Johnson County, KS February 2021 by City Lifestyle

F E B R UA RY 2 02 1

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Multi-Generational Financial Planning: Considerations for Transferring Wealth By John C. Fales, CFP®, CIMA®, AIF® Principal at Searcy Financial Services, a Fee-Only, NAPFA Registered Advisory Firm

hould we include our children in conversations about inheritance, our net worth and our estate plan? Should we be gifting assets to our children along the way or should we control the money until it transfers to them upon death? How do we teach our children and grandchildren to be smart with money?

with a foundation of intentional education and planning, so that future generations are equipped to handle the responsibility of wealth. 2. Annual Gifts and Trusts Would gifting assets to children or grandchildren make sense for your situation (or theirs)? Would it be better to transfer assets as a lump sum, or perhaps place them in a trust with distribution guidelines? These are questions to ask when determining the timing and method of wealth transfer.

When an individual or couple has more than enough assets to meet their personal needs, thoughts often turn to how 3. Charitable Giving best to provide for and transfer wealth to the next generations. One way to immediately get the next generations involved with The ability to set future family wealth management generations of our family up for could be to create a charitable financial success can feel like a foundation or donor-advised great accomplishment, but one fund. You could choose a cause that comes with concerns on important to you or your entire doing it properly. family and involve family members in managing the If you’re not sure where to start entity. This is also a way to in planning wealth transfer for teach financial management your family, consider these principles and to gauge how factors: comfortable each family is with making 1. A Foundation of Education member financial decisions. If you have accumulated a comfortable net worth, you 4. Tax Factors have probably done so by Implementing making sound financial your strategy in decisions and being prudent a way that allows with your money. Have you you to pass taught your children and wealth to the grandchildren to do the same? next generations Wealth transfer should be done with few probate

or taxation issues will require careful planning. A combination of methods may be utilized to direct more money toward gifts and inheritance and less toward taxes.

Do your children and grandchildren have the tools to make smart financial decisions for their future? Professional direction will be important throughout each step of your wealth transfer, advising you on the best methods to accomplish your goals, giving you tools to communicate your wishes and manage different personalities and backgrounds of your family. Are you ready to establish your legacy?

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LIFESTYLE LETTER

FEBRUARY 2021 PUBLISHER

Stacey Smith | stacey.smith@lifestylepubs.com EDITOR

Letter from the Editor ACCORDING TO WEBSTER’S DICTIONARY, ART IS DEFINED AS THE CONSCIOUS USE OF SKILL AND CREATIVE IMAGINATION ESPECIALLY IN THE PRODUCTION OF AESTHETIC OBJECTS. Artistic expression has always been something that I am drawn to, whether it is through appreciating physical works of art or expressing it through music, dance or design. Art is so subjective and the

Angela Broockerd | angela.broockerd@lifestylepubs.com DIRECTOR OF PHOTOGRAPHY

Paul Versluis | paul.versluis@lifestylepubs.com AD DESIGNER

Matthew Endersbe L AYO UT DESIGNER

Kelsey Proctor CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

individuality of that expression is endless.

Angela Broockerd, Allison Swan Judy Gopper, Riley Cowing, Leann Parker

My father-in-law is an artist, and his ability to capture an emotion or the personality

Janie Jones, Paul Versluis, Leann Parker

CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS

of his subject in his paintings captivates me. (My photo this month is painted by him.) Expressing himself in this way brings him so much joy, and his artwork that we own is a timeless treasure. While artistic expression is most obviously seen in physical works of art, all of us have various forms of creativity that is unique to each of us. Whether it is expressed through traditional artistic forms or through vocations such as the creative genius of an entrepreneur creating a unique business or a chef dreaming up a new recipe, these unique creative contributions is what makes our community so special. We wanted to share a few local makers and artisans with you this month that each

CORPORATE TEAM CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER Steven Schowengerdt CHIEF SALES OFFICER Matthew Perry CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER DeLand Shore

express themselves in a diverse way but all share the common thread of taking a

ART DIRECTOR Sara Minor

risk of putting themselves and their work out there for the world to see.

OPERATIONS DIRECTOR Janeane Thompson

I hope this issue inspires you as it did me. I appreciate the uniqueness that each

REGIONAL SALES DIRECTOR Eric Williams

AD MANAGER Chad Jensen

maker and artisan brings to our community that makes it a little bit more beautiful.

