December 2013
Momtreprenuer Kayme Pumphrey opens children’s salon in memory of her husband. News From Our Partners at Wichita Public Schools Plus! Our 2013 Holiday Gift Guide!
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Inside this issue... 6 december 2013
8
East Wichita Welcomes a True “Blue” Hair Salon for Children. Doctor’s Orders
10
News and information from our partners at Wichita Public Schools
12
2013 Holiday Gift Guide
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a note from the editor... Published by For the Families, LLC 316.295.8465 Publishers Eric and Christy Clark Vice President of Sales & Marketing Cari Fischer cari@wichitafamily.com Wichita Family Magazine is published 12 times a year by For the Families, LLC. Wichita Family Magazine is available free, at schools, stores, restaurants, libraries, retailers and local attractions, as well as other places families frequent. For a complete list of where to find Wichita Family, or for subscription rates, visit www.wichitafamily.com. Mailing address: P.O. Box 817 Wichita, Kansas 67201 How to reach us: Phone: 316.295.8465 Email: publisher@wichitafamily.com Copyright 2009 by For the Families, LLC. All rights reserved. Wichita Family Magazine is not responsible for errors, omissions or contest fulfillment from third parties. Reproduction in part or in whole without written permission is strictly prohibited. Wichita Family is distributed free of charge. The magazine’s advertisers make this possible, so support them! We reserve the right to edit submitted material. All submissions will be considered for publication, but we reserve the right to refuse material. Materials will not be returned. Any editorial content or advertising published is the property of For the Families, LLC.
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The holidays are finally upon us and I JUST finished putting up my decorations! Every year seems to creep up on me so quickly, and this year, with even fewer days to plan, it seemed even worse. In this issue, you will read about a young woman who has had a year that would be just short of a nightmare for many of us. Kayme Pumphrey’s story is inspiring, and her strength incredible. I hope you take a moment to read about her and her charming new venture on page 6. If you’re looking for any last minute gift ideas, you’ll find my favorites on page 12. From the youngest, to the oldest, you should find a little something for everyone. Tis the season of giving, and this year thanks to our friends at American Girl, Build-A-Bear Workshop and Target, Wichita Family Magazine was able to make a large charitable donation to Toys For Tots. Thank you to all of my clients and partners for your donations and kind hearts. From my family to yours, I wish all of you a wonderful holiday season, and a truly Happy New Year! Cari Fischer Editor-inChief Limited Time Only! Rudolph Only at Build-A-Bear Workshop. (www.buildabear.com $25 and up)
Bitty Baby Doll Set (www.americangirl.com $80)
The Friends of the Wichita Art Museum present
Sunday, December 8 | 2 to 4 pm | Free admission | The Friends of the Wichita Art Museum invite you to warm up with holiday refreshments, music and dance performances by local high school students, family art-making activities, super sales in the Museum Store (WAM members get a 10% discount), holiday storytelling for kids with KAKE Channel 10’s Susan Peters, and a visit with Santa Claus in the festive S. Jim and Darla Farha Great Hall. A heartwarming event for young and old you will cherish throughout the holiday season. Free museum admission that day. For more information, call 316-268-4921 or email info@wichitaartmuseum.org.
1400 West Museum Boulevard
a t i h c i W t Eas a s e m o c l We ” e u l B “ e u r T Ha i r S a l o n . n e r d l i h C for Kayme Pumphery builds a business based on memories that will surely help Wichita parents create memories of their own.
A
fter moving to Wichita last year from Chicago. Kayme Pumphery, a mother of two, noticed a lack of child-focused businesses in the Wichita area, including a hair salon. Kayme had returned to Wichita last year after the sudden death of her husband, Bryan. Wanting to do something in Bryan’s memory, and although she didn’t intend for 6 wfm
it to be a business necessarily, she realized that she could do something for both her husband and her children that would also benefit the community. “The concept and design for The Blue Balloon came together perfectly (and almost effortlessly). Bryan wore blue almost everyday as both his executive wear and his casual wear were largely blue.
