Johnson County, KS February 2023

Love Local A R T S + C U LT U R E

I NTRO DUCI NG ARTIST, L AU RA CREHU ET BERM AN F O O D + B E V E R AG E

K ANSA S CIT Y CH O CO L ATE CRAWL LI F E + C U LTU R E

JO H NSO N COU NT Y AUTHO R' S L ATEST BO O K , STEP U P TO TH E PL ATE

F E B R UA RY 2 02 3

Custom Homes Barnh o us e is a fa m i l y- ow n e d d e si g n + b ui l d co m pany fo cuse d o n n ew co nstr uc ti o n- f rom tra dit io nal s t ick- b u i l t o r m o d i f i e d t i m be r f ram e h o m e s to p re - e n g i n e e re d ste e l o r p o l e ba rn struc t ure s . S pe cia l i z i n g i n m o d e rn fa rm h o m e s, Barnh o use har ve sts o l d barns to uti l i ze recla im ed tim be rs an d ba rn b oa rd to p rovi d e a n e nri chi n g co nte m p o rar y co untr y fe e l . A f te r b ui l din g a fo un dat io n o n o p e n co m m u n i c a t i o n an d h o n e sty, Barnh o use h e l p s b ri n g v i si o ns to life.

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LIFESTYLE LETTER

Letter from the Editor

February 2023 PUBLISHER

Cristine Lindholm | cristine.lindholm@citylifestyle.com EDITOR

When I was younger, I didn’t appreciate growing up in the Midwest. As a young adult, I couldn’t imagine what made my parents decide to raise a family here when Colorado was just 8 hours west of us. Living by mountains or by the ocean seemed so much more appealing to me, and I always imagined myself living in a location with one or the other. So as soon as I was able, I moved to Colorado, however as I started to have a family of my own I realized how much I missed my family in KC, and being by them trumped anything that another city’s topography could offer.

My thoughts on living in Kansas City have transformed over the years, and not only is it a great place to raise a family and is where my roots are, but the city is such a hidden treasure that native Kansas Citians and transplants alike are proud to call it home. We are busting with KC pride for our food, sports, museums and shopping centers, parks, the local brands and makers in our city, and the beautiful areas and destinations surrounding the entire metro area starting right in our own neighborhoods. We have a city that we can all be proud of, and the best part about it is the Midwest charm and friendliness that I came to recognize and miss when living in other cities. I have heard Kansas City described on national television as one of the best hidden secrets, and I have to agree. We have something special here in Kansas City, and we all know it.

Our February issue is dedicated to some of the local makers and artists that make our city more beautiful and unique. As you read about them in the coming pages, you will discover the love they have of their craft and self-expression. Each one shares their talent with the world in a way that is unique, yet each of them have a common thread of allowing themselves to be vulnerable and put themselves out there. I hope their work inspires you like it did me.

As you are shopping for your valentine this month, don’t forget to shop local and support our local businesses and makers.

Angela Broockerd angela.broockerd@citylifestyle.com CONTR IBUTING WR ITER S

Angela Broockerd, Daniela Leon, Judy Goppert, Olivia Poettgen CONTR IBUTING PHOTOGR APHER S

Janie Jones, Paul Versluis

Corporate Team CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER Steven Schowengerdt CHIEF SALES OFFICER Matthew Perry CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER DeLand Shore DIRECTOR OF SOCIAL MEDIA Mindy Hargesheimer ART DIRECTOR Sara Minor OPERATIONS DIRECTOR Janeane Thompson WEB APPLICATIONS Michael O’Connell AD DESIGNER Matthew Endersbe LAYOUT DESIGNER Emily Lisenbee

ANGEL A BROOCKERD, EDITOR @JOHNSONCOUNT YCIT Y LIFEST Y LE

Learn how to start your own publication at: citylifestyle.com//franchise

Scan QR code to visit our Instagram C I T Y L I F E S T Y L E .C O M /J O H N S O N C O U N T Y |

Proverbs 3:5-6 Johnson County City 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 City Lifestyle™ is gathered from sources

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L I F E ST Y LE LE T T E R

considered to be reliable, but the accuracy of all information cannot be guaranteed.

