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This season , skip the stress of selling before you buy With tools like a bridge loan or Power Buyer program, you can make a noncontingent offer and shop like a serious contender even before your current home sells.
Buy with confidence. Move on your timeline. Live where you love.
Lee’s Summit’s Premier Aesthetic Center
Summer in Lee’s Summit is a time to slow down, soak up the sun, and embrace the laid-back lifestyle that comes with living near the water. With several beautiful lake communities dotting the area — from Lakewood to Lake Winnebago to Raintree Lake and Lake Lotawana — residents and visitors alike have easy access to a host of water-based activities. Whether it’s the thrill of water skiing, the peaceful patience of fishing, or the pure joy of an afternoon boat ride, there’s something special about how these lakes transform a regular day into an unforgettable one.
Beyond the lakes, Lee’s Summit’s warm months bring an appreciation for the simple pleasures of summer. Patios and decks become our personal havens, decorated with bright and cheerful accents that reflect the season’s playful spirit. String lights, vibrant cushions, and planters brimming with blooms add pops of color that mirror the lively energy of the community itself.
Even the sound of water — from the gentle splash of a fountain to the rhythmic hiss of a water hose — seems to carry a special magic this time of year. These sounds remind us that summer is not just about escaping our work lives, but also about finding those everyday moments of peace and joy. In Lee’s Summit, we’re lucky to have both the adventure of the lakes and the serenity of our own backyards, making summer truly something to savor.
Here’s to more sun-soaked days, laughter with friends, and cherished memories that will last long after the summer sun has set.
LAURA PASZKIEWICZ, PUBLISHER
July 2025
PUBLISHER
Laura Paszkiewicz
laura@citylifestyle.com
EDITORIAL COORDINATOR
Stephanie Williams
stephanie.williams@citylifestyle.com
CONTRIBUTING WRITERS
Angela Broockerd, Robin Seaton Jefferson
CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHER
Janie Jones
CEO Steven Schowengerdt
COO Matthew Perry
CRO Jamie Pentz
VP OF OPERATIONS Janeane Thompson
VP OF SALES Andrew Leaders
AD DESIGNER Andrew Sapad
LAYOUT DESIGNER Jamie Housh
QUALITY CONTROL SPECIALIST Marina Campbell
I bring a heart-centered approach to mortgage lending, ensuring every client feels heard, supported, and confident in their home financing journey. With a deep understanding of the mortgage industry, I simplify the process, provide clear guidance, and create customized solutions that align with my clients’ goals.
My focus is on building lasting relationships— with homebuyers and realtors alike—by offering thoughtful communication, strategic marketing, and seamless systems to make every transaction smooth and stress-free.
Jill Underwood Founder & Chief Loan Officer
1—7: Beyond Wealth Advisors celebrated its 5-year anniversary on May 13th alongside the exciting renovation of its office space in Jefferson Commons, located in downtown Lee’s Summit. The celebration marked a meaningful milestone for the firm and showcased the ongoing transformation of Jefferson Commons into a modern, dynamic destination for business.
LAKE DECOR YOU’LL LOVE AT A THYME FOR EVERYTHING
Whether you’re planning a cozy dinner party, stocking up on gourmet goodies, or simply looking to refresh your home for the season, A Thyme for Everything is Lee’s Summit’s must-visit shop for all things delicious and delightful.
Inside, you’ll discover a thoughtfully curated selection of kitchen essentials perfect for cooking, entertaining, and gifting. From handy gadgets to elegant serveware, every piece is chosen to help make mealtime a joy. And for food lovers, the pantry section is a treasure trove—featuring specialty items, including an impressive variety of gluten-free options that don’t skimp on flavor.
As lake season kicks into high gear, we’re embracing all the breezy, laid-back vibes of summer living. Their latest collection of lakethemed décor brings a fresh, outdoorsy charm to any space—whether you’re outfitting your lakeside retreat or simply adding a splash of summer to your everyday home.
Come in and explore what’s new this season. At A Thyme for Everything, they are here to inspire your next meal, elevate your gatherings, and help you create a home that feels as warm and welcoming as summer itself.