WEB APPLICATIONS Michael O’Connell

Love, Angela

514 W 26TH ST., KANSAS CITY, MO

ON THE COVER PHOTOGRAPHY BY JANIE JONES 8

Johnson County Lifestyle | February 2021

CityLifestyle.com/JohnsonCounty

Proverbs 3:5-6 Johnson County Lifestyle™ is published monthly by Lifestyle Publications LLC. It is distributed via the US Postal Service to some of the Johnson County area’s most affluent neighborhoods. Articles and advertisements do not necessarily reflect Lifestyle Publications’ opinions. No portion of this magazine may be reproduced in any form without written consent. Lifestyle Publications does not assume responsibility for statements made by advertisers or editorial contributors. Information in Johnson County Lifestyle™ is gathered from sources considered to be reliable, but the accuracy of all information cannot be guaranteed.

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INSIDE THE ISSUE FEBRUARY 2021

FEATURES 12 Reflecting local pride through design Local maker creates goods that celebrate that place where you belong

18 Valentines Day In Celebrate your loved ones

34 Life behind the Lens Introducing Kelly Pullen

42 12

42 Edible Art Gifting handmade goodies

18 DEPARTMENTS 8

Lifestyle Letter

City Scene

42 Culinary Creations 48 Locally Owned 49 Realty Report 50 DIY

Pr e s e r v i n g y o u r a s s e t s , p r o t e c t i n g y o u r f u tu r e

Leslie Davis. President President and owner of True Peace Financial Solutions, LLC, has over a decade of industry experience helping clients prepare to retire with confidence. Prior to opening the firm, she served as a business coach for more than 550 financial professionals and insurance agents across the country. True Peace Financial Solutions understands that no two clients are alike and no two plans should be either. When you choose to work with us, you can feel confident knowing that we’ll get to know your unique situation before making any recommendations about how to move forward. As an independent financial services firm, we can build strategies that can help make retirement more enjoyable or position your 401k for protection and growth, because we have access to hundreds of products from the most reputable companies. Leslie is passionate about putting her clients’ need first and keeps business ethics at the heart of safe money strategies.

1:00 SATURDAYS 3:00 SUNDAYS

True Peace Financial Solutions, LLC 7450 W. 130th St., Suite 215 Overland Park, KS 66213 Phone: (913) 681-2609 www.TruePeaceFinancial.com Investment Services offered through AlphaStar Capital Management, LLC, does not constitute an endorsement of the adviser firm or has attained a particular level of skill or ability. AlphaStar Capital Management, LLCand True Peace Financial Solutions, LLC) are independent entities.

CityLifestyle.com/JohnsonCounty

CITY SCENE

R E F L E C TI N G LO C A L P R I D E TH R O U G H

DESIGN

LOCAL MAKER CREATES GOODS THAT CELEBRATE THAT PLACE WHERE YOU BELONG IN 2014, BRANDON RATZLAFF AND HIS WIFE AFTON HAD A BARE WALL IN THEIR HOME THAT NEEDED DECORATING, AND THEY SIMPLY COULD NOT FIND THE RIGHT PRINT FOR THE SPACE. To remedy the situation, Brandon, a professional designer, created a print that celebrates calling the state of Kansas home. Thinking others might enjoy displaying such prints in their homes, PHOTOGRAPHY

he began selling this print as well as similar prints for other states.

JANIE JONES

All the designs say “home” in the shape of the state they represent. Not long after creating some of these initial prints, the Royals won the World Series, and there was opportunity in the market to expand to T-shirts, apparel and other gift items that reflect hometown KC spirit. The result is a venture called Flint & Field with Brandon designing the products and Afton doing the behind-the-scenes work such as prepping orders, packaging, inventory and the like.

Johnson County Lifestyle | February 2021

Brandon says another aspect of the motivation for Flint & Field is to show others that Kansas and the Midwest are a wonderful place to live, work and raise a family. While he is originally from Hillsboro and Afton is from Topeka, they now live in the Kansas City area. As such, they have always appreciated their Kansas roots. Brandon describes his style as a clever take on everyday objects. “I really try to take simple, recognizable locations, landmarks or objects that might have a more recognizable shape and envision them in a way that people don’t see right off the bat,” Bandon says. To that end, one of his designs makes the Chiefs arrowhead into the letter C in “KC,” and in another design he uses the concept of the Western Auto sign and transforms it into an arrow. Representations of the Nelson Atkins shuttlecock are visible in other products as well. Flint & Field products are available online and through wholesale at Made in KC, Mid Coast Modern, Tea Ella Boutique, Westside Storey, Local Foundery and Kindred Shops.