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F E B R UA RY 2 0 2 3

inside the issue The Local Love Issue

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32

16

36

F E ATU R E D

D E PA RTM E NTS

16 Introducing Laura Berman

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Lifestyle Letter

10

Local Limelight

16

Artist’s Palette

22

Culinary Creations

28

Expert Help

32

Hot Spot

36

How To

38

Trend Setter

42

Events

New art coming to KCI

22 Celebrating Kansas City Chocolatiers

Kansas City chocolatiers are receiving recognition for their craftsmanship and fine chocolates on national levels

32 Housewife Cafe & Bistro

Leawood resident opens cafe serving breakfast, lunch and homemade baked goods

36 To My Valentine

Homemade stationary for your valentine

O N T H E C OV E R

Artwork by Laura Berman

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LI FE + C U LT U R E

A RTS + C U LT U R E FO O D + B E V E R AG E

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LOVE YOUR COMMUNITY. LOVE LOCAL.

Love your home.

With an abundance of fabulous retail and dining options, exciting community events, and a contagious KC hometown buzz, it’s easy to love local in Johnson County. Now, let’s find you a fabulous home to love as well. With over 27 years of KC Metro experience, I’m here to help.

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What is on your plate today?

I am not referring to what was on your plate this morning, but what is on your “plate.”

Picking up the kids from school, getting your hair cut or going to the gym, those are on your proverbial plate daily.

Mary Don Beachy was inspired to write her book because she respects and loves the people in the Kansas City community who have literally stepped up to the plate and changed their worlds for the better. Her love

of cooking and food inspired this unique concept! She features such icons as Sylvester “Sly” James, former mayor of KC, and Tom Watson, 39-time PGA Tour winner and member of the World Golf Hall of Fame, and their personal recipes.

Step Up to the Plate, Kansas City!: a Feast of Local Legends and Legacies is a collaborative effort of many people like Mary Don, who love Kansas City and love to share the

WE SHOULD ALL STEP UP TO THE PLATE AS MARY DON BEACHY SHOWS US IN HER NEW BOOK, STEP UP TO THE PLATE, KANSAS CITY! A FEAST OF LOCAL LEGENDS AND LEGACIES.

ARTICLE BY JUDY GOPPERT | PHOTOGRAPHY BY JANIE JONES

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LOCA L LIM E LIGH T | L IFE + CULTURE

city’s finer points, as well as their favorite recipes.

Each also shares their secret ingredient for success in life. Book proceeds will be donated to Children’s Mercy Hospital.

“I knew I wanted to be a writer when I was in elementary school. It must have been because I liked to write poems to read aloud at large family gatherings like Thanksgiving,” Mary Don smiled. “I loved to entertain my mother and father, grandparents, my brother and my aunts and uncles. My mother had a best friend, Jetta Carleton, who would visit us from time to time. She was a most exciting and creative woman who wrote The Moonflower Vine.

During one of her visits when I was mesmerized by her presence, I boldly told her I wanted to be a writer like her. Jetta’s delightful book became popular after she died.

I picked up the newspaper one morning to see her photo and the wonderful article about her rediscovered book on March 4, 2012.”

A proud Kansas Citian and University of Missouri graduate, she has a B.S., and master’s degree in education.

She taught elementary students for 34 years in the Shawnee Mission School District, where she was selected as the first elementary “Super Star” Teacher. Mary Don has been published in Kansas City Parent Magazine, Ducks Unlimited Magazine, Instructor Magazine, The Kansas City Star, Kansas Journal of Reading and in a teachers’ anthology of poetry. Her humorous children’s book, Mom Makes the Team, was published in December 2019. She taught popular children’s cooking classes for many years with Kristie Wolferman, and they published When Peanut Butter is Not Enough! In 1989, a cookbook for young cooks. A revised and updated version of this book was released in 2021. Mary Don’s 2021 interactive book of children’s poetry, Cockleshell Cackles, delights children of all ages, including her husband Bob, their three adult children, and three grandchildren, all born and raised in Kansas City. In addition to making delicious messes in the kitchen

and constantly writing, Mary Don enjoys gardening, reading and traveling.