(He is a huge North Carolina fan - one of the colors from our logo is the exact Pantone from NC - as well as a Cubs fan and a Bears fan.) After blue, the word balloon completed the name, both because balloons go to heaven (our message to Bryan) and to signify it as a place for children,” said Kayme. Everything in the space, from
the colors, to the playroom rug design, is meaningful. Much of the design is based on a trip to Africa that the couple took in 2006 before their oldest child was born. The novelty chairs that the kids sit in for haircuts (2 Mercedes SUVs and one plane) are vehicles that they rode in in Africa. The murals on the wall were based on photos they took, and Bryan’s favorite moment on the trip, coming
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across a kudu under a large bush, is in the middle of the hallway. Elephants were used in the logo to tie in the theme, but elephants are also meaningful as they have very close family ties in the wild. “For our family, Bryan and I focused in recent years on natural and organic products. We proudly carry a great selection of natural and organic products for the whole family, from shampoos, conditioners, and styling products, to lotions, makeup, deodorant, nail polish,
and toothpaste. We also carry gift items, including carry Jellycat books and lovies, custom jewelry from Sugar Sidewalk, as well as hooded towels,” said Kayme. After the new year, The Blue Balloon will offer party packages in addition to weekly music and art classes. They also plan to offer classes and workshops for parents, story times, and fun events from mom’s nights out to book clubs. In addition to haircuts for little and
big kids, they also offer haircuts for moms, dads, and grandparents. There are two adult chairs in addition to the three novelty chairs designated for kids, and an interactive playroom, (offering toys, a dollhouse, a chalkboard wall, a television, books, and tables to color,) makes The Blue Balloon an easy choice for moms who want a manicure or a haircut without scheduling or paying for a babysitter. Haircuts can be an unpleasant experience for kids and parents,
but The Blue Balloon focus on making kids comfortable with plenty of distractions (iPads, lollipops, bubbles, balloons, toys, etc.) and have a treasure chest that the kids can visit following their haircut. The salon also offers first haircut packages that include a certificate, before and after photo, lock of hair and a video. For more information please visit The Blue Balloon on Facebook.
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Success begins at an early age Call for a free consultation about your child’s development.
Come to Wichita Public Schools’s
25th
YEAR!
CHOICES FAIR!
Wichita Public Magnet Schools
For more information: www.magnet.usd259.org or Magnet Admissions Office: 973-4464
Early Intervention Services
Doctor’s Orders by: Dr. Brett Begnoche
Thursday, January 30, 2014 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. ... Century II Exhibition Hall 225 W. Douglas Wichita Public Schools
Sedgwick County: 316.945.7117 • Butler County: 316.320.1342
“Have you ever thought about straightening your teeth? Obviously there’s the cosmetic aspect. Straight, white teeth are more attractive then yellowed, broken down teeth. But did you know that straight teeth have a significant advantage over crooked teeth? For one, straight teeth are healthier and get fewer cavities. Teeth that are put in the proper position are not only easier to clean but they have normal wear patterns increasing their longevity. Two, straight teeth decrease the likelihood of joint problems which many people struggle with on a daily basis. So why not look good and feel good. You only get one set of adult teeth, take care of them!”
Relax, have fun, and make new friends during yoga, Pilates, and ZUMBA速 Fitness classes at the Y. Renew yourself in spirit, mind, and body as you enjoy more than 700 free group exercise classes with your membership.
JOIN TODAY!
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GREATER WICHITA YMCA . ymcawichita.org . facebook.com/ymcawichita
Share Your Family Favorites with us on Pinterest! PINTEREST.COM/WFMAG wfm 9
News and Information from our partners at Wichita Public Schools
Cleveland Traditional Magnet students squeezed into a tent to enjoy a story from principal Michelle Wilkes.
Principals spend the day outside to promote reading
T
he principals at Cleaveland Traditional Magnet and Gardiner Elementary spent the day outside to promote the love of reading and for the chance to win 100 books for their school library. The two braved the cooler
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temperatures as part of the Pizza Hut’s Read your Heart out Principal Challenge from BOOK IT. Both schools are entered for a chance to win 100 copies of the eighth book in the Wimpy Kid series, Diary of a Wimpy Kid: Hard Luck for their school library.
At Gardiner, principal Shannon Benoit spent the day reading on the roof of their school. Each classroom gave her a book for her to read during her outside stay. She was on a lower roof where students could see her out the second-story window. Each class stopped by the window and Benoit gave the students bookmarks or pencils and encouraged them to keep reading. At Cleaveland, principal Michelle Wilkes camped outside the front
of the school to emphasize that reading is fun. Every class went outside to have Wilkes read them a story to them inside the tent.
grade reading and math
Nine schools receive Challenge Awards
Payne Elementary – Third- and fourth-grade reading
N
ine schools have received Challenge Awards from the Confidence in Public Education Task Force. The award recognizes schools for outstanding achievement and accomplishment in reading and/ or mathematics based on 2013 state assessment results. The schools honored are: Dodge Literacy Magnet – Third- and fifth-grade math Gammon Elementary – Fourth-
Irving Elementary – Fifth-grade reading and math
Park Elementary – Third-grade reading and math Allison Traditional Magnet – Seventh-grade math Christa McAuliffe Academy – Seventh-grade reading Horace Mann Dual Language Magnet – Sixth-, seventh- and eighth-grade reading and eighthgrade math East High School – Eleventhgrade reading and math The schools were recognized during a special ceremony in Junction City.
McLean hosts first STEM night
M
cLean Science and Technology Magnet hosted its first STEM night to showcase what students are learning in science, technology, engineering and math. Students showed their parents the classroom projects they had created that used components of STEM. Guests presenters from Bombardier, Cargill, Arts Partners, the Kansas Aviation Museum and Boy Scouts had hands-on activities for students and parents to show how STEM is incorporated into their businesses. The North High School Chemistry Club demonstrated fun science experiments and B.J. Hunt performed a bubble show.
Horace Mann students work on a language arts assignment. The school received the Challenge Award for sixth-, seventh- and eighth-grade reading and eighth-grade math.
Like Us On Facebook A McLean student makes glow-in-the-dark slime with help from a North High School student.
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First Bike
This sturdy balance bike is perfect for first time riders. Learning the art of balance first, makes learning to ride a piece of cake! (www.firstbike.us $129.99)
HOLIDAY GIFT GUIDE If you are in need for any last minute gifts, WFM has our favorites for your younger, and older ones alike. I See Me Books
There has never been an easier way to make your child feel special. I See Me has a large list of books that can be personalized just for your child. From Christmas, to birthdays or just because. (www.iseeme.com $29.95 and up)
Zee Dog
There is no need to leave out man’s best friend this Christmas! Zee Dog has an amazing selection of accessories for your furry buddy that are trendy and super stylish. (www.zeedog.com)
Uncle Milton Wild Walls
Just place the peel and stick decals on your wall above the light and watch as this incredible toy dazzles your child with a light show and real underwater sounds. (www.unclemilton.com $34.99)
Toymail Mail Men
This may be my favorite of the year. Toy Mail gives caregivers a wonderful way to deliver voice messages to their children straight from their cel phone! What a great idea for parents who have to spend time away. (www.toymailco.com $59)
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Bitty Baby by American Girl
A dream baby doll for any little girl. This new line from American girl can be ordered with the same hair and eye color as your little princess. (www.americangirl.com $80)
t
g
Lego Friends
Goldie Blox
With girls being more and more interested in engineering and science, Lego Friends was developed to take formerly “boy” favorite and catered it to little girls. (www.target.com)
This line of games and toys was designed to help encourage girls to become future engineers. With a fun girly touch, girls learn to build a working mechanism as they follow along with Goldie in the story book. (www.toysrus.com $34.99)
Orbeez Foot Spa
Ninja Turtle 2-Wheeled Scooter
Even the youngest diva’s need a little pampering. This colorful and fun foot spa will help all of your little elves relax after the stressful holiday season. (www.target.com $34.99)
This sturdy and smooth riding scooter will give more Turtle Power to your little ninja. (www.target.com 34.99)
PowerUp
Paper Airplane Motor Paper Airplanes will never be the same. Add a little power and yours will surely fly the highest! (www.poweruptoys.com $16.99 and up)
Shawn White Retro Dart Skateboard
This heavy duty skateboard features a composite deck and a style that most parents will remember from their own childhood. See details at www. d6sports.com (www.walmart.com $59.99)
Zelf’s Venus Flytrap Spin Salon These colorful little companions give their owners special powers for loving themselves! Who doesn’t love that?! (www.toysrus.com $24.99)
Animal Planet Wildlife Treehouse
Take your little one on a virtual safari with this beautiful playset. Will silly monkey’s and even photography equipment for the action figures, your future adventurer is sure to have hours of fun. Exclusively at Toys R Us. ($39.99)
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Clickin Moms
Mod Straps
Don’t forget the photographer mom in your life! This informative and fun website not only has great gifts, but also forums and tools available for your favorite camera toting lady.
No more hauling your camera around in a traditional camera bag. This site has everything you need to carry your clicker in style. (www.modstraps.com)
(www.clickinmoms.com)
SOL REPUBLIC - Tracks On-ear headphones
These incredible headphones offer the most pristine sound and are customizable with headbands to match any style. (www.target.com $99.99)
GH Cretors Popped Corn
If you’re heading out on the road this holiday season, this is a MUST buy! The Chicago Mix combines caramel and cheddar for a delicious treat that you need to try to believe! (www.ghcretors.com $19.98 for 5-pack
Spineless Classics
Tired of buying the book lover in your life a simple book every year? This website offers incredible poster sized piece of art with the entire printed book all on one sheet. (www.spinelessclassics.net $66.99)
sampler)
Pocket Monkey
This amazing little tool is 12 utility tools packed into 1 millimeter of stainless steel. Convenient and even TSA-compliant! A must have for the traveler in your life. (www.zootilitytools.com $12)
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speeCup
Installing bluetooth speakers in your car can be expensive, but this tool can do the job in an easy way. speeCup fits conveniently in the cup holder of your vehicle and easily connects to your cellular phone. The sound is absolutely incredible, and the device is easy to use. (www.speecup.com $129.95)
Thank you for all your support during our record season!
Stay c onnected!
THIS HOLIDAY SEASON, GIVE THE
that keeps on giving. DON’T MISS OUR OFF-SEASON PARK OPENING UPDATES!
FOLLOW US ON TWITTER OR FACEBOOK TO KNOW WHEN THE PARK IS OPEN BASED ON WEATHER.
nce. Wildly Different Experie
Wildly Different Exp erience.
GIFT CARDS AVAILABLE IN THE PARK GIFT SHOP!
(316) 794.8954 Westside of Wichita in Goddard