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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, Allison Swan, Daniela Leon 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

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Proverbs 3:5-6 Leawood City Lifestyle™ is published monthly by Lifestyle Publications LLC. It is distributed via the US Postal Service to some of the Leawood 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 Leawood City Lifestyle™ is gathered from sources considered to be reliable, but

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

the accuracy of all information cannot be guaranteed.

F E B R UA RY 2 0 2 3

inside the issue The Local Love Issue

F E ATU R E D

D E PA RTM E NTS

10 Drew Six Music

Lifestyle Letter

Business Monthly

Back Stage

Gift Guide

Culinary Creations

Must See

Expert Help

Travel Journal

Chef ’s Selection

Trend Setter

Realty Report

Events

Local musician shares about his love of singing, songwriting and performing

16 Jewelry store helps dazzle Valentine's Day VanBrock continues to impact KC fine jewelry industry

20 Celebrating Kansas City Chocolatiers

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

26 Megh Knappenberger Art Love is in the details

ENT ERTA I NMENT B EAU T Y FO O D + B E V E R AG E

A RTS + C U LT U R E LO CA L S ERV I C ES T R AV EL FO O D + B EV E R AG E

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business monthly A round-up of exciting news from local businesses.

Floral Bowl Workshop by Silvertooth Home Assemble your own Floral Bowl made from fresh seasonal flowers. Work at your own pace to create a one-of-akind floral bowl to be displayed in your home or gifted to a loved one. Perfect event for a Valentines, Pal-entines or Gal-entines night out! LeAnn will be available to assist as needed. Tuesday, February 7th | 6:30-8:00pm TICKETS: Purchase tickets in advance by going to https://www. silvertoothhome.com/workshops/p/ floral-bowl-workshop Photography Janie Jones Photography

VanBrock Sweetheart Trunk Show featuring award winning designer Lisa Nik! Thursday, February 9th from 10am to 6pm, no appointment necessary! Lisa Nik combines colored gemstones, diamonds, and artful elements to create jewelry that can be worn on any occasion. VanBrock is Kansas City’s premier destination for exceptional jewelry and service, located in Mission Farms, Leawood, Kansas.

Valentines Staycation at Loews Kansas City For those looking for a romantic way to show your loved one you care this Valentine’s Day, Loews Kansas City Hotel has just debuted a new package experience, Let's Get Cozy in KC. Guests can enjoy a themed welcome amenity, an in-room movie and a food and beverage credit to sample some of The Stilwell’s best kept secrets. For those just looking for a festive place to celebrate, stop by Bar Stilwell and sip on the Blushing Bubbles.

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DREW SIX MUSIC Drew Six is a local country rocker known for his textured raspy baritone and bluesy delivery. His high-energy stage presence and hopeful anthems of optimism earned him opening spots for notable acts including Luke Bryan, Dan + Shay, Maroon 5, Thomas Rhett, Backstreet Boys, Darius Rucker, and Gary Allan. His most popular songs include “Boyfriend”, “Not My Problem”, and “Dreams Do.” While he shares his time between Nashville and Kansas City, he’s maintained a close connection with his hometown.

Drew Six “I was one of those fortunate people who always knew what I wanted to do from a very early age,” says Drew Six. “I wanted to ‘make it’ in the music business. Over time, you realize that everyone’s definition of ‘making it’ is a bit different, and some of what you thought looked amazing as a fan is a very different reality as you get more involved with the industry. Before Nashville, I shopped my music in L.A., New York, and London. Like many young artists, I just thought I wanted to be famous. I learned early on how important the song was in every meeting and found myself being just as fascinated with the songwriters and the craft as much as the artists that I admired. Songwriting and the creative process have always been very central to what I do as an artist. There is an amazing connection with an audience when performing live on stage, but it rises to a whole new level when you’re singing the songs and lyrics that you’ve written.”