CONTINUED >

CityLifestyle.com/JohnsonCounty

CITY SCENE (CONTINUED)

Brandon says he is always working to develop new ideas for each season. Currently, their products include T-shirts, hoodies, key fobs, wall signs, coasters, pillows, doormats, greeting cards and prints. He is also seeking to expand the number of designs he puts on existing product types. Overall, he said his goal is to give people a sense of local, state and regional pride by making items that bring people moments of joy. “When someone is proud of where they come from, whether that’s a particular city or state, I strongly believe that the community they live in will benefit from it,” Brandon says. “That sense of pride is often what drives us to continuously invest in and improve the place we call home, the place where our kids develop lifelong skills from passionate teachers or where we gather with neighbors to watch the local teams in the playoffs.”

Johnson County Lifestyle | February 2021

“WHEN SOMEONE IS PROUD OF WHERE THEY COME FROM, WHETHER THAT’S A PARTICULAR CITY OR STATE, I STRONGLY BELIEVE THAT THE COMMUNITY THEY LIVE IN WILL BENEFIT FROM IT.”

CityLifestyle.com/JohnsonCounty

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Johnson County Lifestyle | February 2021

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CityLifestyle.com/JohnsonCounty

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Johnson County Lifestyle | February 2021

VALENTINES DAY I N PHOTOGRAPHY JANIE JONES

CREATE

LASTING

MEMORIES

THIS

VALENTINES TREE

VALENTINES DAY AT HOME WITH TRA-

To create this easy and eye-catching cen-

DITIONS NEW AND OLD. One local stylist,

terpiece, collect fallen branches and paint

Amani Skalacki, shares a few easy and inex-

them white. We used a thrifted, repurposed

pensive ways to make the day special.

white ceramic jar to assemble the branches in for the base. Use a floral foam to stabilize

SWEET TREAT TABLE

the branches, and place moss at the top of the

Surprise your children with a sweet treat table.

jar. You can use this homemade tree for any

Keep it simple with a few favorite snacks and can-

occasion as it’s sturdy, and just about anything

dies, or for a more extravagant display, use fresh

can be hung on it.

flowers and create a handmade centerpiece. “I wanted the flower arrangement to be

VALENTINE’S DAY ORNAMENTS

quick, easy and maintenance free, so I pur-

Create heart ornaments to hang on your

chased hearty, filler greenery from Trader Joes,”

Valentines Tree Centerpiece. These orna-

explains Shalacki.

ments can be used as clue cards for a kids

“I started by placing the largest greenery on

Valentine’s Day scavenger hunt. Instruct chil-

the bottom layer in a circle around the table. I lay-

dren to find their picture on the tree and hunt

ered varying types of greenery on top of the first

for the hidden treasure in the house. “I used

layer in shorter widths to achieve the final look.”

recycled shipping boxes to create my heart

We used Valentines Day mini cupcakes, choc-

base and painted them red,” Skalacki explains.

olate dipped Oreos, and Valentine’s Day cookies

“I then used a hole punch to create a lace-like

from Smallcakes for our sweet treat table.

edge to complete the look.”

CONTINUED >

CityLifestyle.com/JohnsonCounty

VALENTINES DAY IN (CONTINUED)

ROMANTIC DINNER FOR 2: THE ADULT TABLE For this look, we decided to set the table in a non-traditional casual setting—the coffee table in the living room. Layer pillows and cozy blankets on the ground for comfortable seating. We used two layers of fabric for the runner, and added a handmade floral arrangement as the centerpiece. To achieve this look, use a two-layer serving tray and layer flowers and stems to adorn the tray. Add grapes or berries to give a fuller and textured look. For a romantic ambiance, add candle sticks, a bottle of wine and Billie Holiday playing in the background. For a no-hassle dinner, order out and serve your favorite takeout in the comfort of your own home. Or if you like to cook together, Chef Jasper provided a go-to pasta recipe (see page 22) perfect for a Valentines Day in. Add a hint of decadent chocolate from Panache. Their Valentine’s collection, Unforgettable, is inspired by chef-created classic desserts that evoke memories of era’s past: Strawberries Romanoff Truffle, Italian Cherry Truffle, Bananas Foster Truffle, and Dark Chocolate Mousse Truffle. “Every day, we handcraft extraordinary chocolates for people to enjoy and gift. Our award-winning luxury creations are made with real ingredients, top Kansas City wine and spirits brands, and creative flavors, all exquisitely presented.” —Julie House, Panache Chocolatier

