Leawood, KS May 2023

Celebrating Women

Letter from the Editor

Good friends are one of the greatest treasures in life. I have been so lucky to have friends throughout my life that not only bring fun and joy but who also are there to journey with me through the ups and downs of life. Surrounding yourself with people who are likeminded and placing a priority on developing a deeper connection with them is something that is so worthwhile and life giving. Spending quality time with friends has been proven to not only benefit mental health, but it is proven to help our overall health in general and can lower stress levels and blood pressure and improve immune function. That is remarkable and is proof that meaningful human connection is something that we all need on a cellular level. My girlfriends have become like family to me, and I cannot imagine going through life without them.

I am naturally a very extroverted person and like to go out of my way to meet new people, but I know not everyone has that comfort level. One of my kids is more of an introvert, and I know putting himself out there to meet new friends is painfully awkward for him. If you are someone who is looking for opportunities to connect with people, I think one of the easiest ways to branch out is by joining a local group that does an activity together. Having something to do helps push past the awkward when first getting to know each other, and oftentimes having a shared interest opens the door to connecting further. Some easy things to jump into could be a local club that encourages being active like pickle ball, cycling, running, adult soccer and so on. Book clubs, church groups or local outreaches are great ways to be part of something that encourages discussions. Our city offers so many opportunities to connect based off of shared interests such as whiskey drinking (check out our article on Whiskey Women KC in this issue), food lovers, the arts, and so much more.

Our May issue is dedicated to celebrating the women in our life. I know the women in my life are all people who have greatly contributed to my wellbeing and are truly irreplaceable. I encourage you to take a moment to think about the women in your life that have greatly impacted you and have brought joy to your life, and send them a note of gratitude if you are able.

May 2023

PUBLISHER

Cristine Lindholm | cristine.lindholm@citylifestyle.com

EDITOR

Angela Broockerd | angela.broockerd@citylifestyle.com

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

Judy Goppert, Allison Swan, Mindy Hargesheimer

CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHER

Janie Jones

ANGELA BROOCKERD, EDITOR @LEAWOODCITYLIFESTYLE

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 Andi Foster

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Dr. Cristyn Watkins

CELEBRATING FEMALE CHEFS

Kansas City is one delectable place to live. From multiple James Beard Award semifinalists to national recognition for “food worth traveling for” and the nation’s “best new restaurants,” our culinary scene is brimming with flavor, diversity, beautiful aesthetics, and outstanding hospitality. We’ve rounded up five female movers and shakers in the industry to share their journeys into leading the charge in the kitchen and found out their favorite things about the amazing city we all call home.

ARTICLE BY MINDY HARGESHEIMER

PHOTOGRAPHY BY JANIE JONES

Kauffman

LAURA COMER

EXECUTIVE CHEF FOR THE KAUFFMAN CENTER FOR PERFORMING ARTS

Laura Comer has been the executive chef for the Kauffman Center for Performing Arts for 6+ years since earning an AOS in Culinary Arts from the California School of Culinary Arts and a Le Cordon Bleu diploma.

LL: TELL US ABOUT YOUR BACKGROUND.

LC: I pursued my degree at UMKC in the Conservatory of Music. By graduation, I fell back to what I loved and pursued being a pastry chef at the California School of Culinary Arts. I returned to KC and worked for several amazing restaurants like Bluestem and Indian Hills Country Club and eventually became Regional Chef for Treat America before the Kauffman Center position presented itself.

LL: WHAT INSPIRES YOU?

LC: It can be a piece that our artists are performing, the season, our local availability, a piece of artwork, or a color palette. The beauty of The Kauffman Center is that it is a venue for artists, and they let me have that blank canvas to play upon.

LL: TELL US ABOUT YOUR FAVORITE ACCOMPLISHMENTS.

LC: Two of the things I am most proud of were competing on Food Network on Guy’s Grocery Games and Hulu’s Chefs vs. Wild. Doing both of those scared me to death, but I really want to prove to myself that I can do hard things and that you have to push yourself to be in some intimidating situations to grow. Chefs vs. Wild was especially new territory for me, but it was the most amazing experience of my life.

MARISSA GENCARELLI

CO-FOUNDER OF YOLI TORTILLERIA

Marissa Gencarelli is the co-founder of Yoli Tortilleria. Born and raised in Sonora, Mexico, Marissa oversees the brand marketing strategy and spends most of her time building experiences which translates to developing products and fulfilling their mission.

