Very Well KC
IS KC’S NEWEST HOLISTIC HEALTH HOTSPOT YOUR SNEAK PEEK INTO UNION STATION’S
AUG ‘21 | Vol. 11 No. 4
AUSCHWITZ: NOT LONG AGO. NOT FAR AWAY
PEOPLE
DROP CELLULITE FOR GOOD AT SLEEK PHYSIQUE
HEALTH
IN THE ZONE CRYO + HEALTH UPGRADES — THE COOLEST WAY TO GET FIT
7 THINGS
DON’T FORGET THESE 7 ITEMS AS YOU HEAD BACK TO SCHOOL
4 WAYS TO USE YOUR PARENT CHILD TAX CREDIT
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CONTENTS
AROUND TOWN 12
NOT LONG AGO, NOT FAR AWAY
BE WELL 14
WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT OSTEOPOROSIS
DISH 18
BRINGING WEST AFRICAN CUISINE TO LIFE, ONE FLAVORFUL DISH AT A TIME
LOCAL GOOD EATS 20 WHO WHAT WHERE 22 PAUL DORRELL
INFOCUS 24
VERY WELL KC: A ONE-STOP SHOP FOR HOLISTIC WELLNESS
12 18
7 THINGS 28
36
7 MUST-HAVES FOR BACK TO SCHOOL
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INFOCUS 30
CELLULITE BE GONE: THE BENEFITS OF ENDERMOLOGIE
BOOKISH 32
LOCAL AUTHORS FIND THE WRITE WAY IN KANSAS CITY
PARENTING 34
ARE YOU BUILDING YOUR CHILD’S SELF-ESTEEM?
INFOCUS 36
EMBRACING BEAUTY AND EMPOWERING WOMEN IN KANSAS CITY
FINANCE 38 44
38
HOW SHOULD YOU USE YOUR CHILD TAX CREDIT?
INFOCUS 40
FINDING THE HEALING ZONE
BECAUSE I SAID SO 42 A MELTED SILVER LINING
GOOD TASTES 44 SUMMER SUPERFOOD
DEAR KACIE 46 THE SNACK HOARDER
APP 48
MYHOMEWORK STUDENT PLANNER
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KANSAS CITY’S FIRST BOUTIQUE STYLE SALON SUITE! Your vibe...
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PUBLISHER’S NOTE
And the Livin’s Easy ... How are your final days of summer? Are you saving your PTO to enjoy the last free days with your kids? Squeezing in pool time every evening when you get off work? Grilling and eating dinner nightly in your backyard (after the sun has gone down, of course)? I’m enjoying the final days of summer with a week-long family trip to the beach and getting a headstart on college dorm room shopping for my oldest. I know there’s a hailstorm about to hit me—a new school year with one kid in college and one in high school, extensive class projects, extracurricular activities, and everything else involved with raising teenagers, all on top of my daily work life. It’s going to be (like always) a lot to manage. Check out page 28 for seven must-haves for back to school to make the transition a little easier. And our App article (page 48) highlights a cool app for organizing homework. I’m sure I’ll be wistfully daydreaming of summer soon, but there is much to look forward to. Here’s to hoping you find the perfect way to hold on to that summer feeling. Stay cool out there—and enjoy.
Suzanne Steiner, Publisher
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KIDS ARE BACK TO SCHOOL Treat yourself to something special at White Buffalo Trading Co.
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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, Melanie McDowell, Molly Kuplen, Jami Bowman, Pawel Sawicki, Sara Clance, Paul Dorrell, Austin Helling, Daniel Miyares, Frederic Sellet, Margaret Gann CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Julie Burton, Madison Obermeyer, Sophie Oswald, Gina Reardon, Jackie Woods, Allison Gibeson, Tiffany Killoren, T.E. Cunningham, Shannon E. Roesgen, Judy Goppert, Brennan Hallock ART DIRECTOR Julie Faerman, Whoo Design ADVERTISING Gretchen McGraw, Sales 620.474.5859 sales@simplykcmag.com INQUIRIES SIMPLYkc Magazine 11730 W. 135th St., Ste. 116 Overland Park, KS 66221 913.209.9394 contact@simplykcmag.com simplykcmag.com
COVER IMAGE PHOTOS • Beth Houts, Beth Houts Photography, 913.486.8120, bethhouts.com, @bethhoutsphotography MODEL • Claire Franklin with Hoffman International Model and Talent Agency, 4800 W. 135th St #230, Leawood, KS, 913.642.1060, hoffmanmodels.com, @hoffmanmodels WARDROBE • Scoobie, 23 on the Mall, Prairie Village, KS, 913.602.8268, shopscoobie.com, @shopscoobie HAIR STYLIST • Jen Matthies, 816.988.5881, @jenergy8.0 MAKEUP ARTIST • Bibiana Carrasco, 816.286.5080, @beauty_withbibi SHOT ON LOCATION • Prairiefire, 5661 W. 135th St., Overland Park, KS visitprairiefire.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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AROUND TOWN
NOT LONG AGO. NOT FAR AWAY. WRITTEN BY SOPHIE OSWALD / PHOTOS BY PAWEL SAWICKI
Auschwitz: Not Long Ago. Not Far Away opened at Union Station in June. Since then it has quickly become one of the most popular exhibitions Kansas City has ever hosted. This exhibition tells the horrific history of those who were sent to Auschwitz Concentration Camp where they were enslaved, tortured, and murdered by Nazis. Out of the 1.3 million people who were sent to this camp, 1.1 million died. Within this exhibition are more than 700 original artifacts and 400 photographs from over 20 institutions and collections around the world. There are many items on display that belonged to victims and survivors such as clothing and accessories. This is the most comprehensive collection dedicated to Auschwitz to ever be shown in North America. Kansas City is one of only two locations that will host this exhibition in the United States. It came to the area from New York City and will make its way back to Europe after its stop
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here. Attending this exhibition will likely be the only opportunity many will have to see these artifacts and to truly absorb this history. This is more than the typical historical exhibit. “It clearly documents a major piece of history, but there is so much hate and intolerance in society and people are quick to judge. Learning how those things can spiral out of control—and looking at the Holocaust as maybe a worst case example—I think it’s a reminder to everybody now to accept people as they are; accept differences. Don’t impose your own beliefs on everyone else. Differences are okay,” explains Jerry Baber, executive vice president at Union Station. School groups looking to organize a field trip to this exhibition are in luck, as there has been a lot of scholarship money made available. “It’s the first
time we’ve ever been able to do that, so we’re really happy about that. It is thanks to a number of donors that really wanted access to that,” says Baber. He stressed the significance of getting kids to appreciate the magnitude of the Holocaust as they develop and become young adults. While this exhibition was not created for children, nothing on display is so graphic that parents should fear their little ones seeing it. It is up to parents to decide if they would like to bring their children with them to learn about this history. This exhibition will be difficult for people of all ages to witness, but with that in mind, the truly horrific events that took place are important for young people to learn about and understand. “I tell my family and friends to take 2-1/2 hours and really go on a person-
al journey with this, and really allow all of the emotions to go through you as you experience this story,” says Baber. This will be an exhibition that will weigh on the hearts of those who attend, but the Holocaust is something that everyone should be educated about. There’s always a chance of something similar happening again, but by keeping these stories alive there is hope for our society to not repeat the mistakes of the past. “We’re honored to be hosting this exhibition. We hope everybody in the community and in surrounding areas take advantage to see this and experience it,” said Baber. This exhibition will remain in Kansas City through late January. Admission costs $23.50 for adults, $19 for seniors age 55 and over, $17.50 for students ages 3-22, and $15 for Union Station members and group members. Children age 2 and under do not require a ticket. You will find tickets and more information online at unionstation.org.