“I wanted to ‘make it’ in the music business. Over time, you realize that everyone’s definition of ‘making it’ is a bit different, and some of what you thought looked amazing as a fan is a very different reality as you get more involved with the industry.” ARTICLE BY ALLISON SWAN | PHOTOGRAPHY BY JANIE JONES

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His special process for writing a song starts with being an observer. “As a songwriter, you always have to have your antennas up. I need to experience the vibe from being close to the subject or the raw emotion. It usually starts with a central idea or hook, then a melody. I grew up on Top 40, and catchy commercial sing-along phrases are just ingrained in me and come fairly easily. I’ll sing a lot of nonsense words around the arrangement to get it going, then dig into the lyrics and make everything fit. I will spend weeks and sometimes years getting a song that I believe in right. It needs to have conviction—it needs to feel authentic and speak your truth. “I’ve made a living playing live shows for many years, and that shows up in the writing room. I know what people respond to in a live performance situation. There is a certain energy that comes through in my songwriting because I can imagine playing it in an intimate venue as well as an arena, having performed in both situations. This has also allowed me to play a lot more original music in venues that would typically hire performers to play only cover material. I don’t have to work towards writing radio-friendly anthems because that is inherently an authentic part of me that shows through.” Drew Six says he’s always working on new music because it’s important for him to create, move forward, and provide value to his supporters. “Artists tend to get self-absorbed in the art, but the secret is that it’s not about you—it’s about serving the audience. Lately, I’ve really doubled down on the positive message songs. Music is one of the few things that truly brings people together despite their differences. The media and the dreaded comments section would have you believe that we

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are completely divided. I am fortunate to see people coming together and finding common ground on a regular basis. I have a newer song that we play live called, ‘American Dreamers.’ At its heart, it is about unifying and pushing through. You can’t fly and hold others down at the same time. “I’ve had the privilege of writing songs inspired by Variety Children’s Charity and Dream Factory, among others. These are songs of hope and optimism with an underlying struggle and fight to get there. The very nature requires us to come together for a more significant cause. The well-being of our younger generation is far more critical than some of the silly things we complain about and take for granted. “I really learned my songwriting chops in Nashville. Bart Herbison and Nashville Songwriters Association International really encouraged me and pointed me in the right direction. Attending songwriter rounds in Nashville taught me the craft and how high the bar is set. This has helped shape my independent artist career and my understanding of the importance of the song.” Once a song is complete, Drew Six demos it in his home studio in Kansas City with drum loops and multiple tracks, then records his songs in Nashville. “I hear a lot of the production going in and I want to convey that message to the musicians I work with for the master. I generally release singles because that’s what makes sense in the modern music business as an independent artist. From there, it’s a big process of promoting, marketing, and playing live. I have been more selective and purposeful about the shows I play, but I also have more advanced bookings than ever.” For more information on future events, visit DrewSix.com.

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ARTICLE BY DANIELA LEON PHOTOGRAPHY BY JANIE JONES

Jewelry store helps dazzle Valentine's Day VANBROCK CONTINUES TO IMPACT KC FINE JEWELRY INDUSTRY

Showering your loved one with jewelry is a love language that’s been practiced for centuries, and at VanBrock they make it easy for anyone to find that timeless piece. For more than 15 years, the Leawood based jeweler has opened its gallery to leading designers, bringing their exceptional styles to the midwest while offering a one-of-a-kind personal experience to shoppers. Standing firmly behind their mission; private, rare and regal, VanBrock aims at making each visit with them a special experience. It starts with an easy-to-book appointment where clients will be given a private session with a member of the team. For VanBrock, personalization is key in helping them establish a longstanding friendship between them and the client. “This is the perfect way to do it. They come in, sit down and it really is just getting to know what the

G IF T GU ID E | BEAU TY

“ S pec i a l of t e n com e s i n th e for m of je wel r y,”