LL: TELL US ABOUT YOUR JOURNEY TO YOLI TORTILLERIA?

MG: We started making tortillas at home, as we were missing what we got in Mexico. It was a lot of trial and error until we got it right. We first started selling to restaurants, and in 2020 we opened our first retail experience, and everything exploded after that.

LL: WHAT INSPIRED YOUR WORK?

MG: I was very lucky with parents that loved food and the arts; we would travel throughout Mexico trying all sorts of different foods. Yoli means to live in Nahuatl (Aztec language) and it embraces the attitude to live fully and adventurously as seekers of the best-handcrafted goods.

LL: WHAT ARE YOUR PERSONAL FAVORITES?

MG: A steak taco on a Yoli flour tortilla topped with cabbage and Taco Stand salsa is a taste of home, and it’s hard to resist our Totopos (chips) – the macha morita flavor is very addictive, and the chamoy flavor with a squeeze of lime while sipping a margarita is pretty close to perfection.

LL: TELL US ABOUT YOUR FAVORITE ACCOMPLISHMENTS.

MG: We turn 6 years old this August, and every year we are shocked by our growth. Last year we were a James Beard Foundation semifinalist, and this year we are a finalist. We never dreamt that such a high accolade was possible for a small tortilleria like ours.

ALEJANDRA DE LA FUENTE

CHEF AND OWNER OF RED KITCHEN

Alejandra de la Fuente is Chef and Owner of Red Kitchen in Lenexa Public Market. Born and raised in Mexico, Alejandra fell in love with the art of cooking from her dad making breakfast every Sunday and was named as Kansas’ best burrito in Food & Wine Magazine’s “The Best Burritos in All 50 States.”

LL: TELL US ABOUT YOUR BACKGROUND AND JOURNEY TO RED KITCHEN.

AF: In 2016 I started making tamales for my family, and the following year I started selling them successfully on Facebook. At the same time, The Lenexa Public Market was being built and looking for vendors, and after presenting my tamales, I was chosen to be part of it. Now, I also sell my burritos wholesale to The Roasterie, Revocup Coffee, and Daylight Donuts and have moved into a larger space within the market. I am excited to bring an even bigger menu, more hours, and craft cocktails.

LL: WHAT IS YOUR PERSONAL FAVORITE BURRITO?

AF: Without a doubt, my breakfast burritos are addictive! They have my favorite ingredients of potato, egg, my salsa verde, and the best tortillas in town - Caramelo Tortillas.

LL: TELL US ABOUT YOUR FAVORITE ACCOMPLISHMENTS.

AF: Being a female business owner, immigrant, and doing everything from scratch has been my biggest achievement in addition to keeping and growing my business through COVID. Knowing that I was able to help people in Mexico by selling their handmade masks and sending that money to support them was very important to me.

LL: NAME A FEW OF YOUR FAVORITE THINGS ABOUT KANSAS CITY.

AF: Sierra Grill, Chewelogy, and Sushi Uni. Kansas City is so vibrant, open to new flavors, and I love being part of The Lenexa Public market.

SHANITA MCAFEE-BRYANT

CHEF AND COMMUNITY ACTIVIST WITH THE PROSPECT KC

Shanita McAfee-Bryant is an award-winning professional chef, Kansas City native, and community activist with The Prospect KC. She is a proud disruptor who finds if a system is broken, she is okay dismantling it to make sure that she is meeting the needs of the community she is trying to serve.

LL: TELL US ABOUT YOUR JOURNEY TO THE PROSPECT KC?

SB: The Prospect KC has brought me full circle in my journey. I have been a teen mom, a single mom, and a woman of color trying to find success as a minority in the space of the culinary arts and restaurant ownership. However, I had advantages and resources other women in those situations usually did not. While I may have had the same pain points as other women in those situations, I always had a solid support system.

LL: WHAT ARE YOU MOST EXCITED ABOUT WITH THE PROSPECT KC?

SB: The 16-week culinary job training program is about offering participants the ability to learn solid kitchen techniques that transfer to the real world while exploring ingredients and dishes that excite the participants. Seeing the light go on with someone who is experiencing a new flavor, gaining experience with an unfamiliar ingredient, or mastering a technique for the first time – these are the moments of connection that I live for.

LL: NAME A FEW OF YOUR FAVORITE THINGS ABOUT KANSAS CITY.

