer is on the table, don’t just jump at it. Take time to make sure you are fully educated on not just the job and compensation, but all other applicable benefits. Now get out there and get your dream job!
• Preparation is critical for interviewing. Research the company and position and jot down
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GOOD TASTES
THAT’S JUST PEACHY! WRITTEN BY GINA REARDON / PHOTO BY MELANIE MCDOWELL
July! Grilled meats! Summer produce! Summer bounty is everywhere. It’s time to look beyond grilled burgers and hot dogs, the occasional steak, corn on the cob, and watermelon. What haven’t you tried this summer? One of my favorite main dishes in summer—especially during peach season—is this recipe for grilled pork tenderloin with bourbon peach barbecue sauce. Inspired by a dish my family enjoyed at restaurant Six 89 in Carbondale, Colorado, prepared by chef-owner Mark Fischer in the early 2000s, we did our best to recreate the memorable bourbon peach barbecue sauce that accompanied grilled thick-cut pork chops. Grilling pork tenderloin is equally delicious, and I’m confident this dish will be as memorable for you as it has been for me.
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Grilled Pork Tenderloin with Bourbon Peach Barbecue Sauce SERVES 8
Sauce Ingredients
Pork Ingredients
4 ounces bacon slices, cut into 1/2-inch pieces
Three 15-16-ounce pork tenderloins, trimmed, or four to six to eight 1-inch-thick center-cut loin pork chops
1 dried chile de árbol,* broken in half 1 cup coarsely chopped onion 2 garlic cloves, chopped 1/4 cup bourbon 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce 1/2 tablespoon whole black peppercorns, crushed
2 tablespoons olive oil 4 teaspoons coarsely ground black pepper 4 teaspoons coarse kosher salt 2-1/2 teaspoons garlic powder
2 small peaches (10-12 ounces total), halved, pitted and diced
Pork Directions
1 cup orange juice
Brush tenderloins (or pork chops) with olive oil to coat.
1 cup ketchup 1-1/2 tablespoons (or more) fresh lemon juice 1/2 teaspoon hot pepper sauce
Sauce Directions Sauté bacon and chile de árbol in a heavy, large saucepan over medium heat until bacon is crisp. Remove the bacon from the pan, drain on paper towels, and set aside. Add chopped onion and garlic cloves to the pan; sauté until onion is translucent, about 5 minutes. Turn up heat and add bourbon. Cook until bourbon has reduced by half. Add Worcestershire sauce and crushed peppercorns; stir for one minute. Add peaches and sauté until translucent, about 5 minutes. Add orange juice, ketchup, 1-1/2 tablespoons lemon juice, and hot pepper sauce. Simmer until sauce thickens enough to coat a spoon thickly, stirring often, about 30 minutes. Add salt, pepper, and bacon. Taste and adjust seasonings, if necessary, including an additional squeeze of lemon juice, if necessary. Remove chile from the sauce and discard.
Mix coarsely ground black pepper, kosher salt, and garlic powder in a small bowl to blend. Sprinkle seasoning mixture all over pork. (Tenderloins can be prepared one day ahead; cover and refrigerate.) Prepare barbecue (charcoal or gas grill) for cooking on medium heat. Transfer 1/2 cup sauce to a small bowl to use for basting. Pour remaining sauce into a small saucepan. Grill pork tenderloins until brown and meat thermometer inserted into center registers at 140 degrees, turning occasionally with tongs (about 18 minutes). Brush pork all over with some of the basting sauce. Grill pork until glazed, turning and brushing with more basting sauce (about 3 minutes longer). Transfer pork to the work surface, let rest 10 minutes. Rewarm sauce in pan. Cut pork crosswise on a slight diagonal into 1/2-inch-thick slices. Arrange the slices on a platter and drizzle with some of the warm peach barbecue sauce. Serve, passing remaining sauce separately.
* Chile de árbol: a long, thin red chile available at Latin American markets, some specialty food stores, and some grocery stores.
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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KACIE ROTTEN APPLES
“My seven-year-old destroyed her iPad after she got angry with a game she was playing. She threw the tablet at the wall. Should we make her pay for a new one from her allowance? My husband says she’s learned her lesson and we shouldn’t expect a seven-year-old to pay for a new iPad. I’m not so sure and think she could use a lesson in nice things and saving up money.”
I don’t like parenting questions. You’re the parent and what you say goes. But you did reach out for advice and I have some. Ummm ... how much is the kid’s allowance? It’s going to take her years to pay for an iPad. At seven, it’s probably less important to teach her about money and earning nice things. The bigger lesson here is learning how to control her temper and not throw things against the wall—expensive or not. It’s good you didn’t immediately cave and buy her a new tablet. She should understand that what she did is unacceptable. She should experience a little bit of time without the tablet as a consequence. It’s also fine if you don’t replace the tablet at all. That’s up to you, as her parents.
If you have any questions you’d like Kacie to answer, submit them to contact@simplykcmag.com.
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APP OF THE MONTH
AUDOBON BIRD GUIDE The gist: While waiting for my almond milk honey flat white at the coffee shop recently, I overheard another customer talking to a friend about seeing a bald eagle in a nearby park.
have entered my life at a more perfect time. The app makes it easy to identify birds anywhere in the U.S., and app users can share the time and location of any sightings.
I’ve seen three of these impressive birds locally in the past few months. There is one I regularly see near the Mid-America Sports Complex, and then two in new locations: one by the lake at Shawnee Mission Park (flew right over my head!), and one by the Central Resource Library off 87th Street.
Identifiers include bird size, color, type, activity, wing shape, and—perhaps the funnest feature— voice. Search by samples of call type (whistle, buzz, chirp) or by samples of each bird’s specific calls.
My first hummingbird sighting this year was at Antioch Park, and while house-sitting for a friend, I saw my first northern flicker—a colorful, polkadotted, crow-sized bird not usually seen in our area. The National Audubon Society’s free app couldn’t
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The app’s News section includes fun info and tips for bird lovers, like the recent “44 Perfect Gifts for the Bird and Nature Lovers in Your Life.” This app is definitely worth checking out!
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Someone is accidentally injured every second Schedule online at GetInQuickERKC.com. In case of a life-threatening emergency, call 911
That’s why our ER experts stand ready 24/7 to care for you. Unexpected moments happen. When they do, you can trust that AdventHealth’s ER experts are ready to safely care for you at four locations throughout Johnson County. And, we’ve made it easy to schedule a non-life-threatening emergency room visit online so you can wait in the comfort of home and arrive at a time convenient for you.
