Growing Together
August marks two years since Mission Hills City Lifestyle began publishing under my ownership. It’s hard to believe how quickly time has passed! Looking back, I’m filled with gratitude for my incredible team, our wonderful partners, and each of you who welcomes our publication into your home. We appreciate you and hope these pages bring you joy, laughter, inspiration and connection every month!
For our August Kids & Pets issue this year, you’ll meet amazing organizations and individuals making a lasting impact in the lives of children and families. From The Next Paige Foundation, where children are encouraged to dream big and discover their confidence, to Growing Futures, which has been strengthening families for generations, each story reminds us of the tremendous difference that caring adults can make. You’ll also read about Girls on the Run Greater Kansas City, empowering young girls through confidence and movement, Method Pediatric Therapy, whose whole-family approach helps children thrive, and Pawsitively Polite, showing that patience and understanding creates stronger relationships with our beloved pets.
Cheers to another year of impact, inspiration and celebration for those who make our community such a beautiful place to live and call home. I am excited to continue to highlight local businesses, tell meaningful stories, and be a light within our community!
And my prayer for you is that your heart will have the grace to be present and love the ones in front of you with all that you are in truth and authenticity. We are not promised tomorrow, we only have this present moment. So may each of your moments be filled with life, love, intention and curiosity.
With gratitude,
SARAH JOHNS, PUBLISHER
August 2026
PUBLISHER
Sarah Johns | sarah.johns@citylifestyle.com
EDITOR
Victoria Moore | victoria.moore@citylifestyle.com
MARKET SUPPORT DIRECTOR
Rebecca Spears | rebecca.spears@citylifestyle.com
PUBLICATION DIRECTOR
Katie Giddens | katie.bode@citylifestyle.com
SOCIAL MEDIA COORDINATOR
Allyson Cheney | allyson.cheney@citylifestyle.com
CONTRIBUTING WRITERS
Linda Ditch, Michael Funaro
CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS
McKenna Bostick, Emmalee Rathsam, Brandon Roland, Becca Spears, United Way of Greater Kansas City
Corporate Team
CEO Steven Schowengerdt
President Matthew Perry
COO David Stetler
CRO Jamie Pentz
CoS Janeane Thompson
AD DESIGNER Rachel Kolich
LAYOUT DESIGNER Adam Finley
QUALITY CONTROL SPECIALIST Hannah Leimkuhler
Proverbs 3:5-6
With
Lifestyle’s co-branded print + digital packages, your business captures attention wherever our community is looking. Build unmatched local credibility on the page, and drive immediate action online.
Emmalee Rathsam
city scene
WHERE NEIGHBORS CAN SEE AND BE SEEN
1 – 7: Explore Placemaking, the 2026 Resident Group Exhibition at Zhou B Art Center KC. This exhibition brings together resident artists, including Emmalee Rathsam our contributing photographer and other local Kansas City artists. The exhibition explores belonging, memory, culture, and the many ways we define home through contemporary art. The exhibition will remain on view through August 29, 2026 during gallery hours Tuesday through Saturday from 10:00a.m. to 5:00p.m.
Photography by Emmalee Rathsam
RISE OF THE CREATIVES
ARTICLE BY VICTORIA MOORE
PHOTOGRAPHY BY EMMALEE RATHSAM
THE NEXT PAIGE FOUNDATION WRAPPED UP ITS FOURTH CREATIVE CAMP IN JULY
When The Next Paige founder Elaina Paige was a little girl, she dreamt about becoming a professional dancer, dancing for Debbie Allen and opening her own studio.
All three of those dreams she accomplished through hard work and belief. Now as a business owner, nonprofit founder and mother, Paige’s driving passion as an adult is instilling hard work and belief into the children who come through The Next Paige Foundation creative camps.
“We practice dreaming big here at camp. We write down goals and affirmations: ‘I am smart, confident, and brave. I am true to myself. I am important and unique. I will not dim my light.’ Those affirmations will take you far and help you believe in yourself because you are worthy,” Paige said.
In its fourth year, the Next Paige Foundation Creative Camps served 75 kids between the ages of kindergarten and sixth grade. It has doubled in size every year, growing from 10 kids in 2022. The camp teaches everything from life skills and confidence building to creative arts and professionalism.
“Our retention is 99%. Not only is it fun, but kids want to stay,” Paige said. “I am so excited to announce that this year we were fully funded with our operating budget for camp. A donor in The Baum Family Foundation saw the work that we were doing and got behind it. They gave us a $25,000 grant, the largest we have received for this program.”