SB: Coffee: Cafe Cà Phê, Kinship Café, and Messenger Coffee on Grand Boulevard. Restaurants: Lula, Novel, Waldo Thai, and Extra Virgin. Activities: The River Market on the weekends; I love the energy and the vibe!

NICOLE SHUTE

CHEF OF VERDE INSIDE DOWNTOWN KC’S, STRANG CHEF COLLECTIVE

Nicole Shute is a high-profile chef and a member of the Les Dames D’Escoffier KC Chapter. Her experience finding inspiration from her restaurant experience in a country club to earning her chef apprenticeship at JCCC eventually led her to Chef of Verde inside downtown KC’s newest concept, Strang Chef Collective.

LL: TELL US ABOUT YOUR JOURNEY TO STRANG CHEF COLLECTIVE.

NS: Before Strang, I worked as a banquet chef for the Marriott Downtown working with events including gorgeous galas and weddings. We hosted events for local chefs, a president and vice president, and the Chiefs. A specific Chiefs quarterback would at one point reach out to request a specific salad of mine be present at one of his events.

When the pandemic happened, I interviewed with Strang and was asked to create dishes from my proposed concept. And here we are, where Verde is alive and is a fusion of Latin American, island, and American with vibrant, colorful food and flavors.

LL:

WHAT INSPIRES YOU?

NS: I’m constantly inspired by the joy I see from guests enjoying food experiences, by chefs working day after day, and by the constant innovations of food fusion, techniques, and reinventions. There is always something new to create even if it’s a new way of making meatloaf or fish tacos.

LL:

WHAT ARE SOME OF YOUR FAVORITE ACCOMPLISHMENTS?

NS: I have such a love for my profession; it’s truly a way of life for me. When I’m not at work I’m either researching and creating or enjoying other chefs’ creations. And for those who say they don’t really enjoy cooking, WE THANK YOU!

Stems: A Garden Soiree

ARTICLE BY ALLISON SWAN PHOTOGRAPHY BY JANIE JONES

Stems is the garden party of the summer. Sip wine, taste food from top restaurants and caterers, and enjoy art, music and fireworks at the Overland Park Arboretum and Botanical Gardens. The best part is that it’s all for a great cause— proceeds ensure programs and capital improvements as our cultural and recreational gems continue to grow.

Development Director Jennifer Cairns says this year will be bigger and better than ever.

“Stems is the perfect combination of a laid-back evening wandering the gardens and a night filled with music, delicious drinks, flavorful local foods, and festivities galore,” says Cairns. “The event is integrated into the Arboretum’s signature gardens, and this year that includes the gardens and grounds surrounding LongHouse, the new 21,000 square foot visitor center. We are so excited to be able to expand the party. From the great lawn, to the event terrace, to the hidden garden, the new event spaces give our guests additional options to explore and reason to celebrate growth at the Arboretum. Stems brings people from throughout our community together and is the perfect venue for friends or a special date night. Our network of community supporters and sponsors enjoy hosting their clients and employees and spending an evening socializing under the stars.”

Guests receive a hand-painted wine glass to use throughout the evening and can take home as a souvenir. Wines, beers, spirits, cocktails and non-alcoholic beverages will be served along with a wide

variety of tasty tidbits—past menu items included crab cakes, barbecue, orange shrimp, prime rib sandwiches, tiramisu, fruit crêpes and fried cheesecake.

Some of the most popular vendors at the event continue to be the activities, including the balloon artist and photo camper.

“We love seeing our guests all dressed up for a party wearing whimsical hats or accessories crafted from colorful balloons. The photo camper is hugely popular, sending guests home with a themed souvenir photo of their evening. We will also have a caricature artist, live music and even more fun, all-inclusive in the ticket price. The evening culminates in a dazzling display of fireworks reflected in the Arboretum’s water features.”

What inspired the creation of Stems was combining fun with a good cause.

“The Arts & Recreation Foundation Board of Directors created Stems back in 2008 to achieve several goals,” says Vicki Lilly, Executive Director. “The first goal was to create a signature summer event in Overland Park that brought people to the Arboretum in its early summer glory—the beauty of the Arboretum in late June is truly breathtaking. The second goal was to offer a really fun way for individuals and the business community to support the foundation’s work. While Stems is a wonderful combination of being both casual and elegant and so much fun for attendees, it is vital to the foundation achieving its mission.”