Jewell Orthodontics is a patient-focused practice dedicated to providing top notch orthodontic care to the community of Lee’s Summit and surrounding areas. As a Lee’s Summit native, Dr. Jewell is excited to offer progressive orthodontic technology and an approach where beautiful smiles and healthy bites are created in a welcoming and convenient atmosphere. If you are looking for the most modern and personalized orthodontic care in the Lee’s Summit area, we would love to meet you!
Red, White & Blue Looks for the 4th of July
This July, Anchora Bella Boutique brings a new perspective to patriotic style—one that’s chic, wearable, and rooted in the season’s top trends. We’re showcasing three standout looks that celebrate the spirit of summer through subtle nods to red, white, and blue—without leaning into the overly “USA” aesthetic. Think: timeless silhouettes, trending textures, and curated details that make these outfits feel stylishly intentional.
PHOTOGRAPHY BY JANIE JONES
This season’s must-have silhouette takes center stage with a dreamy drop-waist midi dress featuring a soft bubble hem that adds playful volume and graceful movement. Combining two of the season’s most sought-after trends—the drop waist and the bubble hem— this standout piece feels both nostalgic and refreshingly modern.
Styled to perfection, it’s paired with Linny Co Statement Earrings for a bold accent, a themed knotted headband for a hint of charm, and a pearl clutch to elevate the look with timeless polish. Raffia platform sandals complete the ensemble, striking the perfect balance between relaxed and refined.
Ideal for garden parties, al fresco dinners, or boutique strolls, this look brings summer style to life with ease.
Feminine, fresh, and full of personality—this season’s most charming mini dress makes a statement with a trending bow print and a soft, peter pan collar that adds a sweet vintage flair. The silhouette feels playful yet polished, perfect for warm-weather outings where style and comfort meet.
Paired with a raffia sunhat and crossbody, this look embraces natural textures for a laid-back luxe vibe. Add Linny Co statement earrings for a bold, modern contrast, and finish it off with trending crosshatch sandals that balance structure with style. It’s the outfit that brings a little bit of dollhouse charm into the real world.
This outfit blends sweet and statement with a mix of textures and trends. A strapless striped top meets a solid midi skirt in one effortless dress—perfect for catching sunshine in style. Draped over the shoulders is the season’s standout layering piece: a 3D cherry-embellished cardigan that adds a playful pop of whimsy.
Topped with a trending trucker hat, the look leans into cool-girl energy, while a pearl raffia clutch and raffia platform sandals keep it grounded in soft summer neutrals. Linny Co statement earrings bring the final bold touch, making this outfit a head-to-toe standout for everything from patio hangs to weekend markets.
The Outdoor Dining Trends We’re Loving at Cockrell Mercantile
BY
JANIE JONES
As the temperatures rise, mealtime naturally drifts outdoors. In Kansas City, where BBQ culture is a way of life and Blackstone griddles are popping up in backyards everywhere, summer is all about gathering under the open sky. It’s no wonder this season’s home decor trends are focused on alfresco dining—think stylish table settings, cozy patio vibes, and everything you need to savor the season, one grilled masterpiece at a time.
At Cockrell Mercantile, we’ve seen two standout trends taking center stage in backyard kitchens and patios everywhere: melamine dinnerware and charming summer glassware.
Melamine is having a major moment—and for good reason. Durable, dishwasher-safe, and delightfully shatterproof, it’s the ideal choice for poolside snacks, patio dinners, and everything in between. But this isn’t the melamine of the past. The latest designs are fresh and elevated, featuring everything from glossy citrus prints (we’re loving the lemon pattern!) to elegant matte finishes and even wood-look textures. Whether you're serving up barbecue on oversized platters or sipping sweet tea from a cheerful cup, melamine makes outdoor dining both stylish and stress-free.
This year’s summer glassware collections are nothing short of adorable. It feels like every brand tried to top the last, and we’re here for it. At Cockrell’s, you’ll find everything from kid-friendly floral melamine tumblers to sleek acrylic wine glasses that are as pretty as they are practical. In our featured table settings, we’re showcasing two standout styles that prove a great glass can make any drink feel a little more special.
Nothing says summer quite like the vibrant charm of lemons and strawberries. These classic fruits bring a playful, retro-inspired vibe to today’s decor—while still feeling crisp and current. Whether they show up in prints, patterns, or playful accents, they’re the perfect way to brighten up your outdoor entertaining space.