Johnson County Lifestyle | February 2021

CONTINUED >

E CityLifestyle.com/JohnsonCounty

VALENTINES DAY IN (CONTINUED)

Johnson County Lifestyle | February 2021

CAPELLI D’ANGELO ALLA NANNI INGREDIENTS + 8 oz. Barilla Capellini + 2 tsp. salted butter + 4 oz. prosciutto ham + 4 mushrooms, sliced thin + 12 oz. Jasper’s Marinara Sauce + 4 oz. heavy cream + 1/4 tsp. red pepper flakes + 4 oz. Romano cheese METHOD 1. Cook pasta al dente according to package directions. 2. Melt 2 tsp. butter in a saute pan over medium high heat. Add prosciutto and let it crisp, then add sliced mushrooms. Saute for 2 minutes. 3. Stir in marinara sauce and cream, red pepper flakes, peas and Romano cheese. Bring to a light boil. Add cooked pasta and toss. Serve immediately. Jasper’s notes: Be careful to cook the pasta al dente as it can become soggy very quickly and soak up all of the sauce. My father loved canned peas and said they had more flavor than regular peas. Also, I add a little more red pepper because I like this dish to have a bit of spice. “Capelli d’Angelo alla Nanni is a recipe my father, Jasper Sr., created and today is Jasper’s most-requested pasta dish. In the late 1960s, he ate this pasta in a restaurant in Italy and became intrigued with it, returning to the trattoria three nights in a row, trying to decipher the ingredients. While on the surface the recipe appears simple, believe me, it took many hours for my father to perfect this dish. When he returned home, he and my mother experimented with Jasper’s chefs until he said it was perfect. Customers requested the recipe for over 50 years, but my father would never give it out. It wasn’t until several years ago that we decided to share this delicious pasta with our guests, in my father’s honor.” — Chef Jasper Mirabile Jr., chefowner, Jasper’s Restaurant

CONTINUED >

CityLifestyle.com/JohnsonCounty

VALENTINES DAY IN (CONTINUED)

CREDITS: Sweet treats: Smallcakes Shawnee 913-808-5300 Flowers: Trader Joes Chocolate: Panache Chocolatier, Park Place in Leawood Food: Jaspers Restaurant JaspersKC.com Styled by: Amani Skalacki

Johnson County Lifestyle | February 2021

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ARTICLE JUDY GOPPERT | PHOTOGRAPHY PAUL VERSLUIS

ss e l e

beau

i s cre w e e J l ed t a Leg ly i a c y. a d

m i T

d e at

WHETHER ONE DAY OR 100 YEARS OLD, EACH PIECE OF JEWELRY CAN HAVE NEW LIFE AND HENCE CONTINUE BRINGING JOY

THROUGHOUT OUR LIVES, WE REALIZE THERE ARE JUST SOME THINGS YOU CAN’T PART WITH. Namely, grandpa’s cufflinks or great Aunt Ida’s earrings. Renee Huff, owner of Jeweled Legacy, understands. Her life path has brought her to be the curator of happiness, love and unique jewelry! “You have to wind the clock back a fair piece to get to the real beginning. My great grandmother died the year I was born, but Granddad told me stories about her and their life together,” Huff says. “These stories were always hung on an item. He would take a necklace out of her jewelry box and tell us a story about what

Johnson County Lifestyle | February 2021

they had done while she was wearing it, or the occasion she had gotten it for. Granddad had lived a very interesting life. There were baked clay marbles he traded with the Indian children wintering in the back pasture and a hatchet from Carrie Nation, his uniform from when he was an infantry man in WW1. Reading between the lines I’ve come to realize he raised hell and wheat in equal measure. Thanks to him I could never look at a piece of jewelry without wondering where it had been, what it had witnessed. I love to restore old jewelry so that it can continue to be part of those family stories.” Huff worked at Jewelry Box Antiques shortly after getting out of school. The store carried vintage and antique jewelry, which is different to work on. She received as much of an education from those jewelers as she did in school, and says, “Antiques have their own structural quirks and previous work done that add their own challenges to the work they brought the piece in for.”