She credits her grandmother in Nevada, Missouri, for her love of cooking, and explained, “Her cakes were ten feet tall, and I loved to watch her open her super cool f lour bin to make those fabulous loaves of bread which she taught me to knead. Her turkeys looked like they should be in magazines.”

She believes the thought that inspired her to write her new book came as she was going to sleep pondering all the negative news in the world.

“Since I had retired, I suppose I must have been thinking about what I could do to make a ‘difference’ for people and to bring joy to the city. I used to tell my second-grade students that one person could change the world, so dream and work hard. I guess I figured I should follow my own instructions. I did wake from a dream in March of 2021 and found a scrap of paper on which I wrote, Step Up to the Plate, Kansas City! and thus the concept for my book,” she smiled.

She decided to donate all proceeds to Children’s Mercy as she adores little ones, and the hospital saved five children in Brookwood Elementary where she taught, two of which were in her classroom.

Children’s Mercy told her of several programs to which she could donate, and she chose their Baby Shower program, as it provides for little people with supplies, advice, medical and social support for new moms in underserved areas of the community.

She met her hubby, Bob, when her friend from Southwest High School introduced them. He is a lawyer.

Her books are available at Rainy Day Books and Made in Kansas City. She has had very successful book signings at these locales, and said her greatest blessing so far is that she has been in the top four on the list of best-selling local authors ever since the book came to town.

“I knew I

wanted to be a

writer when I was in elementary school.”

CONTINUED >

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“Since I had retired, I suppose I must have been thinking about what I could do to make a ‘difference’ for people and to bring joy to the city.”

She credits her husband’s law practice with connecting her with many contributors for the book, and her teaching. In the book you’ll find Eric Stonestreet (Dressing recipe), Jason SUDEIKIS (Ted Lasso Biscuit Treats), Joe Posnanski (“Godfather” Spaghetti Sauce), Andy Reid (Mississippi Mud), Thomas Hart Benton (Rita’s Spaghetti Recipe), Ed Asner(Latkes), George Brett (Caesar Salad).

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LOCA L LIM E LIGH T | L IFE + CULTURE

“Tom Watson, Peggy Dunn and Fred White were among those who came yearly to read to and answer questions from my students,” she continued. “Sometimes I had to contact an assistant to the ‘real’ person or someone close to a particular contributor. I am the lucky lady who now has so many new friends and connections. What a remarkable journey I have had!”

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Janie Jones Photography

New art coming to KCI A local artist was one of 28 artist commissioned to add art to KC's new terminal ARTICLE BY D. LEON | PHOTOGRAPHY BY JANIE JONES

For more than a year, Laura Berman has been putting her artistic skills to the test on a work of art that will be part of Kansas City history.

The contemporary artist known for her vibrant, abstract work was one of 28 artists commissioned to create wall-based artwork for the new Kansas City International Airport terminal, set to open early 2023.

The public artworks form part of the city’s largest One

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A RT IST ’S PA LE T T E | ARTS + CULTURE

Percent for Art project, which saw more than 1,900 total submissions.

“I’ve seen Kansas City grow during the 20 years that I’ve been in the city and to be part of that growth is just so meaningful,” said Berman.

After finding out about her selection, Berman admitted the hardest part was coming up with a concept. Drawing inspiration from the tallgrass prairie

Janie Jones Photography

Janie Jones Photography

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“I really wanted a special idea for this project, something that would uniquely fit the site,” said Berman, “I'm a nervous traveler, so I wanted to make something that was calming and could put travelers in a dreamy head space.”

of the Flint Hills, her piece will reflect her take on Kansas’ landscapes and will be displayed on a series of three large-scale monoprints, titled Rays.

“I really wanted a special idea for this project, something that would uniquely fit the site,” said Berman, “I’m a nervous traveler, so I wanted to make something that was calming and could put travelers in a dreamy head space.”

Berman is a professor at the Kansas City Art Institute, where she has taught printmaking and book arts since 2002.

Her work is world-renowned and has been displayed at galleries and museums across the globe. Her hope is that Rays will inspire new and coming artists within Kansas City and help maintain and secure its art scene.

“Kansas City is an excellent art city and I am proud of its long-standing 1% for the arts program, which is connected to all of the artwork at KCI,” said Berman, “advocating for the arts and supporting arts programs on a civic level helps our city maintain a vibrant and healthy arts community and this is something everyone can do.”

Before calling Kansas City home, the Spanish-born artist credits her birth city, Barcelona as the place where she first was

inspired to create unique patterns and designs using bold color schemes.

According to Berman, Rays’ will be displayed near the international section of the airport.

“My hope is to inspire travelers. that come to the airport who might just be passing through to think about taking a deeper look at where they’re already at, compared to the coast, everything’s busy and in Kansas City, you don’t have to subscribe to that and that’s really special,” said Berman.

Rays’ design was drawn by Berman and with help from St. Louis based, Pele Prints, each design was scanned, digitized, hand cut and turned into different scaled shapes, which were then hand rolled with an oil-based ink. In total, 20 colors will be visible throughout the Rays, with each color personally mixed by Berman.

“It’s a very timeless landscape,” explained Berman, “the land has inspired so many travelers already, and so many cultures already and I really hope to share as an artist.”

Once the new airport opens its doors, Berman hopes her artwork will also make people proud to call the heart of America home.

Janie Jones Photography

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A RT IST ’S PA LE T T E | ARTS + CULTURE

Janie Jones Photography

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Janie Jones Photography

“I want people to feel proud of where they live if they’re from here, it’s not just a flyover state, this landscape has its own depth and its own specialness, and unique qualities,” explained Berman.

As for what’s in store for 2023, Berman is in the process of wrapping up two large print projects. One is a series of large-scale monoprints with a similar motif to Rays that’s being published by Pele Prints.

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A RT IST ’S PA LE T T E | ARTS + CULTURE

“I want people to feel proud of where they live if they’re from here, it’s not just a flyover state, this landscape has its own depth and its own specialness, and unique qualities.”

Janie Jones Photography

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FEB R UARY 2 0 2 3 | C I TYL I FE STYL E . C OM/J OH N S O N C O UN T Y

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Celebrating Kansas City Chocolatiers KANSAS CITY CHOCOLATIERS ARE RECEIVING RECOGNITION FOR THEIR CRAFTSMANSHIP AND FINE CHOCOLATES ON NATIONAL LEVELS

ARTICLE BY OLIVIA POETTGEN

Sweet Kiss

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C ULIN A RY C R E AT ION S | F OOD + BE VE RAGE

Bliss Chocolatier

Inspired by their game handles in World of Warcraft, Amy and Jonathan chose “Bizz & Weezy” as their business’s personal and unique name. They started making truffles for friends and family in 2008, and as demand grew, they eventually moved their business into a commercial space in the Crossroads District.

They now offer a cafe and coffee shop with a lunch menu, including salads, sandwiches, warm bowls, and sweet treats. They also deliver brunch boxes to bring their delicious pastries and breakfast foods directly to their clients.

mother-daughter team Jessica Washburn and Pat Jarstad, Bliss strives to bring customers the finest chocolates and confections in Blue Springs. Jessica’s training with chocolatier masters like Melissa Coppel and Kriss Harvey equipped her to take on the title of master chocolatier at Bliss. Their artfully crafted desserts are made from sustainably grown couverture chocolate, fresh dairy, ripe fruits, purees, nuts, and spices to make impeccably delicious recipes. Bliss’s beautifully decorated, made-from-scratch chocolates are bursting with intense flavors that will satisfy any chocolate craving.

BLISS CHOCOLATIER

LAURA LITTLE’S

Bliss specializes in hand-painted bonbons, chocolate bars, and other fine confections. Founded by

Since 1970, Kansas City residents have trusted Laura Little’s to provide the best in quality service.

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Bliss Chocolatier

Sweet Kiss

Laura’s takes pride in creating fudges and candies using only the finest ingredients. They make chocolate the old-fashioned way, using fresh ingredients cooked in a copper kettle and stirred with a wooden paddle. Along with chocolates, they sell popcorn tins, fudge, and assorted candies. Laura Little’s fudge and candies are the perfect way to sweeten any date night.

