Lee's Summit, MO May 2024

Tim Denker

Dennis

John Kliewer Partner,

Julia Hampton

WHY CHOOSE WOOD

Wood is Healthier

Because wood flooring requires fewer chemicals to make and install, it helps promote healthier living and work environments.

The EPA found that hardwood floors improve air quality because they are less likely to harbor dangerous microorganisms, pesticides, and allergens, such as dust, mold, or pet dander.

Wood is Durable

Vinyl flooring will last only a decade or two, while quality wood flooring can last more than 100 years.

Wood floors will stand up to foot traffic and will maintain their color finish with proper maintenance. Vinyl flooring, however, will last only a decade or two and fade dramatically over time when exposed to sunlight.

Wood floors are easy to maintain and can be repaired with relative ease. But vinyl typically needs to be replaced completely if it’s damaged.

Wood is Sustainable

Wood is a zero waste product. For example, old wood from flooring can be turned into other products or simply bio-degrade.

Other flooring types, such as vinyl, are made from plastics or synthetic fibers that take multiple decades to break down and decompose. Recycling companies typically reject old vinyl flooring because it’s not profitable for them. And, the alternative form of disposal - burning - releases harmful phthalate chemicals into the air.

Wood Makes Sense Economically

Many homeowners love the look of hardwood flooring and other features in their home. But they are also concerned about the initial expense of installing wood.

Putting wood floors into your home is truly a good investment. Real hardwood floors add to the resale value of your home. The average return on investment is 70 to 80%!

MayLadies Issue

I don’t know about you but I love any opportunity to recognize the women in my life who just make life more rich and beautiful. Our wives, mothers and daughters are some of the most influential women in our lives.

And of course with Mother’s Day this month, all eyes are on moms… But it’s not just the biological mothers but the mother figures in our lives who have made an indelible impact on us. It’s the family members, teachers, friends and neighbors doing awesome things in our communities, pouring into our lives - making themselves unforgettable and irreplaceable.

While it’s always important to shop local and support our area businesses, this month is the perfect time to patronize businesses owned by women in our communities. That’s one of my favorite parts of this role - connecting with and championing the best of the best when it comes to Lee’s Summit women.

They are movers and shakers, builders and makers. They are both seen and unseen. Their silent service blesses those who are under their care. Their attention to detail shows us something about beauty that can’t be seen or understood any other way.

I hope you’ll take a few minutes to send a text, make a phone call or get your kids on a video call with the women in your life who deserve recognition. It only takes a minute to brighten someone’s day and remind them how much you love them.

LAURA PASZKIEWICZ, PUBLISHER @LEESSUMMITCITYLIFESTYLE

May 2024

PUBLISHER

Laura Paszkiewicz | laura@citylifestyle.com

EDITORIAL COORDINATOR

Stephanie Williams | stephanie.williams@citylifestyle.com

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

LeAnn Parker, Mindy Hargesheimer, Angela Broockerd, Allison Swan

CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHER

Janie Jones

Corporate Team

CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER Steven Schowengerdt

CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER Matthew Perry

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF HR Janeane Thompson

TECHNICAL DIRECTOR Josh Klein

AD DESIGNER Josh Govero

LAYOUT DESIGNER Kelsi Southard

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

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Summit Christian Academy is an independent, nondenominational Christian school serving 1,250 preschool through 12th grade students. Our certified teachers strive to inspire students to discover and achieve their God-given potential. SCA offers college-preparatory academics and a full range of extracurricular activities. The school’s campus includes elementary and secondary facilities, as well as a fieldhouse and activity center and athletic fields.

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This savings plan allows patients and their families to better maintain their lasting oral health and wellness by providing valuable savings on annual exams, cleanings and x-rays, not to mention additional discounts on other dental procedures. With just one low annual payment, patients are covered for the whole year! Enjoy peace of mind and a beautiful smile at a price you can afford!

This savings plan allows patients and their families to better maintain their lasting oral health and wellness by providing valuable savings on annual exams, cleanings and x-rays, not to mention additional discounts on other dental procedures. With just one low annual payment, patients are covered for the whole year! Enjoy peace of mind and a beautiful smile at a price you can afford!