CONTINUED >

CityLifestyle.com/JohnsonCounty

TIMELESS BEAUTY (CONTINUED)

e W “

ar the l ove !” After the store closed, she worked at a variety of jewelry stores, none of

which worked on antiques or costume jewelry. That is when she decided to open her own store, which will celebrate 10 years in April. They sell, repair and modify jewelry—from vintage brooches to antique wedding bands and beyond—and also repair watches. Valentine’s Day would be an ideal time to visit them. “Wear the love!” she says. “Restore Grandma’s ring. Make Dad’s tie tack into a pendant.” A visit to the shop is a step back in time, from the carved coral piece that began as a bodice jewel from the 1760s to the sweetheart jewelry of WWII. She believes there is no price on emotion, and every piece of jewelry brought in is a part of someone’s story and will be treated with respect. Jeweled Legacy is located at 7410 Neiman Road, Shawnee, KS 66203. Call them at 913-278-1950. Visit jeweledlegacy.com.

Johnson County Lifestyle | February 2021

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L E N S

LIFE BEHIND THE LENS KELLY PULLEN IS A LOCAL KANSAS CITY CREATIVE WITH AN EYE FOR BOTH DESIGN AND A GREAT PHOTO OPPORTUNITY. Traveling the globe with camera in hand, Pullen captures breathtaking moments in destinations many may never get to see in a lifetime.

Johnson County Lifestyle | February 2021

ARTICLE ALLISON SWAN PHOTOGRAPHY KELLY PULLEN

Q: CAN YOU TELL ME ABOUT YOUR BACKGROUND AND YOUR JOURNEY TO BECOMING AN ARTISAN AND PHOTOGRAPHER? A: I grew up on a farm in Weston, Mo. so there were always lots of outdoor places for me to explore as a kid. My mom bought me my first camera in high school, and I took it everywhere with me. After art school, I just wanted to find creative ways to celebrate the places I love. Q: WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE MEDIUM? A: Photography and illustration—I think it’s good to have more than one thing that’s your thing. It helps so much to take time away and do other things because when you come back to it again, you can get a much better perspective on what you’ve made.

CONTINUED >

CityLifestyle.com/JohnsonCounty

I N S P I R E D

LIFE BEHIND THE LENS (CONTINUED)

hiking and yoga) to youth who live in under-resourced urban neighborhoods. I’d always loved the famous National Parks posters and thought Kansas City’s natural areas deserved the same recognition. Q: DO YOU HAVE A SPECIAL FORMULA FOR TAKING A GREAT PHOTO?

Q: WHAT INSPIRES THE CREATION OF YOUR WORK?

A: The only real guide I have is when I see things

A: I originally started making the posters to sell for

that make me feel something. One of my favorite

Exploring Roots, a non-profit organization in Kansas City.

things is photographing from a distance—you’re so

They are all about promoting spending time in nature and

far away that people just look tiny next to this mas-

provide nature-based wellness programs (like camping,

sive landscape. Perspective is everything.

Johnson County Lifestyle | February 2021

CityLifestyle.com/JohnsonCounty

LIFE BEHIND THE LENS (CONTINUED)

Johnson County Lifestyle | February 2021

Q: LOOKING ON YOUR WEBSITE, YOUR PHOTO GALLERY

Q: ARE THERE ANY FUTURE PLANS FOR YOUR BUSINESS?

SPANS THE GLOBE—WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE DESTINATION?

A: I’m just finishing up a new poster of Weston. It’s one of

A: I’ve been really lucky to get to see some beautiful places. My

my favorite places to go when I need to get out of my head for

favorite has been the Faroe Islands. They don’t get many tourists a

a while. Beyond that, I’ve always wanted to make posters of

year, and when the same five people kept showing up on all my fer-

the places I’ve travelled. I went stargazing at the sand dunes in

ries, we realized we might as well travel together. You end up getting

Colorado last year and it was incredible. That’s the best thing

to connect with people from all over the world, and it challenges you

about being an artist—you get to memorialize the moments that

to look at your life in a different way.

are important to you.