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clients wants out of this visit, and then the next time they come in, they might want an engagement ring, or might want something for themselves,” explained Lenise Ward, VanBrock associate. VanBrock’s distinguished gallery is home to world-renowned designers, setting the bar high for fine jewelry one can’t find anywhere else. During the season of love, their gallery is ready to deliver with diamond-heart-shaped jewelry, traditional designs, and bold pieces each representing tokens of love. Customizations on items like pendants can also be made, which can make options endless. This is why VanBrock is known for making and keeping client wish lists. Each list is personalized and filled with pieces clients are drawn to, can revisit, or make available to friends or family. “People come in and update their wish lists annually, and I tell people all the time to put everything on your wish list because you just don’t ever know, and buyers like the wish lists because it gives them options,” said Ward. While their gallery attracts luxurious designers, VanBrock stresses they work with jewelry of all pricepoints, ensuring shoppers go home with the right piece. At the end of the day, they know it’s not an easy decision finding the piece of jewelry that resonates and captures a client’s feelings. “Special often comes in the form of jewelry,” expressed Ward. “in my opinion it’s special because of what it’s made of, and you’re giving it because the person you’re giving it to means something to you. This is a special industry that we’re in.” On February 9th appointments are not needed. Come in and meet designer Lisa Nik, and see her latest creations along with other pieces and designers that will be making headlines during the upcoming season.

G IF T GU ID E | BEAU TY

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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

Photo by Paul Versluis

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

Panache Photo by Paul Versluis

When you bite into a piece of chocolate, you may not fully grasp the time and talent it took to bring that smooth, sweet, delicious treat to your home. The art of chocolate making is astounding, and Kansas City chocolatiers use their talents to make headway on national platforms. These nine chocolatiers bring their passion for creating fine chocolates with ingredients from around the world to Kansas City residents. Read on to learn about their accomplishments and find the perfect chocolate for your Valentine’s Day celebrations!

PANACHE

Founded in 2013, Panache runs on a passion for creating luxury chocolates. They pride themselves on using only the highest-grade, sustainably grown cocoa from farmers worldwide. The combination of Colombian and Belgian cocoa accentuates the rich flavors of

European chocolate. In 2018, Panache was named Premier Artisan Chocolatier by the International Chocolate Salon. They also received Best Chocolatier and Confectioner and Master Chocolatier honors in 2019. As a six-star Grand Master Chocolatier three years in a row, Panache holds esteemed authority among Kansas City chocolatiers.

BLISS CHOCOLATIER

Bliss specializes in hand-painted bonbons, chocolate bars, and other fine confections. Founded by 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 CONTINUED > FEB R UARY 2 0 2 3 | C I TYL I FE STYL E . C OM / L E AWO O D

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.

ANNEDORE’S

Bliss Chocolatier

Sweet Kiss

Annedore’s fine chocolates bring whimsical gifts, handcrafted truffles, and 30 years of experience in the chocolatier business to Kansas City. They offer a variety of confections ranging from European-style truffles and unique chocolate gifts to caramels, toffee, and brittles. Each batch of sweet delicacies is hand-made and stirred in a copper kettle to extract maximum flavor. Their chocolate truffle collection completes a romantic date night, while their lifesize chocolate football satisfies any sports lover. You can visit this charming chocolate shop in Westwood Hills and Shawnee, Kansas, or online.

BIZZ & WEEZY’S

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.

LAURA LITTLE’S

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

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

A Kansas City tradition for over 65 years, Andre’s gives customers plenty of opportunities to taste handcrafted Swissstyle chocolates. The Bollier family has maintained the tradition of Swiss confections for three generations through their passion for making precise, bold, and beautiful chocolate.

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

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.

Sweet Kiss

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M UST SE E | A RTS + CU LTURE

MEGH KNAPPENBERGER ART ARTICLE BY ALLISON SWAN | PHOTOGRAPHY BY JANIE JONES

Megh Knappenberger is the Kansas City artist and proud University of Kansas alumna behind the colorfully eye-catching artwork featuring the Jayhawks, the Midwest, and all things that inspire happiness. Her curiosity and passion for storytelling shines through in her expressionist-meets-realism art, which she describes as careful planning and messy spontaneous exploration. “I went to KU for a degree in graphic design and did that for many years while painting on the side,” says Knappenberger. “In 2016, I had to take a pause from working when a back injury sidelined me for several months. I was running a branding business at the time, and because it was just me and a couple of contract employees, I had to shut it all down to recover. I moved out of my then-studio space and spent a few months at home recovering. During that recovery time, I began painting more and asked myself whether it was actually possible to make a living as an artist, and that’s where it all started.” Knappenberger describes her style as riotously colorful, evocative, and joyful. Love is in the details—those that share that same amount of love for the subjects she paints can feel the magic,