Sponsors, donors, volunteers, and attendees have helped raise over $3.6 million. The donations collected from the event have helped the Foundation raise even more funds for Deanna Rose Children’s Farmstead, the Overland Park Arboretum & Botanical Gardens and city art installations.

“All of the funds raised are used by the Foundation to support our Friends groups who work throughout the year to host community-loved events that make expansions and enhancements at our city’s cultural amenities possible. In partnership with the City of Overland Park, we will be building a new Draft Horse Depot at the Farmstead and working to create an inclusive experience at the Arboretum called Nature Encounter for All.”

Don’t miss the chance to sip, savor, and socialize under the stars at the most anticipated garden party of the summer on Saturday, June 24th at the Overland Park Arboretum. Located at 8909 West 179th Street, this event is only for guests 21 and older. For more information, visit stemssoiree.org

“Stems is the perfect combination of a laid-back evening wandering the gardens and a night filled with music, delicious drinks, flavorful local foods, and festivities galore.”

“ The rapid growth we are experiencing has necessitated more space for current employees, as well as for the significant number we anticipate adding over the next few years. We believe Airshare is one of the best places to work in Kansas City, and our new office at Aspiria will enhance our efforts to attract and retain the best talent in private aviation.”

John Owen President and CEO Airshare

ARTICLE BY JUDY GOPPERT

Meet the Artist

KIM TAGGART

Since she was a child, Kim Taggart has been drawn to God’s awesome creations filled with brilliant views and colors. She credits her kindergarten teacher for alerting her parents that she had an elevated skill level when it came to drawing.

“Meeting with her encouraged them to keep me supplied with what I needed,” she explains. “While I went to Olathe High School, I had a very good art teacher, and I also took private art lessons at the then Mid-America Nazarene College. The professor taught me after school, and I learned oil, pastel and charcoal techniques.”

She went on to attend K State and earned a bachelor’s degree in fine art. As many artistic college graduates do, she decided to go into graphic design instead of formal art, which made more money at the time. She honed her skills working for various local advertising agencies.

As she entered into adulthood, and life events have happened, her love of formal art has been reawakened, and she draws large graphite landscapes, which is unique to her genre. Her work can be seen in multiple locations in the Kansas City area.

“I work with Eva, who owns Eva Reynolds Fine Art Gallery. She features and sells many of my landscape prints. Eva represents world-renowned artists, and I feel lucky to be with her. Laura of McCroskey Interiors Award-Winning Interior Design Firm works through Eva to get my artwork for her clientele and has six of my large pieces on her website. She usually sells three or four at a time in her homes she designs,” she continues. “Jack Stack Barbecue in Martin City has six of my 30-inch pieces, and the newly remodeled Plaza Jack Stack has five of my really large pieces. My artwork looks like charcoal but is actually graphite.”

She feels that living in the country drew her to the lovely outdoors where she was lucky enough to witness Kansas sunsets and sunrises, stormy clouds and the Flint Hills. She is inspired by the world around her.

“My two daughters would always complain that I had my head out of the window,” she smiles. “I observe and capture composition. I also enjoy abstract art and will soon be working on more very large black and white pieces.”

As each art piece takes 80 to 100 hours, it takes time to create items for art shows.

Her 100-year-old house is a source of joy for her, with little curios with lead glass, a front porch swing and colonnade, which she notes is super inspiring and healing. She recently dedicated a room as an art studio in her home.

She is honored to be part of the group, American Women Artists, a non-profit membership organization comprised of women artists, patrons and gallery owners throughout the United States and Canada.

“They have a campaign called 25 in 25, and in the next 25 years, they are offering members the opportunity to jury into an annual museum exhibition. They are striving to get women in museum showings. Women’s art makes up only one percent in museums. I submit art and it is a juried competition,” she expresses. “You have to be in three shows to gain signature status, which I have obtained.”

Watch for more from this strong woman as she continues to thrive and create.

Visit kimtaggartsart.com to see more of her work.

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ARTICLE BY D. LEON

PHOTOGRAPHY BY JANIE JONES

WHISKEY WOMEN KC

Holly Twaddell is stirring up a revolution among Kansas City’s whiskey industry. Over the past year, the KC native started Whiskey Women KC; a group made up of women from all walks of life who come together to learn more about whiskey without judgment.