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BE WELL
WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT OSTEOPOROSIS WRITTEN BY JACKIE WOODS / PHOTO BY GETTY IMAGES
When it comes to our health, we often hear about illnesses such as cancer and heart disease, but not much about osteoporosis. But osteoporosis is prevalent in America with 10 million people living with the disease, and 80 percent of them are women (according to the National Osteoporosis Foundation).
So who is most at risk for developing osteoporosis? Anyone can develop the disease, but females, older adults, people of white or Asian descent, and those with a small stature are at increased risk. Some medical conditions such as celiac disease, IBD, kidney disease, Lupus and rheumatoid arthritis can also increase your risk.
“It is estimated that one in two women and one in four men older than 50 years of age will someday sustain a fracture due to osteoporosis,” says Paul Cowan, MD, an orthopedic surgeon who treats patients at AdventHealth Shawnee Mission. “The disease is also hereditary, so a family history of osteoporosis or fragility fractures
increases a person’s risk for becoming osteoporotic.” We don’t usually think of osteoporosis as life-threatening like cancer, but those who suffer complications like hip fractures from the disease are sometimes not able to recover. According to Dr. Cowan, studies have
continued on page 16
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DON'T LET SUMMER
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BE WELL CONT.
shown that patients with osteoporosis who experience hip fractures have a 20 percent increased risk of mortality. Only about 30 percent of people in this situation return to their previous level of function following the injury. Simply put, an osteoporosis diagnosis means you are more prone to broken bones, which can lead to other issues. “If healthy bone resembles a solid piece of hardwood, an osteoporotic bone resembles an eggshell,” explains Dr. Cowan. “Osteoporosis and osteoporotic fractures can lead to chronic back pain, loss of height, and stooped posture. They can also cause patients to experience stress and anxiety about future fractures and possible loss of independence.” When osteoporosis is suspected, a physician will likely get a solid medical history, lab results, and a bone densitometry with DEXA scan to make a diagnosis. All women 65 or older need to have a bone density scan every two years, and men and women with risk factors for the disease such as long-term steroid use, cigarette smoking, and low body
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weight should speak with their physician about early testing. For those diagnosed with osteoporosis, Dr. Cowan suggests monitoring your bone health by regularly following up with your physician and repeating bone density scans. Effective treatments are available, including estrogen replacement therapy, calcitonin, bisphosphonates, and drugs that can boost bone density. “The best way to manage osteoporosis is to avoid it in the first place,” says Dr. Cowan. “Unfortunately, our bone density peaks in our 20s and 30s, so for many of us it is too late to build more bone.” For prevention, it is important to maintain a healthy weight, eat nutritious foods, exercise regularly, stop smoking, and get a physical every year. Dr. Cowan also suggests being proactive and discussing osteoporosis with your physician early instead of waiting until you have suffered a fragility fracture. Non-medication treatments like calcium and vitamin D supplementation, protein supplemen-
tation, and weight-bearing exercises can be helpful with prevention as well as for those already diagnosed. “The body has a natural response to put stress on bones, and weight-bearing exercises help us avoid osteoporosis by making bones more dense and less likely to fracture,” explains Dr. Cowan. “The bottom line is that prevention is key to avoiding fractures due to osteoporosis, and it is a topic that should be discussed with all patients as they age.” AdventHealth offers bone densitometry scans, which are simple, non-invasive procedures that detect bone thinning and mineral loss to diagnose osteoporosis or calculate your risk of developing bone fractures. Learn more at AdventHealthKC.com.
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Overland Park Location Plaza Location -
7270 W. 98th Terr., #220, Overland Park, KS
1421 W. 47th St., Kansas City, MO
We are adhering to COVID-19 with the following increased sanitizing procedures: • Your car is the new waiting room. • We will all be wearing face masks. • We will be performing health screenings. • We have added Medify H-13 air cleaners. • We have enhanced sanitizing procedures. More details are available on our website.
DISH
BRINGING WEST AFRICAN CUISINE TO KC ONE FLAVORFUL DISH AT A TIME WRITTEN BY JUDY GOPPERT PHOTOS BY SARA CLANCE
Y
our first taste of one of owner Fannie Gibson’s dishes will transport your senses to her home region of Western Africa. She measures, seasons, mixes, blends, slices, braises, stirs, and cooks each recipe from scratch, making sure to emulate authentic, traditional flavors she grew up eating and learned to prepare at an early age beside her beloved grandmother. Gibson only uses fresh, healthy, organic, and natural ingredients in her creations. She designed her
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menu to reflect ethnic, cultural, traditional themes. She flavors and spices each dish according to her customer preferences, from mild to spicy to gluten free. “Our goal is to have people from all walks of life within the Kansas City and surrounding areas enjoy amazing, native African cooking under one roof,” she smiles.
When and why did you open Fannie’s West African Cuisine? I am from West Africa, Liberia, and moved to the United States in
2002 mostly due to the civil war in my country. We were refugees living in Ghana, West Africa, before settling in Kansas City. When we moved here, I began cooking my traditional dishes for my family and sharing them on social media, and people loved it. I decided I wanted to bring our culture, food, and music to KC as I felt it was missing and that people needed to experience it. I worked at different restaurants and any job I could to save enough money to open my restaurant. It took me 2-1/2 years
to make a soup from it. Fufu soup is from Nigeria, and very popular here. Fufu is a plantain or yam. We make three different kinds, including plain, yam, and costello. We use a lot of fresh vegetables. I get some from here, and what I can’t find locally I get from a West African supply store in Chicago.