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Amina Hood: Crafting Elegance, One Hat at a Time

ARTICLE BY ALLISON SWAN

Photography Janie Jones

In the heart of Kansas City, Missouri, Amina Hood has made her mark as a prominent hat designer, blending luxury and artistry into each piece she creates. Although her journey into the world of millinery was unexpected, it was born from a blend of passion for textiles and an eye for design. "Becoming a hat designer was never my original plan; it just unfolded naturally.”

Photography Janie Jones

With a background in luxury retail, she found herself unexpectedly creating a hat for a friend in need. Little did she know, that moment would spark a passion that would define her career.

Amina's career in Kansas City began a decade ago, marked by an inaugural show at First Fridays in the Crossroads. This event ignited her ambition to expand her business within the vibrant art community.

"I am eternally appreciative of Kansas City and the arts community for their unwavering support, which has been instrumental in my journey as a creative entrepreneur.”

Amina describes her design style as "relaxed luxury, with meticulous attention to detail and superior textiles”. Her professional training as a couture milliner continues to set her creations apart from others in the industry. Her hats have graced the pages of fashion publications such as Vogue and L'Officiel, in addition to being showcased in the world-renowned Metropolitan Museum of Art.

Photography Samantha Levi

Photography Janie Jones

When it comes to materials, Amina believes sourcing those of the highest quality is the first step to designing an exceptional hat. She often finds inspiration from her global travels and is dedicated to finding the finest natural materials, such as silk, wool, and Panama straw. These materials not only ensure the beauty of the hats but also their longevity and craftsmanship.

Amina's designs are also deeply influenced by cultural and historical elements. Recently tasked with designing a hat for a short film set in the late 1800s, she immersed herself in research to ensure accuracy and authenticity. The result was a stunning silk top hat that she describes to have “perfectly captured the essence and style of the era”, again, showcasing her commitment to excellence in every project.

Running a millinery business comes with its unique challenges such as the lack of suppliers and materials, especially in the Midwest.

“The scarcity of millinery materials in Kansas City makes it difficult to find what I need locally, often resulting in urgent overnight shipments from New York City.”

Despite the late nights and shipping fees, Amina remains committed to timeless design, coupled with her unique eye, of which sets her apart in an industry that often revolves around temporary trends.

One of her most memorable experiences is being chosen as a member of the US Milliners Guild and participating in the Metropolitan Museum of Art’s exhibition showcasing the history of rock and roll.

“Each member was asked to create a hat inspired by the theme, and my design was a punk-inspired mohawk hat made of leather. The mohawk was fashioned with wire drum brushes, giving the hat an edgy, rock-and-roll feel.”

“I am eternally appreciative of Kansas City and the arts community for their unwavering support, which has been instrumental in my journey as a creative entrepreneur.”

Looking ahead, Amina is excited about expanding her wholesale business into new domestic and international markets, all while dipping into the equestrian dressage market, and designing pieces tailored towards enthusiasts. This being said, her native vision remains the same.

“As our business continues to grow, I am committed to providing customers worldwide with creative, exceptional hat designs and tandem products of the highest quality.”

Upholding her mark on the world of hat design, her dedication to quality, craftsmanship, and artistic expression remains unwavering. Through her hats, she not only adorns heads but also weaves stories of elegance and sophistication, making her a true artisan in the world of fashion.

ARTICLE BY MINDY HARGESHEIMER

WOMEN’S PROFESSIONAL SPORTS ARE A WIN FOR KC

CELEBRATING, EMPOWERING, AND SUPPORTING WOMEN’S SPORTS HAS NEVER BEEN MORE EXCITING IN KANSAS CITY THAN NOW!

It’s no secret that women’s professional sports are creating huge headlines around the world, thanks to history-making projects and brilliant visionaries taking the initiative to amplify our local landscape. From the KC Current’s first-ever stadium in the world built specifically for a women’s professional sports team to the powerful undercurrents transpiring behind the scenes and under the radar, prepare yourself for more records to be made and additional local sports fandom experiences you can engage in!

“The KC Current are changing the game and showing the world what can be done and how successful it can be.”

Kansas City Current

Arguably one of the most celebratory accomplishments in our city is not only the expansion of the National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL) with the Kansas City Current and their roster of exceptional female athletes, but the development of the gorgeous CPKC Stadium at Berekely Riverfront Park making global headlines for embarking on an empowering, inclusive, and transformational change in women’s sports.

“The KC Current are changing the game and showing the world what can be done and how successful it can be. What’s better? It’s happening right here in our backyard in Kansas City,” says Dani Welniak, KC Current’s Vice President of Communication.

Dani summed up what fans can expect while cheering on our women at the downtown destination, including developing a passion and loyalty for the team as well as and an entertaining and modern stadium creating a memorable experience for fans by activating all five senses.

The community-focused stadium also offers the best that KC has to offer in a single destination, including the local restaurant partners curated by Colby and Megan Garrelts of Rye. “CPKC Stadium was built with celebrating Kansas City’s rich cultural heritage in mind and reflects the diverse history and unique influences in culture, art, food, sports and music.”

Don’t have tickets to catch a match in-person? Tap into the historic new broadcast deals for the league, local broadcast partners, KC Current Radio and the KC Current app. kansascitycurrent.com | @kccurrent cpkcstadium.com

Kansas City Roller Warriors

Kansas City’s ‘Rink of Fire’ has been burning since 2004 and a founding member of the Women’s Flat Track Derby Association (WFTDA) and host to our city’s premier roller derby league.

The Roller Warriors consist of three home teams: The Strawberry Hellions, the Midtown Misfits, and the 18th & Vines and play in the historic Memorial Hall in Strawberry Hill from November through May as well as a combined competitive travel team called the All-Stars that is made up of players from those three home teams and beyond.

With a monthly doubleheader, the players volunteer their time to battle it out in the competitive sport complete with punny player nicknames like Demanda Slappin as a nod to the once-theatrical sport.

Lauren Murphy, aka Hellvetica and KCRW’s Marketing and Communications Officer, is actively getting the word out about the local sports experience. Also on the Advisory Board for WIN for KC, Lauren started as a Junior skater under the mentorship of her mom who competed in the league and is now a force for inclusivity and encouragement on and off the track. She has helped bring to life what the league is today including match drinks and eats by Sponsors Embrace the Grape and Blended Vibes and the post-bout festivities at pinball bar 403 Club. You can support the teams by attending a match, making a tax-deductible donation, attending a fundraising event and following along on social media.

“Women in sports are still battling for equal awareness, but we are not only here to stay, but to play!”

Kansas City Glory

Kansas City’s women’s tackle football team is another example of paving the path for even more greatness. KC Glory is led by USA Gold Medalist and Owner Keke Blackmon, who founded the team in 2019 with a calling to serve and empower women and girls on and off the field.

“I am overloaded with excitement that others are starting to see what has been here this entire time. Our future is destined for greatness. Women in sports are still battling for equal awareness, but we are not only here to stay, but to play!”

The Glory has a roster of 50 players including four international players. As Head Coach, Keke’s love for the game is fueled by the opportunity for impact and inclusivity, representing women of all shapes and sizes and a variety of professions by day and who sacrifice countless hours to be a part of something bigger. The season runs April through June, and the team can be seen playing at Shawnee Mission North High School.

Collectively, the team is known for their immense support for organizations that give much back to the community, including Girls Play Flag Football, Our Spot KC, and WIN for KC, of which Keke and GM, Krishnna Lee, have both been awarded the Leadership Award.

You can find the Glory’s schedule and home game tickets on their website and ongoing updates on social media.

kansascityglory.com

“...it was a bit astonishing to me that in 2023 women who wanted to play professionally couldn’t play here at home, and that’s what motivated our decision to form the team.”

Kansas City Pro Volleyball

Save the date for January 2025 when Kansas City’s new Women’s Professional Volleyball team launches.

In 2023, owners Missy and Kent McCarthy identified the opportunity to add KC to the Pro Volleyball Federation’s roster. Investing extensive time and resources into their new passion project, they became fast friends with Lori Thomas, former college player and Commissioner of the Heart of America Athletic Conference, as well as Kathy Nelson, KC’s Sports Commissioner and President & CEO of WIN for Kansas City. Both rank amongst the impressive list of females laying the local groundwork in women’s sports.

“Women’s volleyball is one of the fastest-growing sports—the third most watched NCAA sport behind men’s football and basketball; it was a bit astonishing to me that in 2023 women who wanted to play professionally couldn’t play here at home, and that’s what motivated our decision to form the team.”

The majority of female volleyball athletes exit college and have to look outside the USA to play professionally, acquiring additional training and a new cultural experience. But, they sacrifice an incredible amount in doing so. With the addition of the Pro Volleyball Federation, they now have the option to come home and play professionally with competitive salaries and to have their friends and family cheer them on.

In 2025, the women’s Pro Volleyball league will consist of 10 teams playing in-season from January to mid-May. “There is so much excitement in the stands. It is amazing to watch these women play in person, their talent is incredible.”

kcprovolleyball.com

“It is on a trajectory like no one has ever seen before. The women’s games are as good as men’s; they come down to buzzer-beaters and overtimes and they are so fun to watch.”

Kansas City Sports Commissioner

“Participate. Spectate. Celebrate.” Kathy Nelson’s mantra for everyone to play a part in the amplification of women’s sports in KC. Kansas City’s Sports Commissioner and President & CEO of WIN for KC, Kathy is wildly impressive in her accomplishments leading the movement of women’s sports locally alongside so many powerful counterparts.

WIN for KC envisions a community where sport ignites the life of every woman and girl. From the simple act of showing up at your local high school volleyball game to cheering on our competitive figure skaters, tackle football players, roller derby warriors, and more, you are directly making an impact on the continual and life-changing opportunities for KC women in sports.

Kathy has been working behind the scenes for decades playing an integral role in the development of events like the annual Camp WIN girls sports camp, Women’s Sports Awards (the largest in the country), Big 12 and Division I Women’s Basketball, and the 2025 DI Women's College Volleyball.

“It is on a trajectory like no one has ever seen before. The women’s games are as good as men’s; they come down to buzzer-beaters and overtimes and they are so fun to watch.”

On a national level, Kathy says KC is not only recognized for its efforts through WIN for KC, but that others are starting to do deep dives into what is working and how are we impacting our community to follow in our footsteps.

Visit sportkc.org and follow @winforkc for ways to show up and support local KC women’s sports.

floral COCKTAILS

ARTICLE BY LEANN PARKER | PHOTOGRAPHY BY JANIE JONES

Let’s give a toast to the women in our lives with an elegant drink in our hands. From florals to fruit, you will love these refreshing cocktails as much as you will enjoy toasting them. Cheers! –LeAnn Parker www.silvertoothhome.com

ROSE KOMBUCHA MARGARITA

• Rose salt + lime for rims

• 2 ounces fresh lime juice

• 11/2 ounces fresh lemon juice

• 3 ounces of tequila

• 1 ounce of rose water

• 1 ounce of honey

• 14 ounces of kombucha of choice

Run a lime wedge around the rim of two glasses and coat with rose petals muddled in salt. Set glasses aside. In a cocktail shaker combine fresh citrus juice, tequila, rose water and honey. Shake until honey is dissolved and then add a handful of ice and shake again until chilled. Strain into 2 glasses and top with kombucha. Garnish with a rose.

HIBISCUS GARDEN SOUR

• 1 egg white

• 3 ounces gin

• 3/4 ounce fresh lemon juice

• 1/2 ounce *hibiscus simple syrup

• 1 teaspoon Chambord liqueur

In a cocktail shaker combine all ingredients with ice. Shake vigorously until chilled. Pour into glasses then garnish with edible flowers and sprinkle with hibiscus tea leaves.

*To make hibiscus simple syrup combine 1 cup sugar with 1 cup of water in a small saucepan and simmer on the stove until sugar has dissolved. Add in ¾ cup dried hibiscus and simmer for 15 minutes. Remove from heat and let cool.

Let’s give a toast to the women in our lives with an elegant drink in our hands

PANSY-MINT MOCKTAIL

• 2 ounces mint sparkling water

• 2 ounce lemonade

• 2 ounce limeade concentrate

• Lime wedge

• *Candied pansies

• **Pansy-mint sugar

• ***Floral ice cubes

Run a lime wedge around the rim of two glasses and coat with pansy-mint sugar. Set glasses aside. In a cocktail shaker combine lemonade and limeade concentrate. Place floral ice cubes in two glasses and pour mix into glasses. Top with sparkling water and garnish with fresh or candied pansies.