The whiskey fanatic was first introduced to the distilled alcoholic beverage by her father five years ago. After a few sips of Irish whiskey, she was hooked and started immersing herself in the world of whiskey by attending conventions, touring distilleries and even becoming a member of the KC Whiskey Guild.

Twaddell says the taste of whiskey, the experience and the versatility are what set this spirit apart from the rest.

“Whiskey is about drinking with friends, it’s about opening that bottle and just enjoying each other and drinking with friends,” described Twaddell, “it has a complexity almost like poetry, there are just different levels of intensity and flavors.”

As she continued to explore the world of whiskey, her social circle began to broaden.

Each event led her to meet new people who shared a similar passion for whiskey, but she knew the industry lacked diversity. Twaddell said little to no women could be seen at distilleries or at barrel selections and she needed to make a change.

Whiskey Women KC was launched by Twaddell in 2022 and so far, nearly 250 members have signed up to be part of the discussion. Twaddell says the group serves as a safespace platform the whiskey industry craved. It’s also a place where people can contribute ideas and while learning more about whiskey.

Whiskey Women KC members can routinely be seen at some of KC’s hottest bars sampling whiskey flights, touring local distilleries, while creating lasting relationships and countless memories.

“Men don’t understand that it’s just a men’s world, so that’s why I wanted to create a non-intimidating place where we could be ourselves, ask questions, and not feel like we’re looked down upon,” explained Twaddell, “a lot of the women are really excited because they get to meet new people, we’re going out, in the community, making new friends and meeting new people.”

Since the launch, Twaddell says the KC whiskey industry has been welcoming of her push to involve more women. Distilleries have invited the group to take tours and whiskey leaders and organizations have reached out to Twaddell to congratulate her on her push to bring diversity to their industry. She says it’s those moments that fuel her desire to keep pushing boundaries and encourage others to do the same.

“You just have to keep going forward, you get a lot of eye rolls, and sometimes you get a lot of backlash like you don’t know what you’re talking about and that’s pretty standard for a woman going into the male-world,” said Twaddell, “keep pushing forward and keep doing what you love if it’s not a challenge, it’s not worth it.”

As for how people can get started on their whiskey journey, Twaddell encourages people to start off light and work their way through the ladder of taste with plenty of company around.

“If you aren’t used to stronger whisky, start with more mild ones, or a whiskey cocktail, but join those groups, keep pushing forward, keep doing what you love,” said Twaddell.

Twaddell encourages the following stops for people interested in getting a true sense of KC’s whiskey scene.

The Belfry is a gastropub located on 15th and Grand with knowledgeable staff on hand to guide people through a unique bourbon list and food menu.

Drastic Measures is a cocktail-only bar, Twaddell praises the Shawnee bar for its clever incorporation of whiskey into savory drinks.

Verdigris is a Whiskey Women KC group favorite due to its timeless and elegant atmosphere making it the perfect date-night spot or girl’s night out.

Real Estate Is In This Family’s Blood.

The mother/daughter team of Parkway Real Estate shines bright like a diamond!

ARTICLE BY JUDY GOPPERT | PHOTOGRAPHY BY JANIE JONES

Alexis Mirakian was born into the real estate world, shadowing her mother, Patty Parsons, as she went to work while raising her and her two siblings. After working together for more than 10 years, last year they pursued their dream of creating a company together that resonated with their values and philosophies and opened their own brokerage, Parkway Real Estate.

“My mom has always made working as a realtor look like fun!” Alexis says. “She would talk about her listings and about how her clients often became good friends. When I was younger, I would hear her on the phone negotiating terms to get a home under contract and then celebrating each and every closing. I often went to the office with her.”

Upon graduating from KU, Alexis worked for an international sports architecture firm in Kansas City. She worked on new client proposals helping prep for some of the largest names in sports. She feels this experience was key for her to switch from a client-driven industry into real estate. She enjoys the excitement of being her own boss, and in her first year won Rookie of the Year for top sales in her office.

“I am so lucky that I get to work with my mom. We’ve been working together in real estate for the past 10 years, but opening our own brokerage this past year, Parkway Real Estate, has been one of my greatest accomplishments,” Alexis smiles. “We balance each other out, bringing different elements to the table.”

Like her mother before her, Alexis is raising her own three young children and notes her husband has been her biggest cheerleader. They have 21 experienced agents, and it was the confidence of her family and mom, Parkway’s managing broker, that spurred her on.  Patty’s interest in a real estate career began 24 years ago, stemming from the fact that it was the kind of business that allowed her to have a career and still maintain a family focus.