At the end of camp, each child participates in a final performance, putting to practice the skills and mindsets they have developed over seven weeks. They work together to create a script, the music, their wardrobe and set that matches the theme. This year’s theme was “The Hero Within.”
“A lot of these kids start one way, and they blossom into the child that was deep within,” Paige said. “I believe this age group is the most vulnerable. They soak it up like sponges. We really are developing them for what’s next in their careers.”
Although not every camper wants to enter the talent industry, the ones who do have seen overwhelming success after. Paige recently celebrated that 11 campers were just booked for an international film with Lifetime.
“Not only are we building life skills, but we’re teaching them techniques beyond the classroom. They can go to auditions and
actually make a living doing what they love to do,” she said. “We want them to know that the possibilities are endless and you can be whatever you desire to be if you put in the hard work.”
Currently, 75 percent of campers receive a scholarship. Paige would love to see that number reach 100 percent next year. The total cost per camper for seven weeks is $1,050.
To learn more about the Next Paige Foundation and how you can get involved, visit nextpaigefoundation.org/creative-camp
helps owners have a better relationship with their pet
PAWSITIVELY POLITE
How does a preschool music teacher become a certified dog trainer? For Debbie Tangen, owner of Pawsitively Polite Dog Obedience Training, the change came easily.
“Turns out, teaching music to preschoolers and training dogs really isn’t that different,” she says. “They both have short attention spans, poor impulse control, and a constant need for attention. So, there really was a lot of crossover.”
Tangen started Pawsitively Polite in 2021 after 13 years of teaching. Her own children were grown and out of the house, and she was looking for a new path. She wanted her next career to involve dogs, and after some research, realized being a trainer was her next vocation.
“I think what makes me stand out is my age. I’m 63, so I’m a lot older than probably most dog trainers, and I feel like I have more worldly knowledge. Plus, the overlap between teaching kids and training dogs is an advantage. I’m very passionate about what I do. I love dogs and want to help people have the best relationship with their pet,” she says.
Photo by: Becca Spears
Tangen is an in-home dog trainer because she believes dogs learn best in familiar surroundings. She helps owners (or guardians, as Tangen calls them) form positive bonds with their pets. Since dogs communicate through body language, Tangen aims to teach people to understand what their dogs are saying through these cues.
Dog training is half teaching the dog and half teaching the human. The most important tips Tangen gives to dog guardians are to be patient and heavily reward good behavior with a treat, belly rub, or whatever they enjoy. Equally important is to ignore bad behavior.
She explains, “A lot of people just assume that dogs understand what ‘sit’ means, or
what ‘come’ means. However, just because the dog is smart doesn’t mean they automatically understand. So, I tell them to be patient with their dog because they’re trying to figure out what you’re telling them.
“I also tell them to heavily reward great behavior and completely ignore inappropriate behavior because dogs crave your attention. They demand it. They will paw at you and bark in your face. If you can ignore it and pretend like they don’t exist, they will eventually stop because they’re not getting anything from you. And that’s the moment you reward them for not jumping on you, barking in your face, or pawing you.”
As a child, Tangen grew up with cats for pets. She didn’t get her first dog until her
“I THINK PEOPLE WHO ARE HAVING A LOT OF BEHAVIOR ISSUES WITH THEIR DOGS OFTEN JUST NEED SOME HELP SEEING WHAT THE DOG IS SAYING THROUGH WHAT THEY’RE DOING, AND HOW TO CHANGE IT.”
children begged for one, with all of the usual promises of feeding and taking care of it. Of course, that chore fell to Tangen, which she didn’t mind because she had fallen in love with their new pet.
“I didn’t know what I was doing because I’d never had a dog before, and I made a lot of mistakes,” she says. “When I started my business, I wanted to make sure the people I counseled didn’t make the same mistakes I did, especially as first-time dog owners.”
“I think people who are having a lot of behavior issues with their dogs often just need some help seeing what the dog is saying through what they’re doing, and how to change it. That’s why I’m there. I want to help them have a better relationship with their dog. Whatever it takes, I’ll do it.”
For more about Pawsitively Polite or to schedule a consultation, visit pawsitivelypolite.com.
Photo by: Becca Spears
Getting a Puppy From a Breeder?
Do Your Homework Ahead of Time!
It’s assumed that commercial breeders produce the best puppies. However, this isn’t always the case. Do your research before buying from a breeder:
• Talk with them in person, at the very least, have a phone call
• Ask for references. If they don’t give you any, move on
• Read their online reviews
• Ask to visit their operation
• Don’t allow them to bring the puppy to you
young at heart
Ask the Expert
True abundance means ