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Welcome to the Blue Springs City Lifestyle Family!

Hello and welcome to the Premiere Issue of Blue Springs City Lifestyle!

My name is Austin Brewer. I am the publisher of Blue Springs City Lifestyle. I am thrilled to be bringing this publication to our community. My wife, Katarina, and I both grew up in the Blue Springs/Grain Valley communities and have been fortunate to continue to call Blue Springs our home.

I graduated from UMKC and shortly after, I started working for City Lifestyle as an accountant. After learning more about the impact the magazines were having on their local communities, we decided we wanted to bring one to our community as well.

This journey has helped me develop a deeper appreciation for the incredible things our community has to offer.

In the coming months, you will be receiving this magazine where you will find stories about things happening in our community, as well as stories that will highlight local people and businesses. The stories that are told are sure to inspire, educate, motivate, and captivate you.

We are thrilled to be your source for all things local. Thank you for inviting us into your homes and sharing your lives with us; we can’t wait to see you around.

AUSTIN BREWER,

July 2024

PUBLISHER

Austin Brewer | austinbrewer@citylifestyle.com

EDITOR

Katarina Brewer | katarina.brewer@citylifestyle.com

STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER

Megan Cason | photos@casestudios.com

CONTRIBUTING WRITER

Bella von Harz

Corporate Team

CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER Steven Schowengerdt

CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER Matthew Perry

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF HR Janeane Thompson

AD DESIGNER Matthew Endersbe

LAYOUT DESIGNER Jayme Emery

Austin Brewer

BLUE SPRINGS CITY LIFESTYLE PUBLISHER

A MINOR ADJUSTMENT

WWW.AMINORADJUSTMENT.NET

ALL IN PHYSICAL THERAPYBLUE SPRINGS

WWW.ALLIN-PT.COM

AMY ARNDORFERPREMIUM REALTY GROUP

WWW.AMYSOLD.COM

BERRY GROUP CONSTRUCTION COMPANY

WWW.BERRYGROUPCO.COM

BILL WEST ROOFING

WWW.BILLWESTROOFING.COM

CASE STUDIOS PHOTOGRAPHY

WWW.CASESTUDIOS.COM

CHAD SMITH - STATE FARM INSURANCE

WWW.CHADSMITH.BIZ

CHRISTIAN BROTHERS AUTOMOTIVE

WWW.CBAC.COM/INDEPENDENCE/

EDWARD JONES - BLUE SPRINGS/ INDEP/GRAIN VALLEY

WWW.EDWARDJONES.COM

FLEMING FLORAL STATION

WWW.FLEMINGFLORALSTATION.COM

HOTWORX - BLUE SPRINGS, MO

WWW.HOTWORX.NET/STUDIO/BLUESPRINGS

IMOVE PT

WWW.IMOVEPHYSICALTHERAPY.COM

JOSH BODNER - STATE FARM INSURANCE

WWW.TEAMBODNER.COM

KENNEDY’S CUSTOM JEWELERS

WWW.KENNEDYSJEWELERS.COM

MERLE NORMAN COSMETICS

WWW.MERLENORMANSTUDIO.COM/MO/BLUE-SPRINGS/ ONCE UPON A SMILE

WWW.ONCEUPONASMILE.COM

PEDEGO BLUE SPRINGS

WWW.PEDEGOELECTRICBIKES.COM/DEALERS /BLUE-SPRINGS/

PLAZA HEIGHTS CHRISTIAN ACADEMY

WWW.PLAZAHEIGHTSCHRISTIANACADEMY.ORG

SHAUN ASHLEY REAL ESTATE TEAMRE/MAX HERITAGE

WWW.SHAUNASHLEYTEAM.COM

STARKE LAW OFFICES

WWW.STARKELAWOFFICES.COM

STATE LINE DOOR & LIFT

WWW.STATELINEDOORLIFT.COM

SWIM THINGS

WWW.SWIMTHINGS.COM

SWINGLE FAMILY ROOFING

WWW.SWINGLEFAMILYROOFING.COM

TIM HARMON - COUNTRY FINANCIAL

AGENTS.COUNTRYFINANCIAL.COM/USA/MO/ BLUE-SPRINGS/TIM-HARMON

TRAVIS HUNTNY LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY

WWW.TRAVISHUNT.NET

TRINITY WELLNESS

WWW.TRINITYWELLNESSKC.COM

city scene

WHERE NEIGHBORS CAN SEE AND BE SEEN

1: Read & Rooted in Downtown Blue Springs. 2: Read & Rooted Ribbon cutting. 3: Blue Springs Chamber held their 39th Annual Golf Tournament. 4: Ball Drop at Blue Springs 39th Annual Chamber Golf Tournament. 5: Fleming Floral Station has a cute floral cart with different arrangements. 6: Zen Donkey Farms at Trinity Wellness. 7: Grand Opening of AA Academy in Grain Valley.

KATARINA BREWER

FLEMING FLORAL STATION

8: Brittany Hill Middle School students build beds for Sleep in Heavenly Peace. 9: Pedego in Blue Springs has some great options for electric bikes. 10: Once Upon a Smile ready for summertime! 11: Ribbon cutting for Vest Professional Placement Firm. 12: Summer Strong + Fit 30 Day Health & Wellness Program at Trinity Wellness. 13: Kennedy’s Jewelers at the JCK show in Vegas picking out new inventory. 14: Local business owners gather at Sinclair’s Restaurant.

ANDY MINOR

PEDEGO

business monthly

A ROUNDUP OF NEWS FROM LOCAL BUSINESSES

Introducing Our Very Own State of the Art Waterpark!

Summer is here, and so is the Blue Surf Bay Waterpark! The waterpark has welcomed hundreds of guests to enjoy some fun and cool off in the summer heat. The indoor aquatic center has a lap pool, warm water pool, NinjaCross Course, splash pad, sauna, and more. Some outdoor features include multiple water slides, a lazy river, a zero-depth entry pool, with a surfing simulator. Contact the Blue Springs Fieldhouse for hours and more information.

Scan to read more

Grand Opening of the Good People Cafe

A new local cafe has joined the Grain Valley community! The Good People Cafe is a welcoming environment that has a variety of menu options for breakfast and lunch. Beyond the food, the focus of the cafe is to provide equal employment opportunities for individuals within the disability community.

BSHS Baseball Team Wins the State Championship

The BSHS Wildcats Baseball team is triumphant as the Class 6A State Champs! Their motto for the season was UNFINISHED, after last season being just 5 outs away from a final-four appearance. In an electrifying game, the Wildcats secured a thrilling victory against Lafayette (Wildwood) with the final score of 11-10. Wrapping up their season with an impressive 28-11 record. This was the school’s third State Championship. Congratulations Wildcats on a remarkable season!

Photography by Katarina Brewer

Photography by Good People Cafe

Photography by Missouri State High School Activities Association

CATCHING MOMENTS

A JOURNEY THROUGH THE LENS OF MEGAN CASON

In the heart of Blue Springs resides a photographer whose lens paints stories of families, seniors, and the vibrant essence of life itself. Megan Cason, a native of Blue Springs, graciously opened up about her journey, inspirations, and the artistry behind her lens.

ARTICLE BY KATARINA BREWER AND BELLA VON HARZ PHOTOGRAPHY BY MEGAN CASON

Megan has always enjoyed taking photos, but photography wasn't always her primary pursuit. With a degree in accounting, her journey into the world of professional photography was serendipitous.

"I fell down the rabbit hole by wanting to capture better pictures of my daughters during their gymnastics meets," she recounts. "Shortly after, I began having people ask me to take photos of their child at gymnastic meets. From there, it was years of honing my craft and finding my style."

Growing up and continuing to call Blue Springs home, brings a distinct viewpoint to Megan’s work. The knowledge that she has of the community, landscapes, and culture lends a unique perspective to her craft.

Her photography inspiration isn't just limited to landscapes and portraits; it extends to her furry, four-legged friend named Sully. "He’s my go-to stand-in when I need to test my lighting setup," she chuckles. It's a testament to her creative spirit and the joy she finds in photography.

“Photography is subjective, so find those who appreciate and value your unique perspective. No one can tell a story the same way you can, so be unapologetically you.”

Beyond the lens, Megan finds comfort in simple pleasures—reading, gardening, and the mesmerizing dance of hummingbirds from her back deck. You might spot her around town at a Mexican restaurant, school activities, softball fields, or anywhere that sells plants. But it's her passion for photography that truly sets her aglow.

Specializing in family and senior portraits, Megan's style is as versatile as it is authentic. "My goal is always to capture natural expressions and interactions," she shares. "A good mix of posed and candid images is what I aim for, with laughter and silly faces being my absolute favorite!"

When it comes to shoot locations, Megan's approach is deeply personal. "I prefer locations where people feel comfortable and relaxed. I work with my clients to plan out locations that have meaning and fit their lifestyle,” she explains. "But I have a soft spot for open fields of flowers."

"My favorite shots are the ones that evoke emotion. Seeing someone realize their unique beauty is indescribable. I believe everyone deserves images that make them feel confident and beautiful.”

When asking Megan about a favorite photo she’s taken throughout her career, she couldn’t narrow it down to just one.

She did share that one particular experience she had as a photographer was being able to photograph her own daughter for her senior images. "Watching your kids grow up is a mix of nostalgia and pride," Megan reflects. "I was definitely crying behind the camera."

In a community brimming with talent, Megan draws inspiration from her peers. "Seeing people push the envelope in creativity is inspiring," she says. "Whether it's through supporting their community or a charity."

Inspiration for Megan can strike at any moment. “I’m constantly looking for locations or elements for a session. That could mean when I am driving past a gorgeous tree or an urban brick wall.” Megan is always thinking about new ways to bring her subjects to life through poses, and locations and getting to know them on a personal level.

For aspiring photographers, Megan urges them to not compare themselves to others. "Photography is subjective, so find those who appreciate and value your unique perspective. No one can tell a story the same way you can, so be unapologetically you."

In Megan's world, every click of the shutter is a testament to the beauty of life—a visual symphony of laughter, love, and the cherished moments that define us all.

AND FIND YOUR PEACE GET LOST

Exploring The Lost Pines Resort and Spa

Just on the outskirts of Austin, nestled on 400 acres of luscious and sprawling countryside, this fun-filled resort does not disappoint. Think Texas home-style ranch meets Southern luxury. Hyatt Regency Lost Pines Resort and Spa is a family-friendly destination that offers an array of activities for all ages to enjoy.

Guests are transported to a simpler time where both adults and kids can be seen casually riding bicycles around the property or strolling along the Colorado River that hugs the resort. Open areas with yard games, outdoor game tables, sports courts and a mini golf course invite families to engage in activities that allow for quality time spent enjoying the outdoors.

Choose between an adventurous getaway or a serene escape, as Lost Pines Resort and Spa has something for everyone. Resort experiences include horseback riding, skeet shooting, archery, guided ATV tours, fishing, kayaking and more. Cool off poolside at one of the many pools, or float on the 1,000-foot lazy river. Whether you’re a new or experienced golfer, the expansive,

ADVENTUROUS GETAWAY OR A SERENE ESCAPE

“Resort experiences include horseback riding, skeet shooting, archery, guided ATV tours, fishing, kayaking and more.”

18-hole, 7,200 yard golf course designed by award-winning architect Arthur Hills, allows golfers to enjoy the natural beauty of this championship course.

A Texas ranch-style resort wouldn’t be complete without animals. Visit the Lost Pines corral for daily meet and greets. Guests can interact with longhorns, miniature ponies, miniature donkeys, goats, alpacas and pigs. Families can enjoy nightly movies on the outdoor movie screen, and make s’mores fireside at one of the many fire-pits around the resort. Scheduled kids activities are available day and evening throughout your stay. The expansive grounds allows guests to spend time exploring the activities on the property without feeling crowded by other guests.