“With a husband and three school-aged children, I didn’t want to miss out. I wanted the best of both worlds,” she says. “My degree is in journalism, and I had a career in advertising prior to starting a family but gave that up once the children arrived. Years ago, most traditional careers didn’t offer the flexibility I was searching for. In real estate, you do spend a lot of hours and weekends working, but there is so much more flexibility. I made it work!”

She explains that she and Alexis put their heads together and decided they needed a change and wanted a company with the values and environment they wanted.

“The icing on top is doing this together,” she exclaims.

Both confirm the change in the business has been huge in technology and philosophy, noting, “The market is still crazy with low inventory. There are not enough homes for all the buyers wanting to purchase a new home. The multiple offers, crazy over asking, and sold in a day are still the current market here in Kansas City. We aren’t slowing like the east and west coast, and we have more people relocating to our area.”

Patty reflects that having Alexis join her has truly rejuvenated and reinvigorated her.

“My husband is semi-retired, and my three children are married and thriving. We have four grandchildren and two dogs that keep my ‘after hours’ busy,” she relates. “My goal is for Alexis to run this company for 25 years and even introduce her children to the business if they are so inclined.”

The connection this mother/daughter team has is what makes their collaborative efforts work swimmingly.

Parkway Real Estate is located at 8201 Mission Rd. #104 in Prairie Village. Call Alexis Mirakian at 913-620-3135 or Patty Parsons at 913-579-2460. Visit parkwayre.com

ARTICLE BY JUDY GOPPERT PHOTOGRAPHY BY JANIE JONES

Taking Picnics To New Levels

WHO KNEW PICNICKING COULD BE SO LUXURIOUS?

Imagine flowers, stars, balloons, pillows, blankets, goodies, soft colors, fine dish wear, candles…yes, I’m talking about a picnic!

Katheryn Fourdray and her daughter, Lauren, are the imaginative minds behind these out of this world themed soirées. Whatever your occasion, they will create a once in a lifetime memory of a lifetime for you blending unique luxury picnics with soft mobile play.

“We created Soleil Ventures Picnics and Events to give people a way to make lasting memories for any occasion,” Katheryn smiles. “We wanted to make people happy. To make them stop, enjoy and take in the small moments. To appreciate those that are around them and make memories that will last a lifetime. Once you book your picnic with us, indoors or out, the rest of it is left to us and we make your occasion stress free. You just show up!”

She embellished that her daughter, Lauren, is amazing, witty, funny and a huge extrovert.

“We wanted to make people happy. To make them stop, enjoy and take in the small moments. To appreciate those that are around them and make memories that will last a lifetime.”

“She is amazingly creative and loves lavishing people with luxury and excellence. She gathers inspiration anywhere from nature to magazines.”

“She is amazingly creative and loves lavishing people with luxury and excellence. She gathers inspiration anywhere from nature to magazines,” Katheryn continues. “She also gleans a lot of her inspiration from what people want. She communicates each step of the way to ensure that each picnic is perfect. She loves to hear about the celebrations, proposals, birthdays, bachelorette parties, etc., then takes their vision and turns it into their dream memory.”

She mentioned their most popular picnics are the boho theme picnics, which feature neutral colors, soft pinks, big and flowy tablescapes, with umbrellas and teepees. They love to create picnics that reflect the celebration in a luxurious and tasteful way that are both pleasing to the eye and Instagram-worthy.

“Our process is very simple. Once you book your picnic, we talk about your celebration and color choices. Most of the time we will create a beautiful tablescape based on your color choices,” she explained. “Usually, we are given free rein to create beautiful picnics because of expertise, however, we have created picnics based on specific ideas, whether it be a child’s birthday with balloons or a proposal of reds and whites with roses leading the way. We are flexible and love creating a picnic that will leave our clients with a lasting memory.”

Their picnics can be both indoors or outdoors, which allows them to host them year-round, no matter the weather. They will create a beautiful space for whatever the celebration may be. They will transform your home or backyard into a mystical place, with surprises at every turn.

“We love what we do! We love creating and making people smile with a unique way to celebrate any life event. We love where we live and our community we get to call home,” she reflected. “The people, places and scenery inspire us to want to be a part of someplace that we can share that love with others.”