Ready to give your outdoor kitchen a seasonal refresh? Cockrell Mercantile has everything you need to turn your patio into a summer entertaining dream. From top-quality grilling and griddle tools to gourmet rubs, sauces, and beautiful yet functional tableware, we’ve got your warmweather gatherings covered.
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When the sun’s out and the days stretch long, few things capture the sweetness of summer like a scoop (or two) of ice cream. Whether you’re chasing nostalgia with classic vanilla swirls or diving spoon-first into bold, new flavors, the local ice cream scene has something to delight every palate. We’ve rounded up the best spots around town—from charming neighborhood parlors to hip artisan shops— each serving up cool treats worth the trip.
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So bring your appetite, and get ready to discover your next favorite scoop!
Located in the Chapel Ridge Shopping Center, Howdy Homemade Ice Cream offers amazing homemade ice cream flavors served by amazing people. What makes this stop extra special is Howdy’s commitment to hiring employees with disabilities.
Poppy’s Ice Cream has been making hand-crafted, artisan ice cream and sorbets since 1997.
Fresh, rich, local ice cream and vegan sorbets that are made in-house with love.
Don’t let our name deceive you, there’s far more than coffee and ice cream in our shop. We’re also stocked with tasty treats from cookies to chocolates, we’ve really got everything you need to satisfy your sweet tooth!
For more than 39 years, Andy’s has used only the freshest ingredients for a frozen custard experience you can’t get anywhere else. Andy’s has a wide variety of treats, from simple vanilla or chocolate cones, to seasonal favorites and Strawberry Shortcake Sundaes.
BRUSTER’S
Bruster’s Ice Cream is made the old-fashioned way, with slow kettle processing designed specifically to create the Bruster’s flavor. They offer at least 24 ever-changing flavors made fresh daily. With over 150 handcrafted flavor recipes in rotation, Bruster’s is a community staple.
Betty Rae’s Ice Cream is coming to Price Chopper in Raintree. Known for it’s handmade ice cream and 26 core flavors.
Behind every City Lifestyle magazine is a leap of faith — someone who chose to shape the story of their city. They saw a chance to inspire, connect, and elevate the voices that make their community shine.
Now, new cities are waiting for someone to say yes. What if it was you?
Your story is waiting. Explore open markets nationwide.
ELEVATE OUTDOOR: EXCEPTIONAL SPACES, EXTRAORDINARY MEMORIES
ARTICLE BY ROBIN SEATON JEFFERSON
PHOTOGRAPHY PROVIDED
“Our message is: ‘Exceptional spaces, extraordinary memories.’ We take care of your property like we own it.”
Tony Meyer, chief sales and marketing officer of Elevate Outdoor in St. Louis, says the outdoor design, build and maintenance company wants its clientele to “imagine what their lives could be like. We lay the foundation for families to lead fulfilling lives. The home is the space where the family resides, the space where the
family makes memories,” he says. “Our role in that is to help make sure they aren’t worried about what the space looks like, feels like or how it’s maintained.”
For more than 25 years, Elevate Outdoor has helped homeowners love their yard, entertain their friends and family and reduce their stress in upkeep. The entire team shares a unified purpose: to elevate the quality of life for their customers and coworkers and enhance the growth of their own character.
Chief Executive Officer Kohl Fitzmaurice founded his business in 1997. Over the years, he built a strong customer base with fierce loyalty and creative vision. “Family is at the heart of our workmanship,” he says, adding that he has had the privilege of growing his business from scratch, and while the trends are constantly changing, his mission does not.
“We strive to elevate the quality of life for our customers, and because of that investment, it has enhanced the growth of my character along with the character of our Elevate Outdoor team.”
Tony welcomes clients to partner with the Elevate Outdoor team for their next outdoor landscape project to “level up their yards.”
Elevate Outdoor offers the full package of services for their clients’ outdoor design, build and maintenance. “We use the term flywheel,” Tony says. “It’s like a holistic approach with concierge-level services for everything you need for the design of your outdoor spaces and maintaining them.”
Tony says people know their own spaces. “They are their castle grounds. We make sure they are taken care of properly.”