SWEET KISS BRIGADEIRO

As Kansas City’s first artisanal brigadeiro shop, Sweet Kiss brings authentic Brazilian sweets to the midwest.

Regina Antunes and Jessica Harris, founders of Sweet Kiss, say that the candy holds fond memories. For the mother-daughter duo, making Brigadeiros is sharing some of their most fond family memories with their customers. Each candy is handcrafted with high-quality ingredients and gourmet chocolate. Customers can feel their passion and dedication to Brazilian sweets in each bite of their delicious treats. Brigadeiros are the perfect way to immerse yourself in Brazilian culture without leaving the comfort of Kansas City.

ANDRE’S

Christopher Elbow

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C ULIN A RY C R E AT ION S | F OOD + BE VE RAGE

A Kansas City tradition for over 65 years, Andre’s gives customers plenty of opportunities to taste handcrafted Swiss-style chocolates. The Bollier family has maintained the tradition of Swiss confections for three generations through their passion for making precise, bold, and beautiful chocolate. Magazines including Forbes, Bon Appetit, Food Network, and USA Today have also featured Andre’s delicious chocolates. Treat yourself to a box of Andre’s unique Swiss chocolates for a truly traditional Kansas City Valentine’s Day.

CHRISTOPHER ELBOW

For 19 years, Christopher Elbow has combined modern culinary arts with diligent craftsmanship to produce fine chocolates and chocolate confections.

Their chocolate bonbons and confections are handcrafted and bursting with rich flavors from around the world. Their unique holiday collection is perfect for small family gatherings or romantic date nights.

They also make corporate gift boxes for employees, clients, and CEOs. When people see the Christopher Elbow logo, they know they are getting some of the finest quality chocolate in Kansas City.

CHIP’S CHOCOLATE FACTORY

Since 1983, Chip’s Chocolate Factory has become an internationally known premium confectionary company. As a family-owned and operated business Kansas City-based business, they have extensive experience handcrafting deliciously tempting chocolates, nuts, fudges, and cotton candy. In the kitchen, they use the original marble tables, hand utensils, and copper kettles from their opening 39 years ago. Their broad selection of sweets creates memorable experiences for visitors to Crown Center.

Panache Photo by Paul Versluis FEB R UARY 2 0 2 3 | C I TYL I FE STYL E . C OM/J OH N S O N C O UN T Y

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Winter tree care saves money and time ARTICLE BY D. LEON | PHOTOGRAPHY BY JANIE JONES

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EXP E RT H E LP | LOCAL SERVI CE S

Tree care during the winter months is a task experts at Shier’s Family Tree Care Service say needs to be added on your to-do-list, if you want to save time and money.

The team says as temperatures drop, arbor care becomes easier due to the decrease in foliage and dormancy of the tree, which in return helps your trees flourish all year-around.

The benefits are endless as certain trees can add value to a home and can even reduce energy costs depending on their placement.

“Past aesthetics it’s just good to keep your tree safe just because you don’t want to neglect them and then have a big limb crash down,” said Alex Shier, head of operations.

Shier says trimming and pruning are practices homeowners can do to protect their tree, but the key is knowing how to execute.

His advice is don’t trim more than 30% of the tree.

Look for dead or rubbing branches, make cuts within the tree’s forks and unions so the limbs heal properly and look for suckers within the tree’s root system.

Young trees require extra attention to ensure they grow properly, and if done right, maintenance becomes easier as time goes on.

“It’s really important that when you cut a tree, you know where because you can’t make a lob cut and expect that tree limb to be ok,” explained Shier, “it can cause your whole tree to die or the bark to not graft.”

If a tree has fallen down and a stump remains, issues can still linger. Shier says smaller trees can grow within the stump and can rob nutrients away from surrounding plants, including flowers.

The winter season is also the ideal time to remove stumps and prevent growth in the spring.

“When you buy a house and inherit a 100-year old tree, those don’t happen overnight, so it’s really important to take care of them because they’re generational,” said Shier.