How do foods you cook bring the West frican culture to life? The foods I cook are the real deal. The flavors and ingredients come directly from the West African culture. People who have traveled to Africa and experienced it say it reminds them of something their mom or grandma would make! Our menu is large, and we also cater. Or you can order online and we will deliver to you.
Below: Fannie Gibson brought her heritage and delicious food with her when she immigrated to Kansas City from West Africa.
to save enough and find a good location. I opened on April 13, 2018.
taught me to keep on working, no matter how hard it gets.
Who inspired you to be such an amazing cook?
What are some of your most popular dishes?
My grandmother! She was always cooking and used to chop wood to build the fire. Everybody helped out and it was always hands-on. She was an amazing woman and lived through the civil war where she lost everything. She could make something out of nothing, and I saw how strong and hard working she was, and how she never gave up. She
I am so grateful that my customers love everything! They especially like the jollof rice dish, which is cooked in tomato base sauce. This is from my country of Liberia. I add different meats, including chicken, beef, or shrimp. Every jollof is different across West Africa. The rice dish made with the costello leaf is also from my country, and we pound it
Fannie’s African & Tropical Cuisine 4105 Troost Ave., Kansas City, MO 816.832.8454 • fanniescuisine.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!
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PHOTO BY PAUL DORRELL
WHAT, WHERE
Meet Paul Dorrell Who:
Paul Dorrell founded the Leopold Gallery in 1991 and has been showcasing regional art ever since. He is most proud of the artwork he helped bring to the University of Kansas Hospital, the H&R Block headquarters, and Arrowhead Stadium.
What:
Dorrell grew up in the Kansas City area and attended college at the University of Kansas. Wanderlust led him to explore and move to various locations—from Alaska to New York, Los Angeles, Seattle, Italy, and even the United Kingdom. Eventually, he and his wife Annie settled back in Kansas City to raise their sons. When Dorrell moved back to Kansas City, he says colleagues from other parts of the country did not believe the city compared culturally to other major cities. He saw it as his mission to change that when he opened the gallery and began showcasing artistic talent from the Midwest. He originally started in the art business while he was writing novels but having a hard time publishing and selling them. He quickly discovered he had chosen two professions notoriously difficult to make a living from, and there were some challenges. But when he opened
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his gallery and gained a reputation and following, his phone began ringing and has not stopped. He says the consulting work he does makes his gallery unique, as he has clients in many different locations. Dorrell also has a flair for adventure and loves riding his motorcycle across the country, mountain biking, and hiking the Grand Canyon rim-to-rim every year. He has even auditioned for Survivor. “Any time you are outdoors in nature, it speaks to you and takes the layers of tension off the soul. It rejuvenates you,” Dorrell says. He says this sense of rejuvenation is an important way to find inspiration as an artist. Dorrell loves the sense of community in Kansas City because it is something many larger cities have lost, and he believes this sense of community has given him success. He says he is passionately supported here.
Where:
FAVORITE PLACE TO DINE Sayachi in Brookside, La Bodega on Southwest Boulevard, and
Aixois Bistro in Crestwood are my favorite places to eat. With these restaurants, I not only love the food, but I love the setting, the staff, and the vibe. FAVORITE PLACE TO SHOP I love the niche communities from Westport to the River Market, as well as the Country Club Plaza and Westwood, and what they have to offer. I also love Brookside because of the locally-owned shops, especially World’s Window. FAVORITE HIDDEN GEMS The Livestock Exchange Building in the West Bottoms. FAVORITE PLACE TO TAKE OUTOF-TOWN GUESTS I always take guests to the the Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art, the Country Club Plaza, and the River Market. FAVORITE PLACE TO DRINK Martin City Brewing Company. Martin City is an interesting place with older but beautifully restored buildings, and the brewery has wonderful beer.
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INFOCUS
VERY WELL KC:
A ONE-STOP SHOP FOR HOLISTIC WELLNESS WRITTEN BY SHANNON E. ROESGEN PHOTOS BY JAMI BOWMAN
I
n today’s medical world, specialties are fragmented. Back pain prompts a call to the chiropractor. Emotional pain connects one to a psychotherapist. Working out involves purchasing a gym membership. Becoming beautified ties one to a beauty salon. Wouldn’t it be nice if only one phone call could resolve multiple health issues? Very Well KC is just that. “Most health issues aren’t isolated issues,” explains Emily Hart, co-owner of Very Well KC. “They are complex and need to be looked at from many different angles so the root cause can be addressed and a true healing journey can begin.”
Owners Stephanie Simon and Emily Hart
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Hart says that in a time where physical, mental, and spiritual health are more important than ever, they strive to help people facilitate taking control of their health in a proactive, holistic approach. “Our practitioners and healers care deeply about the work they do and the care they offer. Our goal as a collective is to work as a unit to maximize healing for our community. Having multiple holistic modalities
Pictured Above: Living area and work space for guests and members
under one roof is crucial for this to be a success,” explains Hart. What exactly is under this roof? Yoga classes, meditation classes, and wellness workshops. Chiropractors, physical therapists, psychotherapists, and massage therapists. Members can also be guided through a medical weight loss journey and nutrition classes. Medical aestheticians also work under this roof and offer multiple services, including Botox injections, microdermabrasion, chemical peels, facials, pore cleansing, moisturizing treatment, and spray tans. “Customers can expect to feel at home here. This isn’t a doctor’s office; it’s more like a spa, but one that feels as cozy as your living room,” says Hart. “You can pick up some healing crystals in our retail area, relax in our
‘living room’ while enjoying cucumber lemon-infused water, tea, or local coffee, add in a midday meditation, or join in one of our multiple yoga classes while you wait for your facial, massage, or therapy appointment.” One customer explains that if you’ve
been looking for a one-stop shop for healing, wellness, and energy, this is your place. “The retail is absolutely perfect, the staff is beyond amazing and the entire place is so beautiful and cozy, you’ll want to hang out for hours.” Another customer adds, “I’ve been dreaming of a place just like continued on page 26
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INFOCUS CONT. dependence. One technique used is dry needling, also known as trigger point dry needling. Medical Weight Loss: Medical weight loss is the proactive management of diet, fitness, and healthy behaviors conducted by a physician. These programs often include comprehensive metabolic testing and medical diagnostics to monitor physiological shifts during the course of a program.
Pictured Above: A peek inside the Yoga and Meditation Studio
this. Having the ability to go somewhere and get all the wellness services I might need at one place is so essential. They offer so many things and the membership is a must!”
can cover family patterns, relational dynamics, as well as general human behavior. Some newer areas in the field include attachment patterns, neurobiology, and trauma.
Memberships are available and provide a discount to all offered services. “We want our members to understand that they have power over their health. By joining a loving community like Very Well KC, you are joining a family of like-minded individuals who want to help you learn, grow, and feel better, “says Hart.
It is explained that healing happens in the mind, body, and soul through dedication and persistence. “If you feel you have experienced issues involving anxiety, depression, lack of motivation/purpose, and/or spiritual confusion, then you have come to the right place! In our oneon-one sessions, we will come up with a plan that works best for you to help you break through areas in your life where you feel stuck.”
An In-Depth Look at Some Offered Services Talk Therapy or Psychotherapy: Talk therapists are certified, trained professionals who have been educated in areas of psychology. This
Physical Therapy: Physical therapists are trained professionals to help you assess your body’s condition. Their goal is to help you regain maximal functional mobility and in-
Hart concludes, “We invite you to experience healing the Very Well KC way. Our experienced practitioners, healers, coaches, and passionate educators are ready to join you on your wellness journey.”
SERVICES OFFERED: Talk Therapy Life Coaching Enneagram Coaching Physical Therapy Dry Needling Chiropractic Care Pain Management Medical Weight loss Nutrition Massage Therapy Aesthetician Services Botox/Dysport/Filler Reiki Energy Healing Energy Work Yoga Pediatrics Lactation Consulting Pediatric Chiropractic Care
Very Well KC • 7905 Sante Fe Drive, Overland Park, KS • 913.359.5300 • verywellkc.com
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7 7 THINGS
MUST-HAVES FOR BACKTO-SCHOOL 1 The Basics:
Check your leftover supplies from last year and replace any pencils, pens, highlighters, and electronic devices that need a refresh. Our tip when it comes to notebooks? Start fresh, but don’t be wasteful. Try getting 1-2 notebooks with enough dividers to separate your classes.
2 Staying Home?
If you’re choosing to homeschool or participate in virtual schooling, slow WiFi is no longer an excuse. Make sure your Zoom sessions are uninterrupted and seamless with an additional router or updated service.
3 New Dress Code:
Double check your school’s dress code—if masks are still encouraged or mandatory in school halls, help your child stay prepared with a mask, backup mask ... and a backup for their backup!
4 UV Phone Sterilizer:
For your older kids, help keep school-spread viruses at bay with a UV phone sterilizer. Kill up to 99.9 percent of germs with this perfectly locker-sized gadget—and in un-
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der 3 minutes, so every passing period is a chance to stay healthy.
5 A Top-notch To-Do List:
Whether you’re learning at home or in the classroom, staying organized can help learning be a breeze. Invest in an agenda that works for your student—or if you’re at home, a stationary flip chart focusing on the day’s priorities can help everyone stay on schedule!
6 A New Lunch Box: Bacteria thrive in dark, en-
closed spaces. If you haven’t opened your child’s old lunchbox since 2020, it’s time to leave it (and whatever leftovers are in it) behind.
7 T he First Day Outfit:
In this issue, we discuss how to boost self confidence in yourself, so why not help your child boost theirs? The first day of school outfit has so much potential to start out the year on a stylish foot. Let their personality shine!
ENDERMOLOGIE® The Scottsdale experience right in your own backyard! No need to travel to Scottsdale or Beverly Hills for high-end anti-cellulite spa treatments! Simply visit your Leawood neighbor
SLEEK PHYSIQUE! Thinner Thighs • Tighter Abs • Toner Arms • And less dimply all over! FDA-cleared • Non-invasive • 100% natural!
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INFOCUS
CELLULITE BE GONE
THE BENEFITS OF ENDERMOLOGIE WRITTEN BY T.E. CUNNINGHAM / PHOTOS BY JAMI BOWMAN
At age 11, Cindy Baumann, owner of Sleek Physique, had bilateral reconstructive foot surgery. Her surgeon recommended swimming as therapy, which caused her to fall in love with swimming—competing on teams from elementary through high school. She continued to swim through college, and resumed competition after graduate school until retiring from competition in the mid-’90s, continuing to swim for fitness. How she felt in her skin while swimming led her to discover Endermologie. After almost 20 years in corporate America—primarily health care—she threw in the towel and became an entrepreneur and business owner. “I became an Endermologie client shortly after its FDA clearance in 1998,” says Baumann. “Growing ever more disgruntled with corporate America, my weekly Endermologie treatments became my salvation. This camel’s back finally broke in 2005 when I jettisoned corporate America and opened my first Endermologie practice.” Baumann has since built a large base of satisfied clients. Aliaa, a Sleek Physique client, notes, “I am enthusiastic about my Endermologie results. In the past, the need to cover my cellulite zones with my hands or a towel was profound. Now I walk with confidence!”
What is Endermologie? If you don’t know what cellulite is, you are lucky. The dimpled appear-
ance of the skin (generally on the hips, thighs, and buttocks) can result from various reasons—age, genetics, and hormonal changes being the most common. Almost 90 percent of adult women experience this dimpling in their lifetime.
“Sleek Physique’s program does not include any injections or cutting; the process is entirely noninvasive and natural.”
Body Endermologie is a guided technique that uses regulated suction and rollers to optimize the body’s naturally occurring processes which, in turn, reduces the appearance of cellulite, tones loose skin, and slims fat pockets. Facial Endermologie diminishes the appearance of wrin-
kles, tones loose skin, and slims double-chins. Facial Endermologie results are nearly immediate. Body Endermologie takes a few weeks at two treatments per week. Baumann loves that her program does not include any injections or cutting; the process is entirely non-invasive and natural. Baumann notes that in addition to the treatment itself, clients should drink lots of water and do 15-20 minutes of cardio on treatment days. Each treatment lasts 30-45 minutes. The treatment is FDA-cleared, painless, and many clients nap during treatments. Because the procedure is non-invasive, there is no scarring. Endermologie is organic; results must be maintained just like a haircut or manicure. Returning once a month is enough to maintain most clients.
Above: Cindy Baumann, owner of Sleek Physique
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Over 15,000 Treatments to Date Baumann—a Shawnee, Kansas, native—first opened her practice in St Joseph, Missouri, and then moved it to Kansas City. She then relocated
to Arizona for a few years and finally came back to Kansas City in 2019. Baumann held a Level 2 certification—Endermologie’s highest credential. Then to celebrate 10 years of success, she upgraded to new Endermologie® technology—the award-winning Integral 2, and returned to LPG for Integral Body and Integral Face certification.
