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CONTENTS
AROUND TOWN 10
THE ARTS & REC FOUNDATION MAKES OP ONE OF THE BEST
LOCAL GOOD EATS 12 BE WELL 14
ADVANCED MATERNAL AGE: WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW
BUSINESS INSIDER 16
BACK TO SCHOOL, BACK TO BUSINESS
INFOCUS 18
MEETING THE DENTAL NEEDS OF KC’S CHILDREN, FAMILIES, AND BEYOND!
WHO WHAT WHERE 22 ROBIN KRAUSE
HOME 24
IMPROVE EVERY ROOM IN YOUR HOME WITH THESE FANTASTIC FINDS
44
26 30
FASHION 26 BEAUTY 30
BEWITCHED BY WITCH HAZEL
DISH 32
EMILY KATE’S GLUTEN FREE BAKERY
PARENTING 34
PROVIDING A SAFE SPACE IN A YEAR OF CHAOS
FINANCE 36
FINDING A SCHOLARSHIP IN A SEA OF STUDENT DEBT
INFOCUS 38
OFFERING A SANCTUARY IN THE MIDST OF CANCER TREATMENT
36 34
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DEAR KACIE 40 (NOT) PRINCE CHARMING
BECAUSE I SAID SO 42 A TABLE FOR TWO
GOOD TASTES 44 FIELD AND STREAM
7 THINGS 46
7 THINGS TO READY YOUR KIDS FOR THE SCHOOL YEAR
APP OF THE MONTH 48 QUIZLET FAILS THE TEST
HAPPENINGS 50
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PUBLISHER’S NOTE
Oh Wait, That Was Last Year Are you enjoying your final days of summer? Using your personal days to enjoy the last free days with your kids, squeezing in pool time every evening, grilling and eating dinner in your backyard. I’m enjoying my final days of summer at baseball tournaments and getting a headstart on school supply shopping. The hailstorm that’s about to hit me includes a new school year with two kids in high school, extensive class projects, extracurricular activities, and everything else involved with raising teenagers, all on top of my daily work life. ... Oh wait, that was last year when things were normal ... Welcome to 2020. Governor Kelly announced that Kansas schools would not start back up until after Labor Day, and Missouri schools have announced reopening guidelines. There are so many questions still unanswered. Will we go back to school in class, or online? I guess we don’t have to let go of summer quite yet. You can still enjoy hikes, bike rides, walks, pool time, and many other proper social distancing activities with friends and family. If you need some help getting back to a productive work schedule, check out our Business Insider article on page 16. Or if you are struggling to communicate with your children about the constantly changing environment we are living in, see our Parenting article on page 34. And don’t forget to reference our 7 Things article on page 46 to get some tips on readying your children for the upcoming school year. Here’s hoping you find the perfect way to hold on to that summer feeling just a bit longer. Stay cool out there—and enjoy.
Suzanne Steiner, Publisher
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AUGUST 2020
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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 Meredeth Schulte Adrienne Maples CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Julie Burton Rebecca Fischer Madison Obermeyer Brennan Hallock, Hallock Writing & Design Gina Reardon TE Cunningham David Marks Jenny Kincaid Julian Suzanne Lammers Sophie Oswald ART DIRECTOR Julie Faerman, Whoo Design ADVERTISING Gretchen McGraw, Sales 620.474.5859 gretchen@simplykcmag.com INQUIRIES SIMPLYkc Magazine 11730 W. 135th St., Ste. 116 Overland Park, KS 66221 913.209.9394 contact@simplykcmag.com simplykcmag.com
COVER & FASHION PHOTOGRAPHY • Beth Houts, Beth Houts Photography, 913.486.8120, bethhouts.com, @bethhoutsphotography MODEL • Morgan Fletchall & Alexandria Strong with Voices& Modeling and Talent Agency, 118 Walnut, Suite 120, Kansas City, MO, 816.753.4261, voicesand.com, @voicesandmodels WARDROBE • Threshing Bee, 5501 W. 135th St., Ste. 2320, Overland Park, KS, 913.400.2497, threshingbee.com, @threshingbee HAIR • Brooklynn Langham, Master Stylist, BluSky Salon Suites at Corbin Park, 6917 W. 135th St., B33, Overland Park, KS, 913.424.6514, @artistrybybrooklynn MAKEUP • Mae Monroe, 913.369.5446, maemonroe.business@gmail.com, @maemonroe.artistry STYLIST • Gretchen McGraw, @gretchen_kc SHOT ON LOCATION • KC Wine Co., 13875 S. Gardner Rd. #1, Olathe, KS, kcwineco.com, @kcwineco
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. ©2020, Mach Publications, LLC.
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AROUND TOWN
THE ARTS & RECREATION FOUNDATION MAKES OVERLAND PARK ONE OF THE BEST WRITTEN BY JULIE BURTON
Overland Park is a beautiful place. But you already know that. It is often named one of the best cities in the country to raise a family. It’s close to Kansas City, the schools are great, traffic is easy, and it’s absolutely beautiful. Overland Park also has one of the most popular botanical gardens in the region—The Arboretum.
T
he 300-acre Overland Park Arboretum & Botanical Gardens is an educational, recreational, and cultural resource for the Kansas City region. It’s a section of land carved out of south Overland Park. You must see it to take in its beauty. Smell the flowers. Take a walk with your kids through a forest that almost seems like there are real fairies living in the trees. The garden holds more than
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The Arboretum has also served as the home of Stems: A Garden Soirée since 2008, which has been the party of the summer. Unfortunately, the decision was made to cancel the event for 2020 due to the pandemic. But the plan is for Stems to be back in 2021 with food tastings of all kinds from Kansas
City’s top restaurants—from street tacos to crab cakes to antipasto to the best mini cupcakes that melt in your mouth. There are typically 24 stops along the paths and among the gardens. Fine wines, craft beers, and specialty mixed drinks complement the food, and live music will again fill the air. If you stay long enough, there will even be fireworks. For the past 12 years, the Arboretum has magically transformed itself on the evening of the Stems party. But the party of the summer has one more thing besides food and cocktails: good conversation. Stems is one of the best networking opportunities for professional or personal connections, as it brings the who’s who of Kansas City. The Arboretum, Deanna Rose Children’s Farmstead, and Overland Park’s public art installations are organized by The Arts and Recreation Foundation of Overland Park. The money raised by events such as Stems allows Overland Park to enhance the quality of life in our community.
PHOTO BY SONYA WRIGHT
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1,700 species of plants in a variety of landscapes, including wild hiking trails and open prairie fields.
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PHOTO BY KATHARINE GARRISON PHOTO BY CINDY TAYLOR
Emily Lane is communications director for The Arts and Recreation Foundation of Overland Park, and she explains, “It’s not very well known that the city of Overland Park is not allowed to fundraise. That’s where the Foundation comes in.” The Foundation began in 1995. Since its existence, it is how Overland Park raises money for the places that make Overland Park so special. “If you took away all these things in Overland Park that the foundation has helped fund—the visitor’s center at The Arbo-
PHOTO COURTESY OF STEMS
retum, the educational Main Street at Deanna Rose, the pieces of art around town—it would not look how we know it today,” Lane says. Despite the pandemic, 2020 is still a special year for The Arts and Recreation Foundation, as it’s the 25th anniversary of the foundation’s existence. In 1995, Wayne Byrd became the founding president of The Arts and Recreation Foundation. Anne and Wayne Byrd were named the honorary chairmen for Stems in 2020.