While tree work can be done at home, it’s never too soon to call in professionals to ensure a tree is getting the sunlight, nutrients and proper moisture it needs to prosper.

Shier explained excess moisture in a tree’s center can lead to mold and fungus and if the disease isn’t addressed, it can spread and cause the tree to die. But being proactive can help you in the long run.

“If a tree grows incorrectly and lands on your roof it can lead to thousands of dollars in damages and when trees get too large and are close to the house, they can start causing foundation damage,” said Shier.

Professional companies like Shier can also make an assessment on a tree and determine its health and if they’re a safety risk, which could also save you money in the long run.

“If a tree grows incorrectly and lands on your roof it can lead to thousands of dollars in damages and when trees get too large and are close to the house, they can start causing foundation damage.”

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H OT SP OT | FOOD + BEV E RAGE

HOUSEWIFE CAFE & BISTRO ARTICLE BY ALLISON SWAN | PHOTOGRAPHY BY JANIE JONES

Housewife Cafe & Bistro features freshly made breads, pastries, desserts, breakfast and lunch, all made from scratch in a uniquely chic environment that makes you feel right at home. Owner Anna Sorge discovered her passion for baking and cooking as a stress reliever.

“I started cooking seriously at home when I had my fourth child, a NICU baby who cried 12 hours a day, and I started baking as a way to relieve stress,” says Sorge. “I began to get really good and through social media developed a small following.

In my career, I have held many jobs—I worked at Dean and Deluca for ten years, spent time in retail management at Nordstrom, Standard Style, and Trader Joe’s, then developed an underground restaurant in Michigan, a cheese and charcuterie board company, and started managing large scale catering and events. My last job was the general manager of a fine dining restaurant and cafe in Prairie Village. After being told by someone I respect and admire that they couldn’t believe a housewife like me could cook better than their executive chef, I knew it was time to open my own place. I had always dreamed of having my own brick and mortar but never

had the guts to do it. I figured I wasn’t getting any younger and my four children needed to see their mom take a risk and pursue her dreams.”

If it’s your first time at Housewife, expect a warm welcome when you arrive, an unforgettably delicious snack or meal, and thanked as you leave.

“We have a small but solid menu with offerings for everyone, including house-made gluten free multigrain bread. We are focused on the quality of the food and customer experience.

We want every customer to feel like they’re walking into an extension of our home and we are here to take care of them and serve them some really great food. The almond croissant and fig, goat cheese, and honeycomb croissant are our top selling pastry items. Breakfast sandwiches and breakfast burritos fly out the door in the morning. Our avocado toast is the best in the entire city and our sandwiches are fantastic. We have a sandwich called “The Mayor” named in honor of Grandview’s Mayor—it has shaved turkey, provolone, thick cut bacon, chipotle mayo and apricot mustard toasted to perfection on our house-made focaccia bread and it’s our most popular sandwich. We also feature a scratch made soup every day CONTINUED > FEB R UARY 2 0 2 3 | C I TYL I FE STYL E . C OM/J OH N S O N C O UN T Y

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H OT SP OT | FOOD + BEV E RAGE

that sells out if you don’t come before 1 or 2 p.m. My personal favorite is our olive toast.

I make a lovely olive tapenade with pine nuts, Kalamata olives, basil and pecorino romano and it gets loaded on a large piece of toasted rustic bread with tomatoes, pickled red onion and micro greens.”

It doesn’t stop there—venture next door to Housewife to her second brandnew business, Truman General, an ice cream shop and mercantile that opened in October of this year.

“I make eight different ice creams from scratch including flavors like salted brown butter pecan, rosemary goat cheese, lemon olive oil, lavender sage, peppermint chocolate, vanilla, dark chocolate with whiskey, and strawberry made with 10 pounds of strawberries. We have a curated selection of gifts, packaged foods, books, cookbooks, candles, apothecary, toys, bulk candy, dried fruit and so much more.

We care about investing in the city you’re in and Grandview needed a great breakfast and lunch spot as well as a general store and some amazing ice cream. So here we are. We have future dreams of opening a sporting club with Pickleball, bocce ball, vintage arcades and possibly a great upscale burger place as well.