The resort offers a variety of dining experiences for the culinary enthusiast including six different on-site restaurants, each offering unique bites and beverages. Enjoy a farm-totable dining experience at Stories, where all food is sourced from local purveyors such as local wagyu beef and fresh garden greens grown at the on-site garden. They also offer an expansive selection of wines, scotch, and mixed drinks. For a unique dining experience, visit the renowned, exclusive 10-seat omakase, Sushi By Scratch, with Chef Philip Frankland Lee. This menu-free establishment boasts a private and unexpected experience that is sure to please. Advanced reservations are required and

Specializing in

• Estate Planning & Probate Matters

• Personal Injury & Worker’s Compensation Cases

• Criminal Defense & Expungements

• Traffic Citations

starkelawoffices.com 801 NW Vesper, Blue Springs, MO 816.229.9111

vstarke@starkelawoffices.com

“The views are breathtaking , and all rooms offer elevated amenities that invite relaxation.”

encouraged as dining spots fill up quickly. For a more casual dining experience, visit one of the other four on-site restaurants including Maverick’s Roadhouse, buffet style dining at Heartwood House, or light bites enjoyed poolside at Old Buck’s Place. Eat alfresco at Maude’s Bar and Terrace with appetizers, small plates and cocktails. Listen to live music on the terrace and take in the night sky or cool off with a refreshing beverage after a day of activities at this charming spot. Located at the center of the resort, indoor and outdoor seating is thoughtfully arranged to invite guests to relax, unwind and enjoy the natural beauty that surrounds them.

After a day of making memories, retreat to the newly remodeled and spacious rooms and suites. The views are breathtaking, and all rooms offer elevated amenities that invite relaxation. The Hyatt Regency Lost Pines Resort and Spa is the perfect vacation destination to recharge regardless of what stage of life you are in. For more information visit LostPinesResortandSpa.com

ELEVATE YOUR CLOSET

4 WAYS TO ORGANIZE AND INJECT STYLE INTO YOUR SPACE

Every woman dreams of an organized and beautiful closet space, but it often comes last on the list of places that get their time and attention. Follow our nine tips for transforming and elevating your closet. How you organize your closet will of course differ based on the size of your space, the size of your wardrobe, and the kind of life you lead. But applying these guidelines will result in a much more organized and aesthetically pleasing space.

MAKE A STATEMENT ORGANIZE BY KIND AND COLOR

Why use an armchair when you have room for a sofa? Slide up a stool and colorful area rug to complete the look. If you have excessive wall space, consider a mini gallery wall or a statement wall with wallpaper to polish things off.

01 02 04

Group clothes first by kind and color second. Group like with like and decide the best place to store each item as a group (e.g., hang pants in the closet, fold and stack sweaters in a bureau). Working with groupings will help you figure out how much space you need and the best way to store each type of item.

UPGRADED HANGERS 03

The simplest and fastest way to make a BIG difference in your closet organization is to get matching hangers that go beyond the traditional plastic or wire hangers. And for sure ditch any with paper from the dry cleaner!

FACE CLOTHES THE SAME DIRECTION

It may seem silly, but when dealing with a small space, little things count. Hanging all clothes the same direction is a no-brainer for continuity in your closet.

ARTICLE BY HALEY WILLIAMS | PHOTOGRAPHY BY CASSANDRA CASTANEDA

Founded in 1931 by Merle Nethercutt-Norman, Merle Norman Cosmetics has a long history of creating breakthrough products and empowering women to feel

Here, at our Blue Springs location, we are devoted to helping everyone, men and women at every age, discover what helps them look and feel their very best. We carry a full line of innovative skin care, makeup and color cosmetics made in the USA.

Whether you’re suffering from a skin condition or just wanting to refresh your look, we’re here for you and would love for you to join our Merle Norman Family!

YOU WILL GO ON YOUR

Pedego Blue Springs is a locally-owned store where you’ll be treated like family. As the region’s foremost electric bike experts, we put our hearts into helping you find the perfect electric bike and get the most out of it for many years to come.