Without the work of the Byrd family and all the supporters and volunteers with The Arts and Recreation Foundation, Overland Park would still be a special city to raise a family, but it wouldn’t hold the charm. It is foundations like this one that make Overland Park one of the best places to live. We hope you consider supporting the Arts and Recreation Foundation during this challenging year. Donate at artsandrec-op.org.
GET READY FOR FALL! Start an exfoliating routine that will brighten and hydrate your skin!
Billie’s Grocery will bring mostly organic, nutrient-dense whole eats and treats to the community’s ever-growing health food scene. Lots of Gluten Free and Dairy free items…we have something for everyone.
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ENJOY a complimentary at home facial kit with the purchase of the Mixology Facial or any regular sized skincare product.*
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Austins Bar & Grill has been serving Southern Johnson County for over 33 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
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GOOD EATS
Serving organic, whole food eats and treats for KC’s ever growing health food scene, Unbakery prides itself in a gluten free heavy menu. Open 8am-3pm Monday thru Saturday serving breakfast and lunch options from Billie’s Grocery in midtown and Organic juices served in glass bottles. We offer 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 we help you in maintaining optimal health. Mention SIMPLYkc and receive 10% off a juicer.
634 E. 63rd St., KCMO • 816.237.1128 unbakeryandjuicerykc.com
Story is now open for patio and dining room seating. Chef ThorneThomsen 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, soft shell crabs, beef short ribs, lobster tagliatelle, and more. Story also offers monthly wine dinners, taco nights, 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
At Dewey’s, we are working hard to safely serve you! Visit us for dine-in or contactless curbside carryout. We are currently featuring our seasonal pizza, Tito Santana! Stop by and see what all the fuss is about.
Ranch Mart Shopping Center • 3615 W. 95th St., Overland Park, KS • 913.257.5311 deweyspizza.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 or an old-fashioned BBQ wedding. Come in and try the best BBQ in town!
11831 Metcalf Ave., Overland Park, KS • 913.451.8888 burntendbbqkc.com
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BE WELL
ADVANCED MATERNAL AGE: WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW WRITTEN BY JACKIE WOODS
More and more women in the U.S. are waiting until later in life to have babies. Within the past 20 years, an increasing number of women over age 25 have given birth, and this trend is climbing. Bennett points out that defining the risk cut-off at age 35 can sometimes lead to confusion, though. “The fact that, historically, advanced maternal age has been defined as age 35 or older is arbitrary, and using such cut-off thresholds to assess risk can be misleading,” says Dr. Bennett. “In fact, pregnancy risks attributed to age are a continuum, and gradually go up with increasing age.”
“Reasons for this pregnancy delay are varied, but may be due in part to women wanting to complete their education or establish their careers prior to pregnancy,” says Timothy Bennett, MD, Maternal Fetal Medicine specialist at AdventHealth Shawnee Mission and Medical Director of the Children’s Mercy Fetal Health Center. Many times, older women are more financially secure and have stronger relationships with their partners, which
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can make them better prepared emotionally for childbirth and parenthood. Also, reproductive technology has become more advanced, which may contribute to women choosing to have babies at an older age. From a medical standpoint, pregnancy after the age of 35 has been termed “advanced maternal age” indicating you and your baby are at a higher risk of complications compared to younger women who become pregnant. Dr.
Most women know about the increased risk of genetic abnormalities such as Down syndrome or other trisomies with advanced age, and screening and diagnostic tests are available to assess these risks. According to Dr. Bennett, the chance of delivering a baby with a chromosomal abnormality at age 40 is about one in 60 compared to one in 1,200 for age 25. These statistics may sound scary, but it all depends on your perspective. “This risk can be viewed in one of two ways,” says Dr. Bennett. “First, the 40-year-old is 20 times more likely to have a chromosomal abnormality than the 25-year-old. On the other hand, even the 40-year-old has a 98 percent chance of having a chromosomally normal baby.”
It’s true an older woman may have more difficulty becoming pregnant and an increased risk for miscarriage, ectopic pregnancy, and congenital malformations. And once pregnant, she may have a better chance for pregnancy-related complications such as hypertension and gestational diabetes. “These are examples of how advancing age can affect pregnancy,” says Dr. Bennett. “But most of these risks only slightly increase with age and, in some cases, the actual risk may not be completely agreed upon by experts, so it’s important to discuss your situation with your OB provider.” If you are considering pregnancy at an older age, don’t be discouraged. There’s a lot you can do to protect yourself and your baby. Prenatal genetic testing is available and includes various screening and diagnostic options ranging from simple blood tests that better identify certain genetic
risks to more invasive procedures such as amniocentesis, which can diagnose specific genetic conditions such as Down syndrome. Counseling is important to identify the type of testing appropriate for you.
“Good nutrition, exercise and proper weight management are also important. The healthy 40-year-old is more likely to have a successful pregnancy than a 25-year-old with significant medical problems or poor general health.”
Your OB provider will likely recommend a detailed ultrasound to rule out congenital malformations followed by a repeat ultrasound in your third trimester to make sure your baby is growing properly.
All pregnancies have some risk from family history or current or past medical conditions. However, it’s important to remember that most pregnancies have a happy ending, resulting in healthy moms and babies. This holds true for women of advanced maternal age as well.
All pregnant women are screened for diabetes in their third trimester, but it’s recommended for women of advanced maternal age to have an early screening as well. Women with pre-existing diabetes or chronic hypertension—two conditions that frequently complicate pregnancy—should speak with their physician about addressing these issues prior to becoming pregnant. “Regardless of age, avoiding behaviors such as smoking and recreational drug use is essential,” says Dr. Bennett.
“Sure, there are additional issues to consider with older patients, but these issues are most often very manageable,” says Dr. Bennett. “By far, most women in this age group go on to have successful pregnancy outcomes.” Learn more about AdventHealth Shawnee Mission Birth Center by visiting AdventHealthKC.com/birthcenter.
Even during difficult times... We are here for you.
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Centered on you. SIMPLYKCMAG.COM
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BUSINESS INSIDER
BACK TO SCHOOL BACK TO BUSINESS
WRITTEN BY JENNY KINCAID JULIAN / PHOTO BY JAMI MARSHALL
It won’t be long before Instagram and Facebook will be flooded with darling back-to-school pictures. I too will give in to the madness and post a few of my own. Who can resist the color-coordinated outfits, matching bows, new backpacks, and creative “First Day” signs? A few tears will fall, but let’s not overlook the excitement that backto-school brings: a fresh start, new clothes, new teachers, new hallways, and new friends. As for us parents, it also means structure and the opportunity to get back into a healthy routine—homework, dinnertime, bath time, storytime, bedtime. Regardless of whether or not August means back to school for you, go allin with the end-of-summer craze and apply those same child-like feelings to your business. Re-engage, freshen up your look, network, learn a new skill, and plan for what’s in store.