“Thank you so much for supporting your local, female-owned business. It means the world to my family and we are so grateful to be in south Kansas City sharing our passion for great food and customer service. We can’t wait to serve you soon.”

Housewife is located at 801 Main Street Suite 104 in Grandview. For more information, visit housewifekc.com.

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TO M Y VA L E N T I N E

Create timeless keepsakes for those you love with this easy DIY Valentine Stationary. There is something special and reminiscent of our earlier years of creating homemade valentines for those special in our lives.

While stores are filled with Valentine candy, cards and gifts, the thoughtfulness and time put into to a handmade card holds a different meaning. Words are the things we treasure most, so let those you care about most know how you treasure them this Valentine’s Day.

ARTICLE BY LEANN PARKER PHOTOGRAPHY BY JANIE JONES

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H OW TO | L IFE + CU LTU R E

// What you will need • • • • • • • •

Kitchen Knife Red or Russet Potato (for heart) Romaine lettuce (for rose) Acrylic Paint Paint Brush Blank Envelopes Blank Cards Heart Template (www.silvertoothhome.com/blog/diy-stationery) • Hand Lettering Template (www.silvertoothhome.com/blog/diy-stationery) • Light Box

// Instructions for Heart Prints

1. Cut the potato in half. Using a small knife, carefully carve a heart shape onto the flat side of the potato.

Carve freestyle or use the free template under “DIY Stationery” on the blog at silvertoothhome.com/ blog/diy-stationery. Even when using the template, each carving will come out as unique art like the ones you see here.

2. With a paint brush, apply paint to the heart shape on the potato.

3. Stamp the potato heart onto blank stationery.

4. Set aside until completely dry.

// Instructions for Rose Prints

1. Cut the end off of romaine lettuce. Set leaves aside and use the stem.

2. Using a paintbrush, apply paint to the lettuce stem.

3. Stamp the lettuce “rose” onto blank stationery.

4. Set aside until completely dry.

Once your stationery is completely dry it is time to add beautiful Valentine’s Day lettering. If you have beautiful handwriting then draw free hand. If you’re not as confident then use alight box and my hand lettering template (found on the blog at silvertoothhome.com/blog/diy-stationery) to transfer lettering onto the stationery. To do this, first lay the hand lettering template on a light box with the stationery on top. Then trace the hand lettering onto the stationery with a pen or marker of choice.

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ELEVATE YOUR CLOSET 8 WAYS TO O R G A N I Z E A N D

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 eight tips for transforming and elevating your closet as you Spring clean and declutter for a more peaceful, inspired space you absolutely love.

A sneak peek inside the closet of active mom and entrepreneur Keri Tarantino of Leawood, KS reveals a dressing room that rivals celebrity homes in Beverly Hills. But it didn’t come easily. Keri painstakingly planned, designed and curated the space with care.

When we first stepped inside, we gasped as our eyes beheld the glory. No detail went unnoticed in this dreamy dressing room. Here are some guiding principles that can be drawn from her exquisite taste and vision. 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 the guidelines Keri used in her space will result in a much more organized and aesthetically pleasing space.

USE R EAL ESTATE W ISELY Reserve the front and middle of the closet for clothes worn most often. For someone who gets dressed for work each morning at 6 a.m., work clothes should be at the front of the closet. Store lesser-worn items like formal wear and out-of-season clothes toward the back and on the upper shelves. The large mirror and counter with chair provides the perfect spot to select jewelry and finalize finishing outfit touches.

While every closet is different, the key here is everything has a home.

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T R E N D SE T T E R | L IFE + C ULTURE

ARTICLE BY HALEY WILLIAMS | PHOTOGRAPHY BY CASSANDRA CASTANEDA

INJECT ST YLE INTO YOUR SPACE

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ORGA NIZE BY K IND A ND COLOR

Group clothes by kind first and color second. This ensures quick location of that favorite shirt when it’s needed. Bonus - it’s easy on the eye. Group like with like: Gather belts, sweaters, long-sleeve shirts, work pants, dresses, button-down shirts, jeans, shorts, etc., 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.