Pictured: Cindy teaching the magic of Endermologie at a Scottsdale luncheon meeting.
experience to round out that training, making her a leading practitioner in this field in Kansas City. In fact, she has administered over 15,000 treatments to date! Tammy, a new client, enthuses, “I’ve only had five treatments, and a friend asked me yesterday if I had lost weight because I looked so great.”
The small business owner has nearly two decades of
Sleek Physique, LLC • 11413 Ash St, Leawood, KS • 913.339.8011 • www.SkinYou.Love
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A Not-So-Ordinary Book Discussion
PHOTO BY AUSTIN HELLING
LOCAL AUTHORS FIND THE WRITE WAY IN KANSAS CITY WRITTEN BY TIFFANY KILLOREN
Authors are everywhere. You pass them in the grocery store, sit next to them in restaurants, and might even work with them on the PTA. Except for their tendency to walk a bit too slowly through bookstore aisles, you’d never know the storytellers out there working on their first book, celebrating their new publishing contract, or picking up some ice cream to work on a case of writer’s block. Here’s to all of my fellow writers who mentally work through plot conf licts sitting in the carpool line. Below are a few notable local authors who have found their groove with delightful stories to share.
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Kristin Helling
www.KristinHelling.com As owner of the Parkville Coffeehouse, Helling is a bit of a celebrity among the locals for her dedication to providing the quintessential coffeehouse experience in a charming and historic location. Also an accomplished author of 10 published books in a variety of genres, she loves taking readers on a wild ride with plot twists in her thrillers. The Idea Man, the first book in her action/ adventure trilogy, follows a “quirky hipster” writer whose life takes an unexpected and mysterious turn. A big supporter of local authors (she has a corner devoted to local authors’ books on the coffeehouse’s second floor), Helling is an author-coffee-brewing expert. Sounds like a perfect skillset.
PHOTO BY MARGARET GANN PHOTO BY DANIEL MIYARES
PHOTO BY FREDERIC SELLET
Rachel Homard
Daniel Miyares
www.rhomardbooks.wixsite.com/ author
www.DanielMiyares.com Visit Daniel’s website and you’ll see “paper boat captain and picture book maker” in his bio. That whimsical description fits his work perfectly. His children’s books are a beautiful mix of fanciful stories with magical imagery. Whether your little one wants to take an adventure with Hope in Hope at Sea or follow one boys’ trip into unchartered worlds where new friends await in Night Out, you’ll enjoy reading all of Daniel’s stories and collaborations as much as your children love to listen to them. We could all do with a little more magic in our lives.
Amanda Sellet
www.AmandaSellet.com It’s impossible not to smile when visiting Amanda’s website; from the colorful cover of her novel, By the Book, to the author photo of her hair blowing in the Kansas wind, you want to both read her book and meet her for a coffee. A former journalist who has written for The Washington Post, NPR, and even provided music and movie coverage for VHI, Amanda brings a creative and engaging approach to her writing. Described as “romcom meets Masterpiece Theatre in a tale of new friends, old books, first love, and second chances,” By the Book is a novel certain to speak to young readers everywhere.
Have you read a military action thriller? Perhaps. A romance? Probably. A book that combines the two? Maybe not, but here’s your chance. The Green Triangle introduces readers to a soup kitchen manager in LA who finds herself involved with a green beret who has gone into hiding. In the process of editing the second book in the series, Rachel enjoys tossing readers into the unknown as she navigates the life of author and busy mom of two in Kansas City. Working with a local critique group, Rachel looks forward to exploring, expanding, and editing future story ideas.
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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PARENTING
ARE YOU BUILDING
YOUR CHILD’S SELF-ESTEEM? WRITTEN BY T.E. CUNNINGHAM
Y
ou notice that your daughter seems to be struggling to make friends and says negative things about herself frequently. Your son is continually in trouble at school for acting out. What is going on? It may be that your children are struggling with their self-esteem. Spending time alone can be healthy, but if your children are almost always flying solo that’s a problem because self-esteem affects your child’s dayto-day success in school and social situations. We know that it also plays a decisive role in our professional success later in adult life. To have self-esteem is to value your worth and abilities and to respect yourself. It is about accepting yourself physically, mentally, and emotionally. What many may not realize is how early in our lives self-esteem is developed—or not.
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Indicators of children with healthy or good self-esteem can include a happy child—they make friends relatively quickly and enjoy socializing. These kids usually enjoy creating and thinking; they are enthusiastic about learning and trying new things. Conversely, children who suffer from low self-esteem tend to be more isolated with fewer or no friends—they get frustrated and discouraged. In fact, bad behavior, breaking the rules, and a lot of “I can’t do it” are typical with these children. “Children with low self-esteem exhibit low confidence in school. They become frustrated that they are unable to complete tasks during the school day,” notes North Kansas City schools educator Denise Cunningham. “They begin to believe that everything is too difficult for them. During recess, they may not feel in-
cluded with their peers and isolate themselves during playtime. Children with low self-esteem internalize their feelings and demonstrate frustration and discouragement by withdrawing themselves academically and socially.” You want to raise your children to feel confident to “be themselves” and form positive values, make good and healthy choices, and be able to stand up to negative peer pressure. You also want them to learn to be a good friend and value those relationships. Positive self-esteem helps children. Children with high self-esteem will deal better with the stressors that life throws at them.
How does your child develop self-esteem? The simple answer is a child’s self-esteem starts at birth and grows stron-
ger or falters along the path of life. As a parent, you play a pivotal role in this development by making your children feel loved, valued, and respected. You model good behavior. In doing this, you can teach them that trying new things is fun and essential. You praise them when they do well, and you encourage them when they need to strive a bit more. Oddly enough, setting rules and discipline also tells your child you care, especially as they grow into their preteen and teenage years. Over time, their self-esteem will help them make good choices on their own. Ultimately, you let them know that you are proud of them and treasure them.
What to focus on •P lay, read, and learn with your children. Show interest in their opinions on things and their creativity •S ometimes let your children be the guides in your conversations and in activities.
•S et boundaries, rules, chores, guidelines—structure is vitally important. •H elp your children find hobbies and passions and then let them chase their dreams. • Support your children—always. •S how them that mistakes are part of life, but learning from those mistakes is the key to being happy and productive. Teach them to be problem solvers. •L ove, love, and more love. Show your child you care consistently and unconditionally. This includes physical affection like hugs, as well as regularly saying you love them. It also includes praise for positive behaviors and successes. But be authentic—kids can tell when you are not! •M odel the behavior you want from your child. Don’t fight, argue, or engage in physical altercations with a spouse or other family
member. Remember, little ears hear those cell phone calls and see the occasional texts. Protect them from the unsavory. “Sometimes our children will talk to us about how they are feeling, and sometimes they will hide their feelings from us. It is important to understand and recognize children’s signs of low self-esteem,” says Cunningham. “When your child is demonstrating these signs, provide them with someone to talk with,” she advises. “Collaborate with your child’s classroom teacher(s) and guidance counselors to provide you insight into your child’s self-esteem. Your children’s school wants every child to be successful.” “It takes us all, whether we are parents, teachers, schools, guidance counselors, coaches or friends of the family, to raise today’s children,” Cunningham adds.