Challenge Yourself Every time your child tries something new, you should do the same. If you’ve ever wanted to be a guest speaker at a local school or professional group, step outside your comfort zone and make it happen.
Network Make a point to connect with someone new or someone from your past each week. When was the last time you sent an email to your friends and family, reminding them about what you do, the services you provide, and the problems you solve? Your kids have to get comfortable with new faces and places, and so should you. If people don’t hear from you, they won’t remember
what you do and they won’t recommend your business.
Organize, Update, and Write It Down Open your planner or journal and start preparing. Block time each day to work on your important tasks during your most productive hours. What could your new work week look like if you stuck to your daily schedule? Create color-coded calendars that sync across devices to keep everyone in the family or the office on the same page. I always say I’ll remember something, but I usually don’t. That is why I like taking notes, and I’ve been known to write things on my hand. The point is, write it down. Go “old school.” With technology refreshed daily on our devices, it’s easy to miss a critical update. Don’t let that be you. Schedule time to update on all your devices, programs, and apps.
Recess Yes, I said it. Recess: the best part of the school day! Regardless if you work from home or at the office, make “recess” a part of your daily routine. Schedule it in. Stretch, go for a walk, turn the music up and dance, close your eyes in a comfortable break chair—whatever it is, just get up. Fresh air does wonders. For those stuck in
an office, bring your lunch and find the closest outside bench or picnic area—change your surroundings and your mindset.
School Lunch or Brown Bag My small-town school made several things by scratch each day, and they had the best cinnamon rolls I’ve ever had, hands down. Just as the school system is working hard to offer kids a healthy and balanced lunch, you should strive to do the same for your body. Stay away from carb-loaded lunches that weigh you down. Instead, opt for a protein-packed lunch that gives you the energy you need to knock out your afternoon to-dos.
Do Your Homework As a business owner, one of the best things you can do for yourself and your clients is continue to learn and perfect your skills. Don’t underestimate the value of educating yourself, especially now that you can do it in so many ways. Attend a seminar or workshop, or join an industry-specific mastermind group and start a discussion with like-minded professionals. Audible is perfect for people on the go, podcasts are essential, and so is my favorite app, Pocket. The more you know, the more you can do for your clients.
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 professional brands. Contact Jenny at: 816.550.4382 • jenny @ socialworxpr.com • @ jennykincaid
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Myofascial Release Therapy
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Graston Technique • Cupping Cranial Sacral • Scar Release Lymphatic Drainage 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.
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Contact us today:
7270 W. 98th Terr., #220 Overland Park, KS
Wednesday, Aug. 26 • 1:30 – 3 p.m. Join us on Zoom f or a virtual bingo game and a virtual tour of Cedar Lake Village. This event is co-hosted by Johnson County Park and Recreation District 50 Plus. Don’t miss out on the prizes! After registering, you will receive an email with the Zoom meeting link and password prior to the event. To RSVP f or this event, please call (913) 780-9916 bef ore Monday, Aug. 24.
913-343-9042 Overland Park Location
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INFOCUS
Pictured: Dr. Jenkins & Dr. LeBlanc
MEETING THE DENTAL NEEDS OF KC’S CHILDREN, FAMILIES, AND BEYOND! WRITTEN BY REBECCA FISCHER / PHOTOS BY KIA BONDURANT
If you ask Dr. Jill Jenkins and Dr. Michael LeBlanc if they have any fun stories to share related to their work as pediatric dentists, you’ll get a good feel for why they do what they do. “Fun things happen every single day. We get to work with children, and we cherish the joy and the hilarity they bring into our practice and our lives,” says Dr. Jenkins, current VP for the Kansas Dental Association and upcoming president for Johnson County’s dental society. Drs. Jenkins and LeBlanc met during their residency programs at Children’s Mercy. Through conversations with other students and doctors, they realized the need in the Kansas City area for a private dental practice dedicated to children, adolescents, and special needs patients.
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In July 2005, they opened the Jenkins & LeBlanc practice to help meet those needs, serving Johnson and Wyandotte counties. In less than two years they outgrew their original office, and today they have five locations in Kansas City, Olathe, Overland Park, Prairie Village, and Shawnee.
“Pediatric dentistry involves an acute understanding of developmental psychology, an educational piece that allows for greater awareness and empathy toward how children process and respond,” explains Dr. LeBlanc. “With this information, we as pediatric specialists create a more positive and rewarding dental expe-
rience, which sets the right tone for a lifetime of healthy hygiene habits.” That makes the toys, games, and balloons in the office more than just child’s play—they factor into creating and reinforcing excellent experiences from the moment children enter through the doors until they leave. “We believe in the value of creating an excellent first-time dental experience for children,” Dr. Jenkins says. “We’ve set out to fashion an environment conducive to that principle.” With positive reviews pouring in through social media—and also expressed in drawings made by patients—it’s apparent the Jenkins & LeBlanc team is meeting and exceed-
ing expectations. “We had a wonderful experience,” says Kayla Pine, a mom in Shawnee. “It was my daughter’s first visit to the dentist and I was unsure how she would do. The staff is so friendly and they did an incredible job keeping my toddler entertained and calm. I 100 percent recommend this office, and our daughter will continue to be a patient here.” The doctors’ vision to provide patients from infancy to 18 years old—as well as special needs patients—with the best quality dental care includes keeping up with all the best innovations in dentistry, but also staying with the triedand-true. When it comes to dental disease or decay, prevention is key.
“Having a dental ‘home’ is imperative to good dental hygiene.” As parents themselves, Drs. LeBlanc and Jenkins recognize that many factors are out of our control, so they encourage parents to focus on the things that can be controlled. For example, they recommend making sure your child is: •B rushing their teeth twice daily with a fluoride toothpaste • Flossing once daily •R educing foods and drinks that cause cavities, including anything sweet, sticky, or chewy as well as soda pops, juices, and sports energy drinks •C hoosing healthier options, such as fresh fruits and vegetables, cheese, nuts, and water “Having a dental ‘home’ is also imperative to good dental hygiene,” adds Dr. Jenkins. “When a child, as well as Mom and Dad, can feel comfortable with their dentist and even enjoy the environment, it’s easier on everyone to maintain a consistent schedule—and seeing the dentist every six months is vital to keeping your smile healthy.” Today, the practice employs nearly 130 employees, including eight board-certified pediatric dentists, an experienced and enthusiastic team of registered dental hygienists, a proficient and caring group of dental assistants, and a diverse administrative department.
Above: Back row from left to right: Dr. Casey Rhoads, Dr. Emily Meyer, Dr. Michael LeBlanc, Dr. Jill Jenkins, Dr. Brent Church Dr. Roberts; Front row from left to right: Dr. Adela Casa and Dr. Rebecca Ferns
“It’s been a fantastic 15 years,” says Dr. LeBlanc, “and we look forward to more to come!”