*Candied Pansies: brush all sides of the flower with egg white then sprinkle with granulated sugar and coat completely. Place flowers on a wire cooling rack and allow to dry 24hrs.

**Pansy-Mint Sugar: muddle pansy petals, mint leaves and granulated sugar. The purple color is completely natural and stunningly bright.

***Floral Ice cubes: use a silicone ice cube tray, pansies, mint and boiled then cooled water (boiling the water is the key to produce clear vs cloudy cubes). Fill an ice cube tray with pansies and mint leaves, fill halfway with water and freeze. Once frozen, remove the tray from the freezer and fill cubes the remainder of the way with water. Freeze completely before use.

FLORAL SHORTBREAD COOKIES

• 1 cup unsalted butter

• 1/2 cup granulated sugar

• 2 cups all purpose flour

• 1 Tbsp pure vanilla extract

• 20-30 assorted fresh pansies

Place sugar and room temp butter into a food processor bowl and pulse to combine. Add flour and vanilla and blend until dough comes together into lumps. Turn the dough out onto a floured surface and knead, forming into a smooth flat disk. Wrap in plastic and refrigerate until firm.

While the dough is chilling, place pansies in between two large sheets of parchment paper and weigh it down with a heavy book. Let the pansies press for roughly 30 minutes.

Roll out dough to 1/4 inch thickness and cut out cookies with a circle 2.5 inch cookie cutter. Bake on a cookie sheet at 325 fahrenheit for 8-10 min (cookies will still be pale and soft but will harden as they cool). While cookies are hot, gently press pansies onto the cookies. Let the cookies cool completely on a rack before storing or serving.

LeAnn can’t wait to see what you create in your cocktails and mocktails. Tag her on IG @silvertoothhome and #silvertoothhome so she can share.

ANSWER 8 QUESTIONS

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your freshen up

summer wardrobe

with Anchora Bella

This year's summer trends are bright and full of color. Shop Anchora Bella for all your summer closet refresh needs.

• Mini Skirts - Keep cool this summer with mini skirts! There are styles and fabrics for everyone like denim, sequin, chic summer cuts, low-waist, 90’s style throwbacks.

• Bows - Bows gained popularity in 2023, and the love for them isn’t dying anytime soon. Think girly aesthetics, with bows and ribbons as garment detailsbig bows, small bows, on the fronts and backs of apparel and accessories.

• Floral/Blooms - Floral inspirations bloomed all over the runways this season. The 3D rosette detail on tops, dresses, skirts, and ruffled flowers appeared on statement tops and accessories. Try mixing and matching floral prints for a fun, yet cohesive look.

• Denim Everything – Midi dresses, skirts, shorts and all denim outfits. A 90’s inspired trend that’s coming back around.

• Two piece sets come in a variety of styles.

Sheer Beauty Top – Mango

Best Form Midi Dress - Lavender

Snake Chain Bow Necklace – Gold

Trending Colors:

• Peach – Color of the Year; a fresh approach to a new softness. Subtly sensual, a heartfelt peach hue with a tender touch.

• Pale Yellow - Think of pale yellow hues as your neutral this spring! Shades like butter yellow, pale sunshine, and lighter yellow tones that closely resemble cream are trending.

• Purple - Purple was prominent on the runway in so many of its shades, including lilac and lavender. Try an all purple look for added dimension!

Everyday Comfy Rib Set – Magenta

Flowy Pleated Summer Maxi Dress – Peach

Cargo Mini Skirt – Green

Beauty Midi Dress – Lilac

ARTICLE

HANDMADE

BREAKING BREAD

BY ANGELA BROOCKERD | PHOTOGRAPHY BY JANIE JONES

BEVERAGE

Making homemade bread is coming back, and while the convenience of buying a pre-made loaf is readily available, there is nothing like the taste of a warm, homemade loaf right out of the oven. These easy-to-follow recipes are exploding with flavor and are simple to make.