Proud to be providing board certified, compassionate pediatric dental care to KC and Johnson County since 2005.
Schedule an appointment at one of our four convenient locations today!
for more information or to visit our blog, visit us online at
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INFOCUS
EMBRACING BEAUTY AND EMPOWERING WOMEN IN KANSAS CITY WRITTEN BY SOPHIE OSWALD PHOTOS BY JAMI BOWMAN
A
shley Maurin Rodden has brought her desire to help women feel confident in their own skin to life with LOVER® Cosmetics. She loved beauty as a child, but the realization that this could be a lifelong career didn’t hit her until college. While attending KU she became fond of a store in the area that inspired her love of makeup. She realized one day she’d want to open a makeup boutique of her own. After interning at Chanel in New York City, Rodden returned to Kansas City and worked at various marketing jobs. In 2006, she founded LOVER Cosmetics. In 2009, she made her way to Paris to attend makeup school at the renowned Christian Chauveau makeup artistry school, then returned to Kansas City and fine-tuned her own brand. “LOVER is nothing like it was when I first started the line. I started with about 25 different individual eye-
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Above: Ashley Maurin Rodden, owner of LOVER® Cosmetics shadows and about 10 different blushes and lip products,” Rodden explains. “All the pieces were individual like you see at most makeup counters today. But after doing hundreds of makeovers, women kept saying the same two things: ‘I don’t know how to do my makeup’ and ‘I don’t have time.’ That made me start the process of testing magnetic palettes and making prototypes.” The products made at LOVER Cos-
metics are all cruelty-free and made in the USA (with the exception of a few pencils). Nearly all are also EU-compliant, gluten-free, paraben-free, and many are also vegan. “I am able to visit the manufacturers, talk to them about what goes inside the products, and give our customers the best quality,” says Rodden. But LOVER is more than a makeup brand offering gorgeous, clean products in helpful magnetic packaging.
Rodden also provides countless women with lessons and an easy makeup routine they can take with them into everyday life. “I wrote a formal five-step makeup regime and brought our customers the magnetic palette. These two things make getting ready, travel, organization, and the morning routine simple!” Simplifying your life is one of the main goals at LOVER Cosmetics. “We want women to apply makeup each day, and easily take it with them on the go. And here’s why—when you’re put together you feel better, so looking good feels good and changes your entire attitude all day,” Rodden explains. They have created a new space to better serve women. “The Makeup Lab by LOVER is what women have been waiting for. It’s a safe, comfortable place to ask questions about makeup and beauty, and where you can get a new look or update your current look. It’s a quiet place to learn how to apply makeup—simply and naturally, never overdone—using amazing products,” elaborates Rodden. Rodden has made it clear that makeup does not have to be complicated. “When women book a makeup lesson, it’s the best way to individually learn how to apply makeup simply, naturally, and quickly. I also have the chance to talk to the client in a one-on-one, in-person setting and ask what her specific makeup needs are—what she prefers color-wise and product-wise. Then we at LOVER can cater to a woman’s individual beauty questions and needs,” Rodden explains. From weddings to photoshoots, whatever your makeup needs are, LOVER Cosmetics can help. They even provide professional dance teams and companies with customized palettes through Dance Glam by LOVER. “I met Ashley [Rodden] many years ago but just recently have been doing more projects with her. I love her energy on set. Whether working with models or more corporate projects she is a perfect fit,” says photographer Kenny Johnson, a client of LOVER Cosmetics. “The product itself was amazing and provided a pigmented and elegant look for my bridal photoshoot makeup. As far as Ashley [Rodden], she was so great to work with! She is kind, experienced, and dedicated to LOVER Cosmetics,” says fashion model Sophia Edmunds. If you are looking for guidance and tips within the world of beauty, look no further.
LOVER Cosmetics • 751 E. 63rd St. Ste. 120 B, Kansas City, MO • 816.695.3469 • lover-cosmetics.com • @shoplovercosmetics SIMPLYkc Special: When calling or booking a makeup consultation with LOVER Cosmetics, mention this SIMPLYkc article for a gift with your purchase.
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FINANCE
HOW SHOULD YOU USE YOUR CHILD TAX CREDIT? WRITTEN BY BRENNAN HALLOCK
A
s a parent of two children with a third on his way, I recently received my share of the Parent Child Tax Credit enacted this spring through the American Rescue Plan. Seeing the numbers in my bank account, though, I asked myself, What should I do with this? Many other parents are asking themselves the same thing. There are parents receiving this money for whom it truly is a rescue from a dire financial situation. But there are also those for whom the money is helpful, but they don’t have to spend it on food or rent. If you are one of those parents, what should you do with this money coming into your account?
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1. Use it for your basic needs: The purpose of this plan isn’t to give people extra money, it is to keep struggling families financially stable. And there are many families still struggling because of unemployment, underemployment, sickness, and other reasons. “The IRS goal by initiating this plan is to pay out the money in advance to help families get funds faster. It isn’t necessarily intended to help people get ahead; it is intended to keep them afloat for those that desperately need it,” explains Marc Shaffer, CFP, AIF, EA for Searcy Financial Services, Inc. in Overland Park, Kansas. “For those
with multiple children, the benefit is significant.” For these families, the best piece of advice is to use the money on family necessities.
2. Put a portion of it into savings: For those of you who aren’t out of work or struggling to feed your children, what you should do with the money may seem more complicated. The first piece of advice is to not spend all the money received. Even though this money is talked about like a gift from the government—similar to a stimulus bill—it comes with some strings attached. Shaffer explains, “Taxpayers should be careful not to spend everything received. The maximum amount is available to individuals making $75,000 or less and married couples making $150,000 or less, with a phaseout for incomes above those thresholds.” The IRS is using previous income information to deliver the monthly payments, but the credit owed will actually be determined by your 2021 income. This means if you’ve had a significant income change (or other significant lifestyle change) between 2020 and 2021, you could end up owing some of this money back to the IRS. “Those that got a new job, earned more money or worked an additional part-time job to increase cash flow may find themselves owing money back to the government if their monthly payment was too high,” says Shaffer. “For
these reasons, we’ve suggested that those receiving the money who don’t need it for cash flow build up their emergency fund to create a potential tax escrow in case they have to give it back.”