Jenkins & LeBlanc Dentistry for Children • kidsmilekc.com Overland Park Office: 14420 Metcalf Ave., Overland Park, KS 66223 • 913.387.3500 Kansas City, KS, Office: 8919 Parallel Pkwy., Suite 460, Kansas City, KS 66112 • 913.299.3300 Olathe Office: 15151 South Black Bob Rd., Olathe, KS 66062 • 913.764.5600 Prairie Village Office: 8226 Mission Rd., Prairie Village, KS 66208 • 913.378.9610 Shawnee Office: 6810 Silverheel St., Shawnee, KS 66226 • 913.747.6466
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, o h W
WHAT, WHERE Meet Robin Krause
Who: What:
Where:
Owner of The Filling Station, Unbakery and Juicery, Soho Bakery, and now Billie’s Grocery.
Krause’s passion is making people happy through food and food education. That’s what makes Billie’s Grocery unique. There you will find mostly organic, nutrient-dense whole foods. Billie’s Grocery also hosts cooking classes and wellness events. You can even book a customized private party with cooking classes, yoga, acupuncture, or tea blending. Find out more about Billie’s Grocery by visiting their website, billiesgrocery.com, and their Instagram, @billiesgrocery. For more information you can reach out through email: eatwith@billiesgrocery.com!
FAVORITE PLACE TO DINE At this point in time, I love Anousone in Strang Hall, The Russel, Sura Eat, Poio, Fox and Pearl, Happy Gillis, and Waldo Thai.
FAVORITE PLACE TO DRINK My back porch! FAVORITE SHOPPING I love anything local. FAVORITE HIDDEN GEMS Not much is hidden in Kansas City anymore. FAVORITE PLACES TO TAKE OUT-OF-TOWN GUESTS I love to take out-of-town guests to Strang Hall or The Parlor—there is something for everyone. Also, Made in KC stores and Joe’s Kansas City Bar-B-Que.
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PHOTO BY ANNA PETROW
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HOME
IMPROVE EVERY ROOM IN YOUR HOME WITH THESE FANTASTIC FINDS WRITTEN BY SOPHIE OSWALD
Furnishing a home can be overwhelming. There seems to be a smart version of almost everything and an app to control it. Smart devices such as blinds, fans, and vacuums can add some ease to your life, but maybe you don’t want anything too fancy. You just want to switch up some simple aspects of your home. Either way, enhancing your environment and creating a space that is truly your own should be a fun experience. We all want our home’s curb appeal to make a great first impression. That makes now the perfect time to start
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a garden! “There are some good garden boxes which allow almost anyone to grow their own produce and/or herbs,” says Jaime Torres, owner of KC Exotic Woodworks, LLC. If you’re one for smart features, you might add some Philips Hue Outdoor Lights or a Smart Sprinkler. For security, a Ring Video Doorbell is a great addition. The kitchen is often referred to as the heart of the home. One of the most useful tools in the kitchen is an adjustable measuring cup. Using the same tool multiple times without having to dirty a bunch of utensils
makes cooking easier. Another favorite is a dishwasher magnet that says clean on one side and dirty on the other, taking away the hassle of remembering if you ran it or not. If your kitchen cabinets are overflowing with containers, a lid organizer might be your next buy. We spend a lot of our time lying in bed watching TV or sleeping. That’s why the mattress is easily the most important piece of furniture to upgrade. If you’re an athlete, you want a Bear Mattress. If you want something firm, a WinkBed.
It may also be worth investing in some nice bedding. Outlast Temperature Regulating Sheets use NASA-developed technology to absorb heat when you get hot and release it when you get cold. COOP Home Goods Premium Adjustable Loft Pillows are great if you can’t find the right fit. You can add or remove stuffing until it’s perfect for you. “I recently got a cordless Dyson and it is a game changer. It’s so nice to whip out to quickly clean up the kitchen floor or other messes around the house,” says Kelsey Legate, realtor at Heritage Realty. “There’s something so daunting about getting the big, corded vacuum out that makes this one feel so simple.” Legate also loves her robot vacuum. Some of the newest robot vacuums come equipped with a UV light to kill bacteria as they clean the floor. They
even have the option of using an app to schedule cleaning. If doing laundry is daunting, consider making it easier by using sock-pairing clips to ensure you don’t lose socks in the dryer. Also, the Tidy-Cup Laundry Detergent and Fabric Softener Gadget is awesome at stopping the mess of leaking soap, and portable ironing blankets eliminate the need for an ironing board. If you have furry babies, maybe invest in a fragrant, nontoxic candle that neutralizes odors. The Furbo Dog Camera is a loved device for dog owners as well. It has a wireless pet camera that allows you to keep an eye on your dog while you’re gone and give them treats. For the bathroom, a TubShroom is a great addition. It is designed to catch hair while still allowing water to drain. These are especially good for anyone
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with long hair. Another solid addition to the bathroom are double shower hooks. If you’ve ever tried to switch your shower curtain and been irritated you had to take down the liner as well, this will help. Any home with hardwood floors will benefit from furniture socks. They prevent your tables, chairs, and other pieces of furniture from scratching your floors. If you’d like to improve the visual aspects of your home, a great item is a floating bookshelf. These offer a simple way to display books. The books conceal all traces of hardware to create the illusion that the books are levitating. The home is a gathering place and a shelter. It provides an escape from the craziness of the world. Make yours the best it can be!
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FASHION
Easy Summer Style Dresses, sneakers and layered jewelry for all the summer nights
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Photography / Beth Houts Models / Morgan Fletchall & Alexandria Strong with Voices& Stylist / Gretchen McGraw Hair / Brooklynn Langham Makeup / Mae Monroe Shot on Location / KC Wine Co.
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BEAUTY
BEWITCHED BY WITCH HAZEL MIND, BODY, & EVERYWHERE IN BETWEEN WRITTEN BY MADISON OBERMEYER
Y
ou may have glanced over it in your grandmother’s vanity, read through it in an ingredient list, or seen beauty bloggers brag about it on Instagram—but when it comes to witch hazel, does anyone actually know what it does? It’s not every day that a skincare wunderkind is both trendy and long-lasting, so we rounded up the best tips for incorporating witch hazel into your daily routine (because beauty goes far beyond the face around here). First thing first—what exactly is witch hazel? For a concoction that sounds concerningly double, double, toil and troubled, in its most elementary sense, witch hazel is a plant (or a shrub) called Hamamelis virginiana. Annie Kremers of Indigo Wild aromatherapy supply store in Kansas City explains the nuts and bolts behind
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the ingredient: “Witch hazel is a liquid that is distilled from the bark, twigs, and leaves of the witch hazel plant. Among its many uses, it is a natural astringent that can be used topically for toning and tightening skin.” For the Indigo Wild team, natural qualities—like those found in witch hazel—make all the difference in a skin and beauty philosophy. “We believe what you put on your body is as important as what you put in your body,” Kremers explains. “Emily Voth, the founder of Indigo Wild, once said, ‘You wouldn’t put petroleum in your orange juice, so why would you put it in your lip balm?’ And it makes sense.” Au naturel? Oh yes! But getting from plant to product can be a head scratcher. According to Elle magazine, the extract derived from bark, twigs, and leaves of the witch hazel plant is typi-
Defy Age with Endermologie by cally mixed with alcohol and purified water, or other skin-conditioning ingredients like aloe.