and this magic connects groups over their shared love. Her favorite subjects to paint are no secret, as they make a reoccuring appearance. “As a lifelong Midwesterner, this place is my muse. I love creating work that celebrates our home, like sunflowers, bees, bison, Jayhawks and portraits of notable Midwesterners. I paint recognizable things, but spin them through my filter, which often means abstracting colors and adding colorful drips, splats and incorporating scribbles and marks. For me, it begins with storytelling. I am a sentimental nerd who loves research. I build a little world around my subject before I ever start painting. It’s important to me to create work with meaning that celebrates my subject. The research is always different, but sometimes this means traveling to see a herd of bison or combing the Spencer Research Library at KU for a specific edition of the student newspaper paper from the 50’s. This research all helps me intentionally engineer the way my work feels, because I want you, the viewer or owner, to feel that same thing the instant you see it.” Her most popular works of art continue to be her officially licensed KU work that put her on the map. CONTINUED >

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M UST SE E | A RTS + CU LTURE

“It began with individual paintings of each of the six Jayhawk icons over the years, and has expanded to include other licensed KU icons like The Fieldhouse and National Championship win. In each of those pieces, I incorporated meaningful physical objects into the original paintings, like limestone “Rock Chalk,” newspaper clippings and confetti from the National Championship game.” This past year was an especially noteworthy banner year for Knappenberger. “I created portraits of four of our KC Current players in partnership with American Century Investments, created a KU National Champions heart for The Parade of Hearts, which was recently donated back to Allen Fieldhouse, and had the privilege of walking out onto the court alongside the heart and my 8 year old son during halftime, which was a moment of immense pride for this Jayhawk. I also donated a Ted Lasso portrait to Thundergong! which was personally autographed by Jason Sudeikis and helped raise a boatload of money for Steps of Faith Foundation.” If you’re looking to make your own story tangible, a custom commission is the perfect way to capture a special moment in time or whatever makes you happy. Knappenberger can include any personal artifacts that can be physically incorporated into the paint, burning the item and using the ashes, attaching with glue, and much more. The item can also be incorporated symbolically through imagery, numbers, or words onto the piece with paint or ink. This one-of-a-kind commission is yours alone and custom-made to fit and coordinate with any space. For custom commission inquiries, email hello@meghmakesart.com. For more information, visit meghmakesart.com or @ meghmakesart on Instagram and Facebook.

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

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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At Home in Puerto Rico DORADO BEACH: BEAUTIFUL INSIDE AND OUT

ARTICLE BY SUE G. COLLINS

T R AV E L J OU R N A L | TR AVE L

When Bill Bensley designed the lush Spa Botánico at the Dorado Beach – A RitzCarlton Reserve in bright, shiny Puerto Rico, he visualized the engaging space with his team, then spent months at Dorado Beach, breathing life into the walls and using his hands and ingenuity to create a spa that looks and feels like Mother Nature herself was the designer. The Spa rates as one of his 10 personal favorites among his infamous design projects worldwide, as does the hotel. The results are realized immediately when you step through the stone archway of the Spa Botánico, five Zen acres of lush gardens, pineapple orchards, hisand-her pools set into the shady garden tiers, roomy private outdoor shower

pavilions and oh yes, a menu of soothing holistic treatments that will make even the most stressed traveler unwind into a pool of bliss. While Spa Botánico is a destination in itself, the entire property at the Ritz-Carlton Reserve is breathtaking and thoughtfully designed to provide an elevated, yet grounding experience. A cadre of ladies and gentlemen (that’s how the Ritz refers to staff here) greeted me in the shady Arrival Pavilion with genuine smiles, helping hands and a cool coconut popsicle when I pulled up. My butler (at least for the duration of my stay) ushered me into a stunning oceanside room, with floor-to-ceiling sliding doors leading to a balcony with eye-level views of the Atlantic. The warmth and elegance of the room’s interior was rivaled only by the palm-fringed beach view and warm breeze. The bright bathroom was equally as awe-inspiring, with a soaking tub, shower, separate loo, double vanity and a wall of windows to a very private outdoor shower. Full-size Spa Botánico products, a chunky loofa sponge and a mountain of fluffy white towels were waiting for me. A softly lit butler’s counter with a tea drawer, mini fridge, bowl of fruit and snacks and Nespresso maker was nestled into the hall outside the amply lit closet complete with a gorgeous robe and branded flip-flops. This room goes down as one of my all-time favorites. CONTINUED >