Visit soleilventurespicnics.com for more information and follow on Instagram @soleilventurespicnics. Call 913-225-6439.

Memorable ways to celebrate the mother figure in your life

Make an Impact for Mom

The moms and the mother figures in our lives mean everything to us. They deserve the best every day, of course. But at least one day out of the year, we get to shower them with the same love and thoughtfulness they give to us so selflessly.

This year, we hope you’ll consider some memorable ways to make lasting memories with the mom or mother figure in your life. If you haven’t already planned something special, take a look at our list of ideas and circle your favorites. If you have kids, let them join in the fun too!

Whether you decide to spend a day at home or enjoy a day on the town, these innovative celebration ideas will include fun for the whole family and make Mom feel loved. Whatever activity or surprise you land on to show your mom, wife, sister or maternal figure your appreciation for all they do, the most important thing is that you all get to spend some quality time together.

Invite Her To High Tea

Whether you make the brews and treats yourself or head out to an official tea house, Mom will love sipping her beverage out of fancy china and snacking on tea sandwiches.

Pick Your Own Fruit

This activity is especially fun if you have a lot of kids who want to get in on the action. Then, when you all get home, you can whip up a treat for Mom with your selections. (Maybe give her a strawberry in a Champagne glass while she waits.)

Book Her a Weekend Away

There’s no day like Mother’s Day to be impulsive! Book a weekend trip for the two of you at a cute B&B in a city Mom has always wanted to visit.

Complete a Jigsaw Puzzle

Find a puzzle with an image you know your mom will love (or make a custom one using a photo of the two of you) and put it together over wine and snacks. You’ll be amazed at how much chatting you can get done while puzzling.

Take a Flower Arranging Class

Mother’s Day arrives just as spring is in full bloom. Take advantage of the season by going to a flower arranging class with mom.

realty report

A sample of recently sold properties in Leawood.

MEET THE OWNERS OF PARKWAY REAL ESTATE: Patty Parsons & Alexis Mirakian.

As Kansas City’s go-to boutique real estate agency, our 21 experienced Realtors help home buyers and sellers navigate their next big step. We couldn’t be prouder.

913-283-7907 // www.parkwayre.com

events

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

5TH-7TH MAY

MAY

The Brookside Art Annual 63RD AND BROOKSIDE BOULEVARD

The 37th Anniversary show starts Friday, May 5th at 5 pm and runs through Sunday, May 7th at 5 pm. The show is Kansas City’s first outdoor art show of the year, attracts top artists, is a favorite for many buyers and arts enthusiasts. Although there are a variety of activities, the focus at the show is art.

2023 Spring Chick Event

TOWN CENTER PLAZA | 4:00 PM

Shop local this spring at the 10th annual Spring Chick Event at Town Center Plaza. Farfalla Events provides a fun outdoor shopping experience that combines beautiful pieces from KC artists, good eats from around the midwest, trendy clothing boutiques, and fabulous handmade goods, all in an outdoor tented marketplace at Town Center Plaza. MAY 6 AT 10 AM – MAY 7 AT 4 PM

Mother's Day Soiree

COFFEY GROUNDS FARM 167TH AND 69 HIGHWAY | 1:00 PM

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Leawood Welcomers Coffee

THE OAK ROOM AT LEAWOOD CITY HALL

This is a perfect occasion for you to invite a friend or neighbor to join you and learn more about Leawood Welcomers Club. No reservations required. A cardiologist through St. Luke’s Hospital will educate us about Heart Health for Women. Come and enjoy coffee, fruit and sweet treats while enjoying the company of old friends and make some new ones, too!

Campout with the Family

IRONWOODS PARK | 3:00 PM

Join us for our sixth annual campout event! Various fun family activities will be available for overnight campers. Dinner, s’mores and a light breakfast will be served. Please provide your own tent and bedding. Register all participants over the age of 2 years. Questions? Contact 913-696-7771 to speak with Scott Gamerl. Spaces are limited. Sign up now!

Sunset Music Fest: Danielle Nicole Band with Casi Joy and Henry Conlon

TOWN CENTER PLAZA | 6:00 PM

Town Center Plaza's free summer content series returns this June.

Our commitment to do more for kids is at the heart of everything we do, down to each strand of DNA sequenced for genetic research. Together, we can help kids overcome whatever’s standing in their way. Learn more at childrensmercy.org/imagine.

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