3. O pt out of receiving the money: You do have the option to turn down the advance payments. This doesn’t mean you won’t receive the money, it just means you will receive it all as a discount on your taxes in 2022 instead of as checks throughout the rest of this year. If you are concerned about being able to control your spending or would rather not deal with managing the money yourself, this may be the best option. It simplifies the process by not forcing you to determine what portion should be spent and what portion should be saved, and allows you to have the full tax discount when you file your 2021 taxes.
4. Reduce debt or increase investments: Time is an essential piece in increasing wealth, and receiving these tax credits nearly 10 months ahead of when you would normally receive them is valuable. “If someone has an adequate emergency fund and is sure they’ll be within the income limitations to receive the monthly payments, they should review their debt to possibly reduce higher interest liabilities and/or make sure they are taking advantage of employer
benefits and matches within their retirement plan,” explains Shaffer. Paying down debt or increasing investments now instead of waiting until next year allows compound interest to work in your favor and reduce liabilities or increase assets faster.
What is the Parent Child Tax Credit? If you don’t follow the news closely or don’t read the thousands of online articles about what is going on in our country, you may be confused about why the money even showed up in your account. Here is a brief overview of what the Parent Child Tax Credit is. “The American Rescue Plan enacted in March increased the Child Tax Credit benefit for 2021 and directed the IRS to deliver half of the amount that families are eligible for in checks beginning in July,” explains Marc Shaffer, CFP, AIF, EA for Searcy Financial Services, Inc., in Overland Park, Kansas. “The payments are worth up to $300 per month for each child under age 6 and up to $250 for each child ages 6-17.” In other words, taxpayers were already eligible for a portion of this money as a tax discount when they file their taxes next April, but Congress increased the tax discount and directed the IRS to pay out a portion of it monthly starting July 15.
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INFOCUS
Above: Your Partners In Health, Wellness & Beauty
FINDING THE HEALING ZONE NEW BUSINESS HELPS PEOPLE LOOK, FEEL, AND PERFORM THEIR BEST WRITTEN BY ALLISON GIBESON PHOTOS BY JAMI BOWMAN
A
s a long-time health and wellness advocate, Joni Van Horn believes prioritizing wellness is making a personal upgrade. With this mindset, she opened In The Zone Cryo + Health Upgrades last December as a way to help others better themselves. “I have been a wellness warrior for 20 years, and I love to support the body with its natural healing process,” says Van Horn. In The Zone offers cryotherapy, infrared sauna, red light therapy, cold laser therapy, body contouring, compression therapy, personal training, physical therapy, and aesthetics. “We want to lock arms with people and help them transform,” she explains. “We are their partners in healing and prevention.” The most popular services at In The Zone are cryotherapy and InstaSculpt
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body contouring. Cryotherapy is used to help improve or manage rheumatoid arthritis, joint pain, and inflammatory diseases by surrounding the body in a sauna with cold liquid nitrogen gas for three minutes. Additionally, cryotherapy can help with depression and Joni Van Horn, Proud Owner anxiety disor& Wellness Warrior ders, relieve inflammation in athletes, and promote healing after an injury. It can even burn about 500 calories in three minutes. Van Horn used to struggle with arthritis, and the pain went away after she began using cryotherapy. “If the body
Left: InstaSculpt for Instant Results Body Sculpting Solutions Bottom Left: Cryotherapy Sauna
and usefulness for helping your body. “It’s improving how my body recovers and functions,” John says. John has been exercising hard for the last five years and used to frequently be sore, but he no longer experiences soreness after beginning cryotherapy sessions. Additionally, he said InstaSculpt helped him target some hard-to-tone areas. “The vibe of [In The Zone] is awesome,” he adds. “Everyone there wants to improve your life.”
“We want to lock arms with people and help them transform. We are their partner in healing and prevention.”
has the capacity to heal itself, it’s only going to do so if given the right internal environment,” she explains. She hopes to add localized cryotherapy soon as a way to help with inflammation in targeted places on the body. “What we provide here are cutting edge, alternative ways to help the body self-heal,” she says. Van Horn says that when the student is ready, the teacher shows up. She has
been a student of health and wellness for years, and now she seeks to be a teacher to others who are ready to begin a wellness journey. Many In The Zone clients say they sleep better, feel better, and even look and feel younger after using the services offered. John Murphy has used cryotherapy, InstaSculpt, and personal training from In The Zone and stands by its effectiveness
Services can be bought individually or in membership packages. The memberships are unique because they can be shared with friends and family and do not expire. In The Zone also makes regular donations to the Starfish Project to give back to the community and support local nonprofits. “We want to lock arms with people and help them transform,” Van Horn says. “We are their partner in healing and prevention.”
In The Zone Cryo + Health Upgrades • 7102 College Blvd., Overland Park, KS • 913.208.4859 • inthezonecryo.com SIMPLYkc Special: Mention this article when scheduling an appointment and receive 25% off your first experience.
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BECAUSE I SAID SO...
A MELTED SILVER LINING WRITTEN BY JULIE BURTON / PHOTO BY JAMI BOWMAN
Optimists will always see the silver lining. A couple divorces after 10 years together. But they got two awesome kids out of the marriage. A grandmother dies. But her funeral brings out-of-town family together again. A worldwide pandemic shuts the world down. But it also opens the ever-convenient fast food delivered to your door. Even Taco Bell? Even Taco Bell. We’ll get to Taco Bell later. You see, you can get fast food ice cream delivered to your door. The delivery driver must be quick, but it can be done.
8:45 PM
to please text when they arrived.
My daughters asked for ice cream. I told them I was done driving for the day, but I too wanted ice cream, so I placed an order for three soft-serve ice cream cups mixed with cookie dough. I paid double for the convenience. I instructed the delivery driver
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Estimated time of delivery: 9:15 PM.
9:10 PM
“We apologize for the inconvenience, but your delivery has been cancelled due to the store cancelling orders for the night. We will refund your purchase.”
9:15 PM
I placed a new order for two cherry slushies and one blue raspberry slushie from another fast food restaurant and from another food delivery app. The silver lining here is that there is not a monopoly on food delivery apps.
9:16 PM
No! Abort! Cancel! Oh dear. The last house I had food delivered to was my boyfriend’s house. I ordered Taco Bell on a Sunday due to poor life decisions and a hangover. (It was delicious, by the way.) I couldn’t re-route the address to my own address. I looked at the time.