Q: WHAT ADVICE DO YOU HAVE FOR ASPIRING CREATIVES

To see more of Pullen’s work or purchase one of her National Parks

WANTING TO TURN THEIR HOBBY INTO A BUSINESS?

Service-inspired posters celebrating Kansas City’s green spaces,

A: I think the most important thing is to do work that you’re passionate about. Don’t make something just because you think it will

visit kellypullendesign.com. For collaboration inquiries, contact her directly at kellypullendesign@gmail.com.

CONTINUED >

sell. It never turns out right if your heart isn’t in it. CityLifestyle.com/JohnsonCounty

LIFE BEHIND THE LENS (CONTINUED)

Johnson County Lifestyle | February 2021

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CULINARY CREATIONS

ed i ble art ARTICLE AND PHOTOGRAPHY LEANN PARKER

AS THE MAKERS IN OUR COMMUNITIES ARE HIGHLIGHTED THIS MONTH, I AM REMINDED MORE THAN EVER TO NOT TAKE THEIR WORK FOR GRANTED. Last year all of us experienced the reality of loss as many of our favorite small shops, businesses and restaurants did not make it through. There is a tremendous, often unnoticed, value that creative entrepreneurs bring to our life. Unfortunately, it often takes losses to remind us of the value they truly bring. As cultures are remembered throughout history by their art (take a walk around your local art museum to be reminded), our purchases truly are the powerful votes towards keeping that side of our modern culture alive and growing. I am so thankful for these unsung heroes of the creative world and their creations that make our world a better (and more colorful) place. As we honor the modern day Makers and Creators around us, I would like to invite you to join me in practicing a form of art yourself. I like to call this project Edible Art! These cookies look stunning but are so simple that my 7-year-old daughter creates them alongside me. Simply use sugar cookies with white royal icing (see recipe below) as a blank “canvas” to create edible artwork. You can use my recipe below, use your own favorite sugar cookie recipe, or make it even easier on yourself by purchasing pre-made cookies from your local baker. I hope you enjoy being an artist for a day and share your cookie creations with me over at @silvertoothfarmhome.

Johnson County Lifestyle | February 2021

Cookie Painting SUGAR COOKIE RECIPE

+ 1 cup butter, softened + 1 cup white sugar + 1 egg + 1 teaspoon vanilla extract + ½ teaspoon almond extract + 3 cups all purpose flour + 2 teaspoons baking powder Mix together the first 5 ingredients until smooth. Slowly incorporate flour and baking powder. Roll dough and use cookie cutters to shape. Place shapes on parchment lined cookie sheets. Bake at 350 degrees for 6-8 min. Cool completely before transferring cookies off the cookie sheet.

CONTINUED >

CityLifestyle.com/JohnsonCounty

CULINARY CREATIONS (CONTINUED)

ROYAL ICING (fills 18-inch piping bag)

+ 4 cups confectioners sugar + 5 tablespoons warm water (plus more as needed) + 3 tablespoons meringue powder + 2 teaspoons extract (either vanilla or almond) + 18-inch piping bag Beat all ingredients together until icing forms peaks and peaks disappear after counting to 5. Add more water one tablespoon at a time until the right texture is achieved. Place icing into an 18-inch piping bag. Pipe a circle outlining the edges of the cookie and then flood the inside with icing. Let dry completely before adding your edible paint.

EDIBLE PAINT

+ Gel Food Coloring + 2 teaspoons (per “paint” color) of clear extract such as almond extract OR clear alcohol such as vodka (alcohol is the key as it evaporates quickly, unlike water that will make your cookie soggy)

+ Toothpicks + Edible Black Marker + Paint Brushes (new or reserved for cooking only) Using small paper cups, a paint palette or a deviled egg dish, create your edible color palette! Simply use one toothpick per color to place a small dot of gel food coloring into your dish of choice. Then add extract and stir. Add more gel food coloring until you achieve the depth of color you want. To paint, use a small paint brush to apply the edible paint onto the cookie. Make sure to not overdo the edible paint application or your cookie will become too wet and melt the frosting. You may also use a black edible marker to trace outlines of your design before painting it. Create your own designs or use the simple step-by-step examples of mine. 44

Johnson County Lifestyle | February 2021

Gift Your Edible Art This Valentine's Day (or any day!) give your edible art to someone you love by placing the cookies inside parchment-lined boxes tied with a bow. Join me over at @silvertoothfarmhome for more gift wrapping ideas like this!