FEB R UARY 2 0 2 3 | C I TYL I FE STYL E . C OM / L E AWO O D

Every lady and gentleman I met at the Dorado Beach was bursting with pride for both their work home and the island of Puerto Rico. They all wanted you to know that they and their neighbors await visitors with open arms. Some remnant damage of Hurricane Maria remains in the island’s interior communities and though it’s not forgotten, the ferocity of the 2017 storm that ravaged the island has given away to renovations and a renewed spirit of hope and celebration. Meals in the restaurants, Encanto Beach Club Bar and Grill and Positivo Sand Bar and to-go provisions from La Cocina Gourmet were memorable with artful plates of local produce and fish and Asian dishes all under the watchful eye of Chef Jose Miguel de la Puente. The kitchens are full of love and passion for food and in fact, the Ritz kitchen was home base for renown chef and activist José Andrés during Hurricane Maria when his World Central

T R AV E L J OU R N A L | TR AVE L

Kitchen made millions of meals for people in all of Puerto Rico’s 78 municipalities. This love for the land and its people shines through the many diverse experiences offered at Dorado Beach. Jean-Michel Cousteau’s Ambassadors of the Environment introduces guests (young and young at heart) to the natural wonders and rich cultural traditions of Puerto Rico from groovy beachside classrooms. Also featured in the program is the historic Rockefeller Trail originally conceived by Laurance Rockefeller in the 1950s to create a walkable, open-air sanctuary through the resort’s surroundings. Dorado Beach Reserve is beautiful, inside and out, with the warmth of its ladies and gentlemen a beacon for guests who will want to return again and again.

FEB R UARY 2 0 2 3 | C I TYL I FE STYL E . C OM / L E AWO O D

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FEB R UARY 2 0 2 3 | C I TYL I FE STYL E . C OM / L E AWO O D

Gather at the table

ARTICLE BY LAURA MAXWELL PHOTOGRAPHY BY RYAN HILL OF 8183 PRODUCTIONS

C HE F ’S SE LE CT ION | FOOD + BE VE RAGE

HOMEMADE COOKING WITH COURTNEY HILL

Inspiration often comes from reflecting on those things that bring us the most pleasure and joy, and for local author Courtney Hill that’s no exception. Her love for vintage cookbooks, vinyl records and everything mid-century have inspired her journey in writing Homemade: The American Family Cookbook. Hill says “I have a large collection of vintage cookbooks that were the inspiration for the look and feel of my cookbook. Thrifting and antiquing are some of my favorite things to do, and all the dishes photographed in the cookbook were found on my adventures.” As a busy mom of twins, Hill recognizes that in today’s hurry-scurry world, sitting down around the kitchen table as a family may seem like a luxury, but she believes the family meal is a meaningful vestige of the past worth bringing back as often as possible, and one that doesn’t have to be overwhelming. “My goal is to encourage people to cook more at home. I’d love for the book to spark a movement of bringing back the family meal - it’s very doable and doesn’t have to be overly complicated,” she says. Hill has been nurturing her culinary dream for years. A former Family and Consumer Sciences teacher staying home with newborn twins in 2015, she started a cooking blog as a creative outlet. The blogging experience led to the desire to eventually turn the entries into a cookbook, and when Covid hit in 2020, the time was right. “During the uncertainty of the moment and mandatory time at home, I had renewed inspiration to publish the cookbook. When our production studio had to shut down in the spring of