RO A D CHOW

FUN AND CREATIVE TRAVEL SNACKS GUARANTEED TO SATISFY EVERY TASTE PALATE IN THE FAMILY.

ARTICLE BY PAULI REEP

Planning to load up the family truckster and head out on an adventure? These easy-to-pack and satisfying snacks are a great way to keep growling tummies quiet while you’re behind the wheel. Grab the kids, prepare them together, and try not to eat them all before you hit the road!

DIRECTIONS:

1/ Preheat oven to 325°F. Line 2 large baking sheets with parchment paper.

INGREDIENTS:

• 2 cups quick oats

• 1/2 teaspoon salt

• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

• 1 cup peanut butter

• 1/4 cup honey

• 1/3 cup apple butter

• 1 large banana, mashed (1/2 cup)

• 1/2 cup dried cranberries

• 1/2 cup pepitas

• 1/2 cup raisins

2/ Combine all the ingredients into a large bowl of a stand mixer (or hand mixer). Mix until all the ingredients are combined and the dough is thick and heavy.

3/ Portion 1/4 cup mounds of cookie dough onto prepared cookie sheets. Use the back of a spoon to slightly flatten out into a cookie shape. (The cookies will not spread in the oven.)

4/ Bake for 16-18 minutes or until the edges are slightly brown. Cool cookies on the baking sheets for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool.

5/ Cover leftover cookies and store at room temperature for up to 5 days or 10 days in the fridge.

TRAIL MIX

INGREDIENTS:

• 1 cup puffed quinoa or puffed millet

• 1/4 cup unsweetened coconut flakes

• 1/2 cup whole roasted almonds

• 1/2 cup raw pepitas

• 1/2 cup raw cashews

• 1/2 cup dried banana chips (broken in half)

• 1/4 cup chopped dried mango or papaya

• 2 tablespoons candied ginger

• 1/4 cup dark chocolate chunks (or chocolate chips)

DIRECTIONS:

1/ In a medium mixing bowl, toss all ingredients together until evenly combined.

2/ Store in an airtight container for up to 1 month or in the refrigerator for up to 3 months.

DIY Your Way To a Bug-Free Summer

Adult- and Kid-Friendly Natural Bug Repellents from A Beautiful Mess

ARTICLE AND PHOTOGRAPHY BY A BEAUTIFUL MESS

Adult Blend Kids Blend

(age 15 and over)

MATERIALS:

• 10 drops lemon essential oil

• 10 drops lemongrass essential oil

• 8 drops lavender essential oil

• 8 drops eucalyptus essential oil

• 1.5 ounces distilled water (minus 1 teaspoon to make room for the essential oils in the bottle)

• .5 ounce 95% proof grain alcohol*

INSTRUCTIONS:

In a 2-ounce spray bottle, add the grain alcohol (or Solubol) and drop in essential oils. Swirl to combine. Place the cap back on the bottle. Allow the oils to disperse in the alcohol for about 1 hour, then add distilled water, swirling again to combine.

MATERIALS:

• 10 drops lemon essential oil

• 10 drops lemongrass essential oil

• 4 drops lavender essential oil

• 1.5 ounces distilled water (minus 1 teaspoon to make room for the essential oils in the bottle)

• .5 ounce 95% proof grain alcohol*

INSTRUCTIONS:

*The grain alcohol is used as a preservative as well as a carrier for the oils, but you can also use a product like this instead of grain alcohol at a 1:4 ratio (1 drop essential oil to 4 drops Solubol) if you’d rather and then just fill the rest with water to fill the 2-ounce spray bottle.

While there can be concern about citrus oils on the skin when exposed to sunlight, lemongrass isn’t a photosensitive oil, and if lemon essential oil is steam-distilled rather than cold-pressed (Oui Fresh essential oils are cold-pressed) it can be used on the skin. So just make sure to note which one your lemon oil is and only spray on clothes if you don’t have a skin-safe lemon oil (which is an application method a lot of people prefer anyway if they are more sensitive to oils).

events

A SELECTION OF UPCOMING LOCAL EVENTS

EVERY SATURDAY IN JULY

Market on Main

107 SW 10th St. | 8:00 AM

Come on down to the Blue Springs Market on Main Street. You are sure to find fresh produce, flowers, tasty treats, handmade crafts, and more. The Market on Main allows you to have a unique experience of supporting local businesses and connecting with others. You can visit their website for more info www.marketonseven.com.

JULY 3RD

Red, White & Blue Springs

Blue Springs South High School & Young Park | 3:00 PM

Come celebrate the Fourth of July at Red, White & Blue Springs! Prepare for a free memorable event with music, vendors, food trucks, fireworks, and more. There will be entertainment for all ages with a Kids Zone, an Adult Zone, and a Family Zone. Visit www.bluespringsgov.com and search Red, White & Blue Springs for all details.

JULY 7TH

Bootcamp + Brew

East Forty Brewing | 6:00 PM

Start your day with a family-friendly outdoor power class with Trinity Wellness. Working as a team of 4 through a mixture of cardio, traditional calisthenic, body weight exercises, interval, and strength training. After your workout, reward yourself with a beverage of your choice provided by East Forty Brewing. More information and registration can be found at www.trinitywellnesskc.com

JULY 14TH, 21ST, 28TH

Music in the Park

Rotary Park at Railroad Lake | 6:00 PM

Bring your own picnic and spend your evening relaxing while you enjoy some free live music at Rotary Park. The Summer Concert Series has a variety of music favorites including blues, rock, classics, and country. A list of performances can be found online at www.bluespringsgov.com

JULY 18TH – AUGUST 4

Festival of Butterflies

Powell Gardens

Powell Garden presents the Festival of Butterflies. Get an up-close encounter as you explore these beautiful creatures and their habitats. Each week you can learn about butterflies in Latin American, Polynesian, and Celtic cultures. You will find a variety of indoor and outdoor activities. For full event details, visit www.powellgardens.org/festival-of-butterflies/

JULY 19TH-20TH

Summer Chill Art & Craft Expo

The Pavilion at John Knox Village | 10:00 AM

Stop by the Pavillion at John Knox Village to admire the many creations of mid-western artists and crafters. With nearly 100 booths, you are sure to find some unique home décor, jewelry, gifts, and much more. Admission is free so make it a day with family and friends. Be sure to visit www.ibdpromotions.com for all the information.

ARTICLE AND PHOTOGRAPHY BY KATARINA BREWER

Get to Know the Publisher

THE GUY BEHIND THE PAGES

Husband of Katarina

I met my now wife in 2018 and we got married in 2022. We work together on everything we do, including the magazine, which wouldn’t be possible without her.

Traveling

My wife and I enjoy traveling and exploring new places. We have a bucket list of destinations around the world that we would like to visit.

How Bout Those...CHIEFS!

I grew up watching lots of Kansas City sports and have always loved the Chiefs. It has been even more exciting as the team has had so much success in recent years.

Dog Dad

We recently welcomed a puppy into our family, his name is Theo. He is full of energy and brings us a lot of joy.

Hobbies

Two of my favorite activities are tennis and golf. I am always up for a round on the links. I am no tennis pro, but I enjoy a casual match.

The Shaun Ashley Team, Your Real Estate Solution in Blue Springs

“Shaun and his team are very professional. The material and services provided to sell our home were very high quality - on-line video, pamphlet and home staging. Shaun is very responsive to inquiries and I always felt like we were his only client.”

-Michelle B.

“Shaun Ashley is by far the best realtor I have ever had! He was always available any time we needed him. When we were stressed out about anything in the house buying/selling process, he always was able to assure us that everything would be fine. “

-Corey E.

“Shaun and his team were great!!! They came through on all of their claims. If I had to sell my home all over, I would have Shaun at the forefront to get the job done. With his guidance, I listed my home and sold the same day. Then, I closed 2 weeks later!

-Roslyn C.

“I would recommend Shaun’s team to anyone considering a move. Finding a realtor can be a scary experience. From the moment I called Shaun he was kind, knowledgeable,professional, & most of all was not just some realtor making a sale.”

-Betsy S.