Sleek Physique
Here’s where the skincare lingo comes into play—you’ll notice that Kremers called witch hazel an astringent, aka a chemical that shrinks or constricts body tissues. In addition to helping clear the day off your face with the swipe of a soaked cotton pad, witch hazel can also be a key player in the fight against acne. But witch hazel’s healing properties don’t stop at the breakouts.
Reduces cellulite Tones loose skin
Amy Scarborough of Skin Studio KC explains that witch hazel works best for treating inflammatory skin conditions such as acne, eczema, psoriasis, and bug bites on the body. Yes, you read that right—even bug bites! To help cure an itch, deposit some witch hazel solution (preferably a toner instead of lotions, creams, or ointments) onto a disposable or reusable pad and apply to the area of skin affected. The only thing that feels as good as instant relief is realizing your grandmother’s instincts have been spot on all along!
Slims fat pockets Improves skin clarity Increases exfoliation Relives minor muscle aches & pains Increases blood circulation
When it comes to skincare, the cup that is witch hazel overfloweth, but it’s best to keep in mind that anyone’s skin can have an adverse reaction to any ingredient, no matter how naturally amazing it is! (Although, it’s worth mentioning that according to medicinenet.com there have been no reports of known side effects.) Bug bites? Check. Cuts, scrapes, swelling? Check, check, check. Now it comes to the true test—working it into your skincare routine. Thankfully, witch hazel is a shoo in thanks to its balancing properties; however, a skincare regimen should always be applied with the lightest ingredients first. (A triedand-true roadmap looks something like this: cleanser, toner, serums, eye cream, moisturizer, sunscreen.) And you should always test new products on a small area of skin before going full frontal. “Witch hazel is best applied after you cleanse the skin to help with your PH balance,” Scarborough recommends. “Apply a lightweight moisturizer—one that is either cosmeceuticals or noncomedogenic applied afterward. Don’t forget to wear a physical block sunscreen, like one from Image Skin SPF 32. It is excellent for combination skin types.” From acne to oily skin, witch hazel is an obvious addition to the skincare top shelf, though it’s the whispers of helping hemorrhoids or depuffing varicose veins that keep us coming back. For now, we’ll let stories remain stories, but we’re sold—and you can bet that it’ll be a vanity staple for generations to come. Witch hazel may just be the 21st century potion we never knew we needed, but was there all along!
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DISH
EMILY KATE’S GLUTEN FREE BAKERY PREPARES INSPIRED PERFECTION WRITTEN BY BRENNAN HALLOCK
R
obin Knight’s daughter, Emily, was diagnosed with Celiac disease in 2010, which involves giving up gluten. Gluten is in many foods, but there was one food that Emily was especially sad about not being able to eat. Emily came to her mother teary eyed. “I can never have another raspberry cupcake,” she announced. During high school, Emily had worked at a boutique bakery that made some of the best baked goods in the city, including raspberry cream cupcakes. This inspired Robin to set about creating a gluten free bakery that offers cookies, bread, brownies, cakes and, yes, raspberry cream cupcakes.
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Almond Blackberry Cake PHOTO BY ROBIN KNIGHT
Are there any “secrets” behind making a gluten free bakery product taste like a non-gluten free bakery product? I could call them secrets, but mostly they’re just common sense. We use the very best ingredients we can get our hands on—chocolate from Belgium, locally sourced dairy, Roasterie coffee and espresso in our chocolate prod-
ucts. Even our sprinkles are extra fancy and come from Canada. Most gluten free flours have no personality in terms of flavor, so you need to surround them with other really good things to make up for the lack of flavor in the flour. The other thing is I’m a perfectionist, so I cut products I don’t think are good enough. So a willingness to be really hard on our products works in our favor.
PHOTO BY ANNA PETROW
PHOTO BY ANNA PETROW
What difference have you seen in your life since opening the bakery?
shop and bakery clients shut down (at least temporarily). A couple have come back (we’re so glad for them), but what the drop in local sales has given us is time to focus on national grocery sales, which have taken off. We’ve nearly doubled our staff in the past month.
I’ve made friends in the food service industry that I can’t imagine not having the opportunity to know. I have loved getting to know the bakers who have come through our doors. We have a new, growing crew and they are some of the loveliest people we’ve ever had.
What is your favorite product at the bakery?
How has COVID-19 impacted the bakery? In between Jan. 15 and March 15, Americans went from just 39 percent making meals at home to more than 65 percent. The obvious reason is restaurants shutting down, which also naturally pointed people to grocery stores. So for us, on one hand, all but one of our local coffee
PHOTO BY ROBIN KNIGHT
Robin Knight, owner of Emily Kate’s Bakery PHOTO BY ANNA PETROW
I change this answer every time someone asks. Currently, our cheesecake is my favorite. We make our own graham crackers, then make the crust from that. The cheesecake is classic New York. I also can’t say enough about how much I love our oatmeal cookies, though. I wasn’t happy with them a year ago, so I reformulated the recipe. They are so good, chewy, and just sweet enough.
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PARENTING
PROVIDING A SAFE SPACE IN A YEAR OF CHAOS WRITTEN BY BRENNAN HALLOCK
T
his has not been the year of relaxation and leisure that many of us anticipated, and that is especially true for parents. Extended spring breaks, doing school from home, classes being cut short, summer camps and other kids events being canceled—and to add to that the stresses at the workplace— have made this a challenging year for those of us raising kids. But sometimes we overlook the fact that this has been a difficult year for our children, too. Consistency is something most children find comforting, and this year has been anything but consistent. So how do we help our children adjust to all of the changes of 2020 when we are still working out how to handle these changes? “Start by inviting your kids to talk about the issue,” says Tina M. Clark, child and family therapist in Overland
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Park. We don’t have to be ready with all of the answers, we just need to get the conversation started. Let them know that even though you don’t have the answers to some questions, you are able to provide support. “Just acknowledging and giving empathy with I know you are sad. I am sad you are missing this too is powerful and needed before you can problem solve with them and find an alternative to what they are missing,” explains Clark. Our children need us more than ever to help regulate the strong emotions they’re having. They are not able to do activities they love, visit with some friends and family members, and attend many of the events they enjoy. Make sure not to minimize the feelings they are having, and remember, all feelings are okay. They may not know why they feel the way they do, so
helping them regulate their feelings with calming activities and self-care strategies can encourage them to healthfully sort through their emotions.
exhausted or overwhelmed. If this is the case, we need to find ways to self-regulate. Then we will be able to pass on these skills to our children.
When you are talking with your children, remember that they look up to you for how to react and behave. “Fear and anxiety can be contagious,” says Clark. “Anxiety and stress are systemic in nature, meaning they are a function of the family, work, or other community system that one belongs to.” Your children will pick up on your anxiety and stress and will often mirror it. “I suggest parents think of themselves as a co-regulator, meaning we help our kids regulate their feelings alongside them,” adds Clark.
When you are helping educate your kids, remember to keep information simple and factual, and provide empathy. If children are very young, you may just need to focus on hygiene practices. If they are of an older elementary age, you can use websites like consciousdiscipline.com that have short stories to help explain different topics.
The most essential piece of being a co-regulator, though, is learning to regulate our own emotions. As difficult as it can be, focusing on ourselves during this time can often have the greatest impact on our families. We may find ourselves
If finances are what are causing the stress, remember that young children have no control over the household income. “While financial literacy is important, kids tend to take on too much anxiety about finances if they are overly informed about adult financial issues for the family,” explains Clark. Instead, you can use this time to teach your children about budgeting, setting financial
goals, and handling money wisely instead of passing on your financial worries and stressors. After empathizing and listening to your children’s worries, next you can help them feel like part of the solution. “When children feel value as part of the solution—when we give them the role of helping by doing their job of wearing a mask, staying distant, avoiding crowds, and washing their hands—they feel empowered and confident,” says Clark. Also, remind your kids that they can talk to you any time they need to. They may need to take some time to think over what you have talked about before they come back to you. Let them take their time and come back when they are ready. “If you open the door to their questions, they will likely come back to you,” adds Clark.
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FINANCE
FINDING A SCHOLARSHIP IN A SEA OF STUDENT DEBT WRITTEN BY BRENNAN HALLOCK
C
ollege can be more than just an academic challenge. For many, it is also a financial challenge. It’s always been this way, but over the past few decades the financial portion of college has become an even greater burden. From 1989 to 2016, the cost of a fouryear degree in the United States increased at a rate of almost eight times that of wages.1 Student loans have had to make up the difference, leaving recent graduates drowning in a sea of student debt. For those of you with children nearing college or already in college, it makes you wonder how they are going to push through this seemingly insurmountable challenge. There is no magic remedy, but thankfully students are still finding ways to make it through college without being overwhelmed with debt, and one of those ways is using grants and scholarships. There are a number of tools for finding grants and scholarships, and you should use all of the available resources to make sure you find what you are looking for. Here are a few places that will help you on your search for financial aid.
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THE SCHOOL’S FINANCIAL AID OFFICE This should be your first stop. A good financial aid advisor will do everything in their power to find scholarships, grants, and other financial help. “I always encourage students to first connect with the financial aid and scholarship office at their college or university,” explains Ashley Jost, financial aid communication manager at Johnson County Community College. “Most have foundations and generous donors who want to provide financial support to their students. The financial aid office is here to help you find funding opportunities and succeed. That is what we do every day!”
A HIGH SCHOOL OR TRIO COUNSELOR The TRIO program is a federal outreach program that identifies and provides services for individuals from disadvantaged backgrounds.2 If your son or daughter qualifies, this can be a major help for their college tuition. If not, a high school counselor should still be able to guide them in finding financial aid for their upcoming tuition.
FEDERAL GOVERNMENT AGENCIES In addition to the U.S. Department of Education, there are other parts of the federal government that offer financial
aid, including places like AmeriCorps, Indian Health Services, National Institutes of Health, and National Health Service Corps.
YOUR STATE GRANT AGENCY Don’t forget to check out your state’s agencies as well as the Federal agencies.3 For example, Kansas has the State Department of Education, State Higher Education Agency, Special Education Agency, and State Adult Education Agency, all of which offer different types of tuition assistance.
SCHOLARSHIP WEBSITES Finally, there are dozens of websites and search engines available for finding scholarships. Here are a few that may be helpful: UMKC Financial Aid Website: finaid.umkc.edu/financial-aid/scholarships Cappex: cappex.com College Board’s Scholarship Search: bigfuture.collegeboard.org/scholarship-search
FOUNDATIONS, RELIGIOUS OR COMMUNITY ORGANIZATIONS, LOCAL BUSINESSES, AND MORE
Fastweb: fastweb.com
“Look local. Opportunities are everywhere!” says Jost. “Check with your high school counselor, your local city government, chamber of commerce, rotary, or other civic organizations.” Parents should also ask their employer, their child’s employer, or any professional organizations they are a part of.
Peterson’s Scholarship Search: petersons.com/scholarship-search.aspx
Scott Young, director of the UMKC Financial Aid & Scholarships Office, explains, “Foundations, churches, and other charitable organizations offer scholarships as well. There are specific opportunities such as military-based scholarships or tuition assistance and disability and minority scholarships from organizations that support students from those backgrounds.”
International Education Financial Aid (IEFA) Scholarship Search: iefa.org
Sallie Mae’s Scholarship Search: salliemae.com/college-planning/college-scholarships Scholarships.com: scholarships.com Scholarship Monkey: scholarshipmonkey.com UNIGO: unigo.com UNCF: uncf.org Careeronestop: careeronestop.org/toolkit/training/find-scholarships.aspx
References:
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1. www.forbes.com/sites/camilomaldonado/2018/07/24/price-of-college-increasing-almost-8-times-faster-than-wages/#254b3b3666c1 2. www2.ed.gov/about/offices/list/ope/trio/index.html 3. www2.ed.gov/about/contacts/state/index.html
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INFOCUS
OFFERING A SANCTUARY IN THE MIDST OF CANCER TREATMENT WRITTEN BY SOPHIE OSWALD / PHOTOS PROVIDED BY AMERICAN CANCER SOCIETY
Imagine if you found out you have cancer and your best hope for treatment is located hours away from where you live. On top of fighting for your life, you have to struggle with long commutes, paying for a hotel room, and finding somewhere for your caregiver to stay. This lack of resources adds unneeded stress to the recovery process. In some cases, these complications force people to not seek help at all.
That’s where the American Cancer Society Hope Lodge comes in. They have created sanctuaries to help cancer patients and caregivers navigate these obstacles. “For the past 20 years, the Kansas City Hope Lodge has made a profound impact by connecting thousands of patients to lifesaving, worldclass cancer care and saving them millions of dollars in lodging expenses. We are giving hope a
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home,” says Amy Haynes, director of communications at American Cancer Society. The staff is committed to creating a nurturing and comfortable environment. The Kansas City Hope Lodge has 46 guest rooms, fully equipped community kitchens, a community dining room, a laundry room, and places to gather both indoors and outdoors.
Guests can retreat to their private rooms, make use of provided televisions and WiFi, or chat with others in the community areas. If you’re facing a cancer diagnosis, connecting with others facing similar hardships often reduces stress and makes the process more comfortable. “For many, Hope Lodge provides hope for life after cancer. Guests forge strong, lifelong bonds being
able to connect with others going through a similar cancer journey,” Haynes says.
“For many, Hope Lodge provides hope for life after cancer. Guests forge strong, lifelong bonds being able to connect with others going through a similar cancer journey,” Former guests Holly and Jeff Minnis agree that Kansas City Hope Lodge is more than just a place. “It was our safe haven and home away from home,” they explain. “We developed incredible friendships with many people. During a time that could have been very dark, we found light in the amazing staff and volunteers who selflessly served. We were incredibly blessed.” Thanks to generous donations from organizations around the community and volunteers, there are many activities available to patients and their caregivers. Some of these include game nights, musical entertainment, and holiday celebrations. They host
a yearly homecoming where former guests are invited to come back and socialize with current guests. Tickets to events in the area are even occasionally donated, allowing patients a chance to get out and explore! HEALTH COMPLICATIONS COVID-19 has complicated life for everyone, and the American Cancer Society is no exception. They were forced to suspend Hope Lodge operations recently. With the growth of the pandemic, they could no longer ensure the health and safety of their residents, staff, and volunteers.
the Kansas City Hope Lodge. In the coming years, thousands will be told they have cancer and that their best chance for survival is receiving treatment in Kansas City. We must be here to provide access to lifesaving treatment,” adds Haynes.
This has been hard on residents who were going through treatment. With compromised immune systems they don’t have many safe options for places to stay. The staff looks forward to opening their doors back up in the near future. Despite this setback, you have the ability to help. There are ways for you to get involved and help the organization even while their doors are closed. They are accepting donations on their website, and even have a wishlist on Amazon from which you can purchase items. “The Kansas City Hope Lodge is always in need of basic supplies to keep the lodge running and feeling like a home away from home for our guests,” says Haynes. “We need help from the community to ensure another 20 years of
Volunteer opportunities are available to individuals and groups looking to get involved. You can help make meals, provide entertainment, plan activities, or improve the facility and grounds. Email Danica Cherry at danica.cherry@cancer.org to see how you can volunteer your time!
American Cancer Society Hope Lodge • 1120 Pennsylvania Ave., Kansas City, MO • 816.218.7200 • givinghopeahome.org
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r a e D
KACIE (NOT) PRINCE CHARMING
Our daughter is 26. She’s dating and becoming serious with a young man who my husband and I don’t particularly care for. He’s disrespectful towards her. She tells us she’s frustrated and disappointed. Our son has also mentioned that this man’s treatment of his sister is not kind. We haven’t said anything to her because we don’t want to push her away. Any advice?
I’m guessing this man is a “bad boy.” There’s just something about a bad boy. Women love them. They date them and marry them. I mean, I get it. He’s very good looking, isn’t he? Mmmm. Thought so. Don’t come at me, parents of good-looking sons! It’s just a general observation, and I’m sure there are some respectful good looking men out there. We try our best as parents. You don’t specifically say what he’s doing that is disrespectful. I’ll assume it’s not abusive. Regardless, though, no one should be disrespected. If I were you, I wouldn’t say much initially. But when you are alone with her and she mentions that Prince Charming has failed again, tell her how sorry you are to hear that. Repeat his offense out loud so she hears it from someone else. Then drop it. Listen if she opens up, but don’t initiate. She’ll perceive any criticism of him as an attack on her judgment. Letting her hear what she has been saying about him—from another person— may affect her perceptions of him. Good luck! The real Prince Charming will show up one day.
If you have any questions you’d like Kacie to answer, submit them to contact@simplykcmag.com.
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BECAUSE I SAID SO...
A TABLE FOR TWO WRITTEN BY JULIE BURTON / PHOTOS BY SAMANTHA LEVI
Kansas City is huge. There are 2.34 million people in the Kansas City metropolitan area. The chances of two people meeting out of 2.34 million are low. Yet Kansas City is small.
To an outsider, the table for two may have looked like two women enjoying a patio lunch and cocktails on the Plaza. But if you listened closely, you would have overheard that Kim and I found each other on the internet, and this was our first time meeting face-to-face. I’m not a stranger on the internet. I have many online
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friendships, and friendships turn friendships. Kim those friendships
sometimes those into face-to-face became one of that day.
for two quickly filled with imaginary seats. In those seats, a young family joined us. They were split apart in an unimaginable tragedy.
But my friendship with Kim didn’t actually begin on the internet—it started many years ago, we just didn’t know it at the time. The table
I learned about a friendship Kim had with a man named Drew. Kim’s husband worked with him. Kim and her husband knew Drew well. Drew was
a young husband and a new dad, and he left Kansas City to move to Minnesota with his little family. One night during a work trip, he passed away in his hotel room due to heart failure. Kim’s husband was one of the last people to see him alive. Drew’s widow, Ali, is one of my best friends. She and her son, Brady, live in Minnesota. We share a common love
for Kansas City. I never knew Drew, but I know Ali and I know Drew’s son, Brady. In fact, Brady asked me to marry him last summer at the lake. He jumped off the boat and into my arms. “Marry me!” he screamed. I couldn’t tell his sweet face no. I’m engaged to a second grader. Kim and I talked a long time about our
good friends. She gave me a glimpse of the person one of my best friends loved. And I shared with Kim about Ali’s family and how she found her peace after the heartbreak years ago. Out of 2.34 million people in Kansas City, the internet is the driving force bringing people together. In Kansas City, a table for two is never really a table for two.
Julie Burton is an Overland Park mom, writer, K-State lover, and bacon-hater. She is a blogger and contributing author to the humor book, But Did You Die?: Setting the Parenting Bar Low. Burton’s also been named one of the Today Show’s “funniest parents.” And yes, she really does hate bacon. Please don’t drop her as a friend. Follow Julie at: julieburton.blog • facebook.com/julieburtonwriter • twitter.com/ksujulie • instagram.com/ksujulie
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GOOD TASTES
FIELD & STREAM WRITTEN BY GINA REARDON / PHOTO BY MELANIE MCDOWELL
My dad tells wild stories of his youth: three brothers mostly unsupervised during the summer months by busy blue-collar parents. One tale is all about the daring escapades of robbing the farmers’ cornfields, pillaging the ears from the cornstalks, and eating them raw, in the field. Corn on the cob is one of our family favorites, and I’m always on the lookout for recipes using farm-fresh corn, crisp and sweet, paired with other gifts of summer. Here is that perfect dish—a gratin of fresh corn baked in a simple custard, topped with fresh ripe tomatoes and a chiffonade of basil that gives this dish the “wow” factor. I served it to Dad recently with grilled salmon brushed with barbecue sauce. He loved it ... and I think it cemented my place as his favorite daughter. Enjoy!
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Summer Corn & Tomato Gratin Serves 6 INGREDIENTS 2 tablespoons olive oil 1-1/2 cups chopped onions 5 to 6 cups fresh corn, cut off approximately 7 to 8 ears 1/8 teaspoon ground nutmeg 1-1/2 teaspoons salt 3/4 teaspoon fresh ground or coarse ground pepper 2-1/2 cups half-and-half 3 large eggs 2 large egg whites 1/4 teaspoon hot pepper sauce 2 cups diced, seeded fresh tomatoes, drained 1/2 cup basil chiffonade*
DIRECTIONS Preheat your oven to 350°F. Heat the olive oil in a heavy large skillet over medium-high heat. Add chopped onions to the skillet. Sauté until onions are translucent, about 4 minutes. Add corn kernels and sauté until they are bright yellow, about 4 to 5 minutes. Stir in the ground nutmeg. Season to taste with salt and pepper. Cool. Spray a 2-quart glass or ceramic baking dish with nonstick vegetable oil. Combine half-and-half, eggs, egg whites, and hot pepper sauce in a large bowl and whisk to blend. Stir the corn mixture into the custard. Pour into a prepared dish. Bake until the custard is set, about 30 minutes. Remove the gratin from your oven. Season tomatoes with salt and pepper, then sprinkle the tomatoes evenly over the gratin. Bake until the tomatoes are heated and bright, about 5 to 6 minutes. Before serving, sprinkle the dish with fresh basil. Do ahead: Bake the corn gratin until done and let it rest. When you’re ready to serve, gently rewarm the gratin, top with tomatoes, bake about 5 to 6 minutes more, and top with basil.
* Basil chiffonade: Stack the basil leaves neatly. Roll them tightly. Using a sharp knife, slice crosswise as thin as you can.
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7 THINGS
7
THINGS TO DO TO READY YOUR KIDS FOR THE SCHOOL YEAR
1 Review Your School’s Health and Safety Policies: To mask, or not to mask? Is the question all
parents, teachers, and school district employees are considering as classes approach. Make sure you send your children back to school with all required (or precautionary! We’re looking at you, helicopter moms) protective equipment.
2 Look Into Schedules, Teachers, and More: Don’t be the parent that sends their kid in hoping the AP helps them find their way. If your school isn’t hosting an in-person meet-the-teacher night, find the school map online and mark where their classes, locker, or homeroom teacher will be.
3 Check Out Last Year’s Survivors:
Now that you’ve got the apocalypse that was the 2019-20 school year taken care of, it’s time to tackle a whole new journey: last year’s backpack. Check for any salvageable crayons, pencils, boxes, notebooks, or binders before heading to the store.
4 Invest in a Durable Lunch Box:
No matter their age, your children will always appreciate a
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home-cooked meal (even if it’s cold cuts and a bag of apple slices). For an aesthetically pleasing and portion-minded approach to bagged lunch, try out bento boxes! Less plastic waste is always a win.
5 Back-to-School Shopping:
This season, support local businesses and head to your favorite boutique or stationery store to stock up on goodies for the whole year … or semester!
6 Create Your Own Summer Reading List:
Is the end of last school year fuzzy for anyone else? Get their brains buzzing again by creating your family’s own summer reading list. The best part? You can discuss over dinner, s’mores, or any other summer treat!
7 Give ‘Em a Break:
This goes for you, too! The start of a new school year is stressful, and this one brings lots of unknowns for everyone involved. Relish in the last few days of summer sleep-ins, movie nights, and not an English test in sight.
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APP OF THE MONTH
QUIZLET FAILS THE TEST
The gist: A quiz app … bring
it on! Quiz shows, quiz games, and more! Yes, I was that annoying kid who practically clapped when the teacher announced a pop quiz, giddy with excitement. This is an app parents should get excited about. But, I’m a little skeptical. I opted for the free version, which offered a “study reminders” feature before providing a solid list of subjects: Languages, Math, Arts & Humanities, etc. I went with Arts & Humanities, which was further broken down: World War II, Geography, English Vocabulary, etc. I chose English Vocabulary. The third word I was quizzed on was “devise,” and the definition was “To think out; to plain; to scheme.” To plain? Two words later was “genie,” with the definition “a spirt of Moslem mythology that also works magic.” Yes, “spirt.” And “Moslem?” That’s a little old school. So 2-1/2 typos right off the bat. Maybe the point is to link studying with kids’ phones and gaming. There was a cool path to learning with a little skiing avatar to show your progress. And you can use the app to make your own flashcards, which does save paper. But personally, I’d look elsewhere for a study aide.
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HAPPENINGS *
AUG 1 Downtown Wine Walk Kansas City Power and Light District, 1330 Grand Blvd., Kansas City, MO 64106 3-6 p.m. powerandlightdistrict.com AUG 1 Kansas City Scavenger Hunt 1644 Wyandotte St., Kansas City, MO 64108 scavengerhunt.com AUG 2 2nd Annual Kansas City People’s Choice Awards Kansas City Scottish Rite of Freemasonry, 1330 E. Linwood Blvd., Kansas City, MO 64109 4-7:30 p.m. eventbrite.com
AUG 21-23 2020 Parkville Days Festival Downtown Parkville, MO Aug. 21: 6-10 p.m. Aug. 22: 10 a.m.-10 p.m. Aug. 23: 12-5 p.m. parkvillemo.org/event/parkvilledays-2020
SEPT 5 Bar K 5K With special guests Dion Leonard and Gobi 501 Berkley Pkwy., Kansas City, MO 64120 8 a.m. bark5k.com
AUG 22 Sam Baker Trio in Concert The Folly Theater, 1020 Central St., Ste. 200, Kansas City, MO 64105 8 p.m. follytheater.org
SEPT 12 11th Annual KC Beer Fest 2020 Flying Saucer Kansas City, Kansas City Power & Light District kcbeerfest.com
AUG 26 Steven Curtis Chapman in Concert The Folly Theater, 1020 Central St., Ste. 200, Kansas City, MO 64105 7:30 p.m. follytheater.org
AUG 7 Summer Camp: Behind the Scenes at the Museum John Wornall House Museum, 6115 Wornall Rd., Kansas City, MO 64113 9 a.m.-4:30 p.m. wornallmajors.org
AUG 26 Jammin’ on the Green with Grand Marquis: Celebrate the 100th anniversary of women’s suffrage Shawnee Town, 11501 W. 57th St. 7-8:30 p.m. shawneetown.org
AUG 8 Kansas City Automotive Museum Oddballs and Obscurities Car Show Kansas City Automotive Museum, 15095 W. 116th St., Olathe, KS 8 a.m.-2 p.m. facebook.com/KansasCityAutoMuseum
AUG 27 Morning Brew at the Interurban Arthouse Interurban Arthouse, 8010 Newton St., Overland Park, KS 66204 10-11 a.m. interurbanarthouse.org
AUG 9 Tour de Bier KC Berkley Riverfront Park, 1892 River Front Dr., Kansas City, MO 64106 7 a.m.-2 p.m. bikewalkkc.org/tourdebier AUG 21 Local Life Celebration: Dog’s Night Out Explore your downtown favorites and discover new ones Downtown Overland Park 5-8 p.m. downtownop.org/thirdfridaylocallife
SEPT 12 Discover Fort Osage! Fort Osage National Historic Landmark, 107 Osage St., Sibley, MO 64088 9 a.m.-4:30 p.m. makeyourdayhere.com/205/FortOsage SEPT 12-13 2020 Kansas City 9/11 Memorial Stair Climb Town Pavilion, 1111 Main St., Kansas City, MO 64106 Sept. 12, 6:30 a.m.-Sept. 13, 3:30 p.m. kansascitystairclimb.com
AUG 27 Illustration Academy Life Drawing Session InterUrban ArtHouse, 8001 Newton St., Overland Park, Kansas 66204 6:30-8:30 p.m. interurbanarthouse.org SEPT 4 David Allan Coe in Concert Knuckleheads, 2715 Rochester Ave., Kansas City, MO 64120 Doors open at 7 p.m. eventbrite.com
* Due to COVID, events listed are subject to change or be cancelled.
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