LEMON ALMOND LOAF

INGREDIENTS:

• 1 ½ cups flour

• ½ teaspoon salt

• 1 teaspoon baking powder

• 1 cup sugar

• 1 tablespoon lemon zest

• ¾ cup milk

• ½ cup vegetable oil

• 2 eggs

• 1 teaspoon lemon juice

• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

• 1 teaspoon almond extract

LEMON GLAZE ICING:

• 1 cup powdered sugar

• 2 teaspoons lemon juice

• 1 teaspoon almond extract

• 2 tablespoons sliced almonds

INSTRUCTIONS:

Preheat the oven to 350° F. In a large bowl, combine flour, salt and baking powder. In a separate bowl, combine sugar and lemon zest and lightly mix. Stir in flour mixture and set aside. In a separate bowl, mix oil, eggs, lemon juice, vanilla and almond extract. Gradually add the wet mixture to the dry ingredients and stir. Pour batter into a greased loaf pan and bake for 1 hour. Cool for 15 minutes and then carefully remove from the pan. Next, make the lemon glaze by combining all of the icing ingredients and whisk until smooth. Drizzle glaze all over the loaf and sprinkle with almond slices. Enjoy!

SOURDOUGH BREAD

For an added health benefit, try this probiotic-rich sourdough bread known for being easy to digest and a healthier gut-friendly option. To make sourdough bread, you will need a starter which can take anywhere from 7-14 days. To make your own, mix flour and water together in a jar and feed the starter each day until ready. There are many sourdough starter recipes online.

SOURDOUGH STARTER INGREDIENTS:

• 2 teaspoons sourdough starter

• 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour

• 5 teaspoons water

DOUGH INGREDIENTS:

• ¼ cup active sourdough starter

• 2 teaspoons salt

• 4 cups flour

INSTRUCTIONS:

Twelve hours before you plan to mix the dough, add the ingredients to make ¼ cup of active sourdough starter. Stir and cover and let the starter rise. The starter is ready when it has doubled in size and there are bubbles on the surface and sides.

To make the dough, add ¼ cup sourdough starter and 1 cup plus 2 tablespoons of water and stir. Next, add 4 cups plus 2 tablespoons of flour and 2 teaspoons of salt. Use a spatula to work the ingredients together until there are no more dry ingredients in the bowl. Wet your hand with a little water to prevent sticking, and pick up the dough on one side of the bowl and stretch it up and over itself. Turn the bowl a quarter turn and repeat this step until you have turned the bowl a full circle. Cover the bowl and let the dough sit for 30 minutes. Repeat the folding process one more time. Cover the bowl and let the dough rise on your counter for 8-10 hours.

Next, on a lightly floured surface, shape the dough into a ball by pulling the dough into the middle of itself. Turn the ball over so the seam is down. Use your hands to gently pull and cup the dough until it forms a tight skin. Place the dough on parchment paper and transfer the paper and dough to a medium sized bowl. Cover the bowl and let it rise for 2 hours.

Preheat the oven to 450°F. Score the top of dough with a sharp knife. Use the parchment paper to lift the dough up and transfer to a dutch oven. Place the lid on and bake for 20 minutes. Remove the lid and bake for an additional 30 minutes or until golden brown.

Welcome to Rocktops!

Making homes look incredible is kind of our thing. We design, fabricate and install stone countertops in Kansas City. Our core focus is to create a great experience for our customers, from start to finish. We specialize in residential homes, both remodel and new construction.

ROCKTOPSKC.COM

1140 S. Enterprise St. Olathe, KS. 66061 913.782.0802

2890 NE Independence Ave. Lee’s Summit, MO. 64064 816.272.0526

realty report

DIY Duotone Statement Earrings

SUPPLIES:

• 2 half-circle stamping blanks

• 2 large gold bars

• 2 medium gold bars

• 2 ear wires

• Jump rings, assorted sizes

• Embroidery thread

• Metal punch

• Bent nose forceps

• Needle nose pliers

STEPS:

1.

2. 3. 4. 5.

Use both your bent nose forceps and needle nose pliers to secure each end of the jump ring. Gently twist the jump ring to open the gap, and place the jump ring through the holes in the pieces you are connecting. When securely through both pieces, gently twist the jump ring in the opposite direction to close the gap and secure the pieces.

Make sure to have all of your materials gathered before starting the project for easy assembly.