2020, my husband and I had some time to shoot the first vintage style photo. From that first photo, I could see my long awaited vision coming to life and I knew it was going to be amazing.” Amazing things take time though, and the publishing process took almost two years from that initial photo shoot. Hill says “I learned that any dream worth having is worth fighting for; there were many hurdles to overcome with the self/hybrid publishing process. God was with us though, providing money in unexpected places and through encouragement and perseverance when I hit obstacles.” With the cookbook in print and available online through major retailers like Amazon, Target and WalMart, Hill has now been working to expand her circle of influence through social media, vendor fairs, decorating events and baking custom cakes and cookies through her business, Courtney’s Cookies & Cakes KC. Juggling multiple responsibilities as wife, mom, and CFO of a local production studio, all while cultivating her dreams, requires commitment and time management skills, but Hill embraces each role with vigor. “I feel one of my strengths is time management. It’s how I can get so much done, especially when it comes to meal planning. Of course, some weeks are crazy and I don’t cook every night, but I love my family, I love teaching, and I love spending time with them cooking and teaching them how to cook.” She and husband Ryan hope their kids may eventually follow in their footsteps. “They love to be in the kitchen with me. My daughter loves to make elaborate tiny foods, and my son helps me bake. Down the road, we plan to have them cook our family meal once a week,” she says. Among her favorite receipts from the cookbook are the fried chicken meal, the plum good chicken, and the soups. “I make the fried chicken meal at least a couple times a month. It’s pretty fast and tastes so good!”

“I feel one of my strengths is time management. It’s how I can get so much done, especially when it comes to meal planning.”

For more information or to purchase the cookbook, visit https://cookhomemade.net

FEB R UARY 2 0 2 3 | C I TYL I FE STYL E . C OM / L E AWO O D

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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.

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

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. CONTINUED > FEB R UARY 2 0 2 3 | C I TYL I FE STYL E . C OM / L E AWO O D

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.

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

F E B R UA RY 2 0 2 3

realty report A sample of recently sold properties in Leawood. N E IG H B O R H O O D

L I ST P R I C E

SO LD PR I C E

% SO LD / O R I G

DOM

BD R MS

B AT HS

Leawood Lanes

$2,294,000

$2,303,500

100%

5.2

Leawood Lanes

$2,400,000

$2,250,000

93%

3.1

Siena of Leawood

$1,650,000

$1,550,000

94%

124

5.1

Tuscany Reserve

$1,690,000

$1,525,000

90%

4.2

Leawood

$1,350,000

100%

4.1

Hills of Leawood

$1,155,970

$1,205,609

104%

207

Pavilions

$1,025,000

$980,000

95%

4.1

Loch Lloyd

$850,000

$825,000

97%

4.1

Reserve of Iron Horse

$844,000

$799,000

94%

145

5.1

Wilshire

$650,000

$715,000

110%

3.2

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FEB R UARY 2 0 2 3 | C I TYL I FE STYL E . C OM / L E AWO O D

F E B R UA RY 2 0 2 3

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

F E B R UA RY 4 T H

Daddy Daughter Date Night

48 00 TOWN CEN TER DRIVE , L E AWO O D | 6 :30 P M Attention dads and daughters: Enjoy an evening of dancing and refreshments at the Leawood Community Center. Fee $55 per couple ($14 per additional daughter) Price includes, DJ, snacks and Drinks 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 E B R UA RY 1 6T H

Morning Mingling with the Leawood Chamber

ADVEN THEALTH S OUTH OP 78 20 W. 1 6 5T H ST. OV E R L A ND PA R K | 8 :0 0 A M Join us to connect with current referral partners and new ones over coffee and light breakfast bites! Reservations are requested as a courtesy to the host. The registration and cancellation deadline for this event is 24 hours prior to the event. F EB RUA RY 1 9 T H

Winterlude - Trent Austin Quartet

MIDWEST TR UST CEN TER AT J O H NS O N C O UNT Y C O MMUNI T Y C O L L E G E | 7 :0 0 P M As a trumpeting Renaissance man, Trent Austin plays jazz classics with the influences of classical and contemporary music. Celebrated trumpet artist, educator/clinician and entrepreneur, Trent Austin is a trumpeting Renaissance Man. F EB 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 EB R UA RY 2 5T H

The 51st Annual Benedictine College Scholarship Balll

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

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