“ T hese cook ies look st u n n i ng but a re so si mple that my 7-yea rold daug hter creates them a longside me.” CityLifestyle.com/JohnsonCounty

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Johnson County Lifestyle | February 2021

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WITH 31 YEARS’ EXPERIENCE, THIS FAMILY-OWNED COMPANY HAS A PROVEN TRACK RECORD OF TOP-NOTCH SERVICE.

ARTICLE JUDY GOPPERT

C E N T U RY R O O F I NG C OV E R S A LL T H E I R B A S E S KEVIN PRATT, CFO OF CENTURY ROOFING, HAS WORKED IN THE ROOFING INDUSTRY IN KANSAS CITY FOR 44 YEARS. In this competitive climate, he stresses homeowners keep their eye on a company’s longevity and do their homework before selecting a company. Century Roofing knows the roofing business, inside and out. It was incorporated in Kansas in January 1990 by Gratz Cornola who had the simple goal of providing for his family and building a company based on quality service. The team today has that same goal, consisting of a staff of salesmen, most of whom have actually roofed, a five-man service staff in a six-acre facility in Kansas City. This location houses a large inventory of materials

invested in the company than the owner. These companies rely

delivered on a fleet of seven conveyor trucks.

mostly on insurance claim work and do not stock materials,

“It takes almost nothing to get into the roofing

employees or roofers. They are simply a sales team.”

business, namely an insurance binder, cell phone

He explains that the roofing industry has been using the same

and over-wrapped, over-financed truck!” Pratt

basic products for over a century, with improvements in the form

says. “As a homeowner, you should not believe a

of better base materials such as fiberglass matting, modified

company who simply claims to have been in busi-

asphalts, etc. that make shingles lighter and more impact resis-

ness for over 20 or 30 years. We do not use local

tant. Metal roofing is coming more into vogue lately with prod-

roof distributors to deliver our materials; there-

ucts such as standing seam roofing panels and metal shingles.

fore, they do not have lien rights on our custom-

“Your home is likely your largest single investment, and your

ers’ homes. We are an actual roofing contractor,

roof is the first line of defense from the elements. Unless you have

not a marketing company.”

active leaks, take your time selecting a roofer,” he says. “Never pay

He recommends checking with the Secretary of State to see when a company began business

anything up front, and if there is an insurance claim, do not sign a contract contingent on insurance approval with no price on it.”

under that actual name. Also, check with the Better Business Bureau, and ask any friends who have had their roof done recently. “Let’s face it, if I’ve never heard of a company, it’s not been around long,” he says. “If you need legal help against a contractor, you’ll have more

Johnson County Lifestyle | February 2021

Century Roofing is located at 6 South 59 Street Lane, Kansas City, KS 66102. Call them at 913-422-0099. Visit centuryroofingkc.com.

REALTY REPORT REALTY REPORT

NEIGHBORHOOD

JOHNSON COUNTY

LIST PRICE

SOLD PRICE

%SOLD/LIST

DOM

BDRMS

BATHS

TOMAHAWK CREEK ESTATES

$4,200,000

$3,750,000

89%

6.2

HALLBROOK

$2,950,000

$2,800,000

94%

7.2

THE WOODS ESTATES

$1,995,000

$1,725,000

86%

5.1

WILLOWBEND RANCH

$1,850,000

$1,700,000

91%

4.2

MISSION HILLS

$1,750,000

$1,700,000

97%

4.1

REINHARDT ESTATES

$1,827,000

$1,675,000

91%

GLENABBEY OF LEAWOOD

$1,595,000

$1,575,000

98%

5.1

MISSION HILLS

$1,575,000

$1,325,000

84%

1037

3.1

TUSCANY RESERVE

$1,315,000

$1,280,000

97%

4.1

THE ESTATES OF GLENEAGLES

$1,125,000

100%

5.1

Information compiled is from Heartland Multiple Listing Service (MLS) and includes properties listed and sold in the area from multiple brokers. STATISTICS from 12/1/2020 TO 12/31/2020. * DOM=Days on Market

CityLifestyle.com/JohnsonCounty

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Johnson County Lifestyle | February 2021

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