Take your half-circle stamping blanks, large gold bars and medium gold bars and arrange them in the order you want your earrings to flow. You can see how we arranged ours, but consider switching up the placement of each item for varying earring styles.

Mark where each of the holes line up on the individual pieces. These spots are where you’ll be creating holes with the metal punch to connect each item with jump rings.

Once you have your spots marked, carefully and precisely punch holes in your individual pieces. Once all of your holes are punched, connect each piece with the desired size of jump ring.

For an added touch, punch extra holes in the bottom piece and finish off with knotted embroidery thread for a bohemian tassel effect.

Sun Safety for Kids: Protecting Your Child’s Skin

The Importance of Sun Safety for Children

As the weather gets warmer and we spend more time outdoors in the sun, it’s easy to overlook the potential harm it can cause our skin, especially in children. Young skin’s delicate and sensitive nature makes it more susceptible to the adverse effects of ultraviolet (UV) rays. These effects include not only the immediate discomfort of sunburns but also long-term damage, such as premature aging of the skin and an increased risk of skin cancer later in life.

Recognizing the importance of sun safety is the first step in safeguarding your child’s health and ensuring they can enjoy the outdoors safely.

Best Practices for Sun Safety

1. Understanding Sunscreen

Choosing and using sunscreen correctly is paramount in protecting children from the sun’s harmful rays. Sun Protection Factor (SPF) measures how well a sunscreen will protect skin from UVB rays, the radiation that causes sunburn and contributes to skin cancer. For children, dermatologists recommend using broad-spectrum sunscreen, which protects against waterresistant UVA and UVB rays, with an SPF of 30 or higher.

Application is just as important as selection. A good rule of thumb is to use about one ounce (enough to fill a shot glass) to cover an average child’s arms,

legs, neck, and face. Remember, sunscreen should be reapplied every two hours or more frequently if your child is swimming or sweating.

2. The Role of Protective Clothing

While sunscreen plays a critical role in sun protection, it should not be your only line of defense. Clothing can be a physical barrier between your child’s skin and the sun. Long-sleeved shirts, long pants, and wide-brimmed hats can cover most skin and offer significant protection. The effectiveness of this clothing can be enhanced by choosing items with a high Ultraviolet Protection Factor (UPF) rating, which indicates how much UV radiation can penetrate the fabric.

For the best protection, select clothes that cover more skin, are dark-colored, and are made of tightly woven fabric. Remember, a wet T-shirt offers much less UV protection than a dry one, so consider UV-protective swimwear for water activities.

3. Additional Sun Safety Tips

Implementing additional sun safety habits can further reduce your child’s risk of sun damage. Encourage playing in the shade, especially during the sun’s peak hours between 10 AM and 4 PM. Sunglasses with UV protection are also important for shielding your child’s eyes from harmful rays.

Instilling these habits early on protects

Please join us in welcoming Tara Nemero, NP-C to our team!

At Community Choice Pediatrics, we know how important quality of care is to our patients. And that’s driven by the people providing the care.

Learn more about Tara on our website at communitychoicepeds.com/our-providers/ along with all of our dedicated practitioners.

your child and sets them up for a lifetime of healthy skin care practices.

Closing Thoughts: Nurturing a SunSafe Generation

Embracing sun safety is more than a series of actions; it’s a commitment to nurturing a healthier, more informed generation. By equipping ourselves with the knowledge of how to effectively protect our children from the sun’s rays, we do more than prevent sunburns and skin damage; we instill lifelong habits that prioritize skin health and awareness.

Through careful selection and application of sunscreen, thoughtful use of protective clothing, and adherence to sun-safe practices, we can provide our children with the tools they need to enjoy the outdoors while minimizing their risk of skin-related health issues.

Let this be our legacy: a sun-safe generation that grows up understanding the balance between enjoying the warmth of the sun and protecting the skin they’re in. Here’s to countless joyous, sunny days ahead, spent wisely under the protective umbrella of sun safety.

At Community Choice Pediatrics, we prioritize the health and joy of your children’s outdoor experiences. Our team is ready to assist with advice on sunscreen, protective clothing, or any other concerns.

Visit our website to schedule a consultation and ensure your little ones are well-protected for fun in the sun. Let’s keep those bright smiles safe and healthy together.