03 04 NEGATIVE SPACE

Using space efficiently is important, but keep in mind every good design includes some negative space. For instance, consider adding built-ins on the long wall of your closet but keep the short wall open with a mirror.

FACE CLOTHES THE SA ME DIR ECTION

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.

BAG & SHOE STOR AGE Alternate the way shoes are facing. This ultimately helps fit more on each row and provide a visually appealing way to display those prized possessions.

Everyone understands the frustration of searching for that one clutch when rushing out for the evening. Bags benefit from a space all their own. Get clear container storage for small bags and purses so you can locate and access them easily.

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UPGR ADED HA NGERS 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! Here’s a few of our favorite elevated hangers:

07 08 LIGHTING

Lighting is everything in a closet. Gone are the days of dim recessed lighting being sufficient.

Consider adding a statement lighting fixture like a chandelier or pendant that provides ample bright lighting to your space, no matter how big or small.

M AK E A STATEMENT

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.

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T R E N D SE T T E R | L IFE + C ULTURE

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F E B R UA RY 2 0 2 3

events A curated selection of the most intriguing upcoming events in our area.

EVE RY M ON DAY

Monday Night Trivia Night

CHICKEN N PICKLE OVERLAN D PA R K | 7 :0 0 P M Show off your knowledge at Chicken N Pickle every Monday night for Trivia Night starting at 7PM. Grab a bite to eat and enjoy an evening of fun. For more information visit https://chickennpickle.com/location/overland-park/ F EB RUA RY 1 1 T H

The Sweetheart Run

908 9 W EST 135TH ST. OVERLA ND PA R K | 2:0 0 P M Grab your sweetheart and join us at this Valentine's Day themed 5K/10K run/walk where participants team up with loved ones or friends to compete for the title of the fastest male, female or two-person 5K team in Kansas City and individuals compete for 5K and 10K age group prizes. Help us raise money for the Head For the Cure Foundation and sign up today. http://www.kcsweetheartrun.com/ F EB RUA RY 1 1 T H

KC Wine Co Sip & Shop

KC WIN E CO. | 12:00 PM Join us @ KC Wine Co. Vineyard & Winery's The Cidery for an exclusive opportunity to mingle with local small business owners and connect with your new favorite brands while enjoying your existing favorite wines, frozen wine slushes, and ciders. Don't forget to grab some wine for your Holiday festivities. *All guests must be 21+ F E B R UA RY 2 5T H

2023 KC Brew Fest

U NION STATION | 12:00 PM The KC Brew Fest is finally back to Union Station. The event will take place at historic Union Station, featuring over 40 breweries, 100 beers, and KC's best food trucks. For more information visit kansascitybrewfest.com F E B R UA RY 2 5T H

The 51st Annual Benedictine College Scholarship Ball

OVER LAN D PARK CON VEN TIO N C E NT E R One of the Top 10 fundraising events in Kansas City, the night of fun and camaraderie allows attendees to mingle with many of the movers and shakers in the business and philanthropic community. Fox 4 News anchor John Holt will once again keep the night rolling as the master of ceremonies for the black-tie optional event. Proceeds from the night go to support scholarships for worthy students to attend Benedictine College. This year’s ball will honor Jack ‘70, and Kathy Newman with the Cross of the Order of St. Benedict. To register visit https://wgb.benedictine.edu/give/scholarship-ball/index F E B R UA RY 2 6T H

Pickleball for Polar Bears

CHICKEN N PICKLE – OVER LA ND PA R K | 1 2:0 0 P M Kansas City Zoo has partnered with Polar Bears International to take a more active role in Polar Bear conservation. This program will serve the polar bear population and the visitors of our Zoo equally. $100 per team (2 players per team)Registration includes: One beer ticket per player, Four Kansas City Zoo admission tickets per player and guaranteed to play 3 – 4 games.

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EVE N TS

Keeping kids as healthy as possible is about more than ER visits and diagnosing rare diseases. Our commitment to do more for kids is at the heart of everything we do. Because when we partner together, we can clear new paths for every child’s potential. Learn how you can help at childrensmercy.org/imagine.

Imagine the Potential