9:20 PM
It is not terribly late but it is to my boyfriend. He’s one of those rare birds who wakes up at some god-awful time before the sun is up. Every day. He never sleeps in. His body won’t allow it. I didn’t even know these people existed. I made the phone call. I explained he would be getting three slushies delivered to his front doorstep. First, I had to explain
why I was calling so late, second I had to admit to my slight overspending habits for something that would probably be a pool of melted sugar water, and third explain why they were being dropped off at his house at approximately 10:05 p.m. For some reason he thought my explanations were amusing.
9:50 PM
My daughter and I got in the car and drove to my boyfriend’s house. His kids were in bed. He was awake and holding a sign he wrote, “Please leave slushies on front porch. Do not ring doorbell.” I said we would wait outside. The estimated arrival time moved to 10:10 p.m. He said we didn’t have to. We could wait inside. Estimated delivery time: 10:20 p.m. “Your driver is at the restaurant
waiting on your order.”
10:05 PM
Estimated time of arrival 10:40 p.m. “Your driver is at the restaurant waiting on your order.” I looked to see which restaurant she was at. Missouri?! I decided to cancel the order. “By canceling the order, you will not receive a refund. Estimated time of arrival 10:50 p.m.” I canceled the order. We never got our ice cream, my boyfriend saw my true colors, my kids were angry they couldn’t have ice cream, and nearly two hours of my life was spent waiting on melted ice cream. The silver lining? They never charged me.
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
SUMMER SUPERFOOD WRITTEN BY GINA REARDON / PHOTO BY MELANIE MCDOWELL
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Did you know blackberries are a member of the rose family? Those thorns along the brambles are a giveaway, but you will also see the familiar characteristics in the leaves and flowers. There are all kinds of interesting stories, folklore, and superstitions surrounding blackberries—from Christian lore (the crown of thorns was made of brambles and the berries were turned from red to black) to the Celts (bad luck to eat but blackberry wine is acceptable to drink) to Native Americans (blackberries were planted around graves to keep the dead from rising as ghosts). Did you also know that blackberries are rich in antioxidants, vitamins A and C, and fiber for better digestive health, vitamin K which helps with bone strength and healthy blood coagulation, and low in sugar, carbs and fat? I love them best in pie, gourmet ice cream, or jam. But one of my favorite dessert recipes featuring blackberries is blackberry napoleons with cream cheese mousse. All of the parts can be prepared in advance, leaving quick assembly just before serving. They are light, flavorful, and a delightful showstopper.
Blackberry Napoleons with Cream Cheese Mousse SERVES 6
Ingredients
Preparation
6 ounces cream cheese, room temperature
Preheat oven to 375 degrees F. Using electric mixer, beat cream cheese, 1/4 cup powdered sugar and vanilla in medium bowl until fluffy. Using same beaters, beat whipping cream in another bowl until peaks form. Fold whipped cream into cream cheese mixture in three additions. Cover mousse and refrigerate.
3/4 cup powdered sugar, divided 1 teaspoon vanilla extract 2/3 cup whipping cream 1 sheet frozen puff pastry (half of a 17.3 ounce package, thawed) 1/2 cup blackberry preserves 3 half-pint containers fresh blackberries
Roll out pastry sheet on a lightly floured surface to a 14 by 10-1/2 inch rectangle. Cut sheet into twelve 3-1/2-inch squares. Pierce squares all over with a fork. Sift 1/4 cup powdered sugar over squares. Place squares on ungreased baking sheet. Bake 12 minutes. Using metal spatula, flatten squares and continue baking until crisp and golden
brown, about 5 minutes longer. Cool pastry squares on sheet. Heat preserves in a small saucepan until just melted. Transfer to a medium bowl. Add berries and toss to coat. Place six squares on work surface (or on individual dessert plates). Spread each with 1/4 cup mousse. Divide berry mixture among the napoleons, spooning on top of the cream cheese mousse but reserving a few berries for garnish. Cover with remaining pastry squares. Dust napoleons with remaining 1/4 cup powdered sugar. Top each with a berry and garnish with mint sprig.
Gina Reardon, former owner of Catering by Design and culinary philanthropist, leads the KC team for No Kid Hungry, culinary professionals and community members focused on supporting Share Our Strength’s No Kid Hungry campaign. Funds raised help connect the nation’s 16 million low-income children with more school breakfast, lunch, and summer meals.
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r a e D
KACIE THE SNACK HOARDER
My daughter is 13 years old. She has a friend who comes over often and steals snacks from our kitchen. I give the girls plenty of snacks, but it seems as if she’s never full. She’ll eat anything she can find, from ice cream to popsicles, veggies, or chips. I let it slide the first few times, but this is now a constant thing. Should I tell her parents?
Got any Goldfish? Hey, it is your kitchen. Make sure she’s aware of your household’s rules. But it seems as though she’s sneaking snacks away when you’re not aware. Gather as much information you can from your daughter. Ask her what she notices about food at her friend’s house. The parents could be restricting her meals and snacks. Or even restricting her sugar intake. Research says overly restricting or controlling a child’s food choices increases problematic eating behaviors such as sneaking, bingeing, and overeating. Get to know the parents if you can. And when it’s appropriate, bring up the snack situation. You might remind your daughter—in her friend’s presence— that they are welcome to everything laid out on the counter, but the food in the pantry and refrigerator need to last until the next grocery store trip. This makes it clear the friend is always invited to the home. Good luck, mama!
If you have any questions you’d like Kacie to answer, submit them to contact@simplykcmag.com.
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fine art
913.486.8120
bethhouts.com SIMPLYKCMAG.COM
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APP OF THE MONTH
MYHOMEWORK STUDENT PLANNER
The gist: myHomework Student Planner is a
handy app created for students to digitally plan out their assignments, exams, and routines for each day. You can use this app to keep track of all things school. While traditional planners are useful, it is nice to have the information you need all in one place on your phone so you can check it on the go. Once you get all of your classes and assignments plugged in, each time you open the app, all of your assignments will be listed in order of when they are due. Everything is color-coated so it is
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easy to visually follow. You can set alerts so if homework slips your mind you’ll get a notification that reminds you. This app can help you never forget a due date again. The app is free to download and use, but you can purchase a premium subscription for $4.99 a year which unlocks more themes, gets rid of ads, allows you to attach files, and so much more. myHomework is a very useful app for anyone who forgets things easily or just enjoys being organized.
The 16th Annual
RENOVATION SENSATION HOMES TOUR Wednesday Sept. 22, 2021 SHARE’s biggest fundraiser is a tour of four fabulous SME area homes. To support the event, please consider being a sponsor by visiting: bit.ly/RenSen2021
For tickets visit: www.smeastshare.com
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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.