“Exceptional spaces, extraordinary memories.’ We take care of your property like we own it.”
Many of Elevate Outdoor’s customers travel frequently or work out of town and/or entertain a lot. The company guides them through a non-stressful construction. “It’s a seamless integration with maintenance over time,” Tony says. “We’re removing the anxiety of designing, building and maintaining their outdoor spaces. We’re sifting the chaff. We’re worrying about managing the property so they don’t have to. They just get to make memories.”
Clients can give direction to the Elevate Outdoor team or let them do it all. “We want to fuel their imaginations,” Tony says. “They can have all the input that they want or none at all. We will come to you with the strategy and the plan.”
Elevate Outdoor is rooted in family. The company is a family- and friend-owned business with a united purpose that drives it each day. “We are on mission to serve you and your family,” Tony says. “Our passion is to enhance the house that you’ve made into a home by transforming your outdoor living space. Not only will our services add value to your home, we promise it will add value to your life. After all, the memories are what make us, and that’s an invaluable gift.”
Elevate Outdoor is based in St. Louis, but also has locations in Kansas City and the Adirondack Mountain Region. The company also has a pool division, Elevate Pools.
Summer break gives teenagers a break from school, but it can also disrupt their usual healthy habits. With more free time, teens may stay up late, spend extra hours on screens, and skip meals or physical activity. At Community Choice Pediatrics, we want to help families support healthy choices all summer long. Here are three key areas to focus on: body, mind, and balance.
Taking
Stay Physically Active
Teens should aim for at least 60 minutes of physical activity each day. This could be swimming, biking, playing basketball, or even going for walks. Exercise helps boost mood, energy levels, and overall health. For teens who don’t enjoy sports, try dancing at home, hiking with family, or joining a local class or activity.
Eat Nutritious Foods
With no school schedule, teens might skip meals or grab unhealthy snacks. Keep fruits, vegetables, and healthy snacks easy to reach. Encourage regular mealtimes and limit fast food or processed snacks. Involving teens in meal planning or cooking can help them make smarter food choices.
Stay Hydrated
Hot weather and outdoor play can lead to dehydration. Remind teens to drink water throughout the day, especially during and after physical activity. A reusable water bottle is a simple way to encourage healthy hydration.
Supporting a Healthy Mind
Get Enough Sleep
Teens need 8 to 10 hours of sleep each night. Staying up late and sleeping in can throw off their internal clock. Try to keep a steady bedtime and wake-up time. Limiting screen time before bed can also help improve sleep quality.
Take Care of Mental Health
Even in summer, some teens may feel stressed, anxious, or lonely. Stay connected by checking in regularly. Encourage activities that
Jennifer M. Sauer,
M.D.
help reduce stress, like journaling, art, music, or spending time outdoors. If needed, don’t hesitate to contact our behavioral health team for support.
Manage Screen Time
Too much screen time can affect sleep, mood, and physical health. Encourage tech-free time during meals or before bed. Offer ideas for offline activities like reading, hobbies, or hanging out with friends in person.
Without school, days can feel unstructured. Creating a loose routine can help teens feel more balanced. Include time for meals, activity, rest, and fun. A simple checklist or calendar can give teens more control and help them stay motivated.
Encourage Social Connection
Friendship is important for teen development. Help your teen make plans to stay connected with friends through safe, in-person hangouts or group activities. Volunteering, joining a club, or attending a summer program can also help them meet new people and build confidence.
Schedule a Wellness Check
Summer is a great time to schedule a check-up. A visit with a provider can help track growth, discuss concerns, and set health goals before the next school year. It’s also a chance to talk about mental health, nutrition, and physical activity.
We’re Here to Help
At Community Choice Pediatrics, we care about every part of your teen’s health—body and mind. If you have questions about your teen’s nutrition, activity, sleep, or emotional well-being, our team is here to help.
Book a wellness visit today at Community Choice Pediatrics and give your teen the support they need for a healthy summer and beyond.
What Our Families Are Saying: The Heart of Our Care, In Their Words.
“Dr. Sauer is one of the best doctors I have experienced in my life. You can tell she has such love and passion for children the moment she walks into the room.”
Healthier Together, Always. Tel. (816) 524-5600
(816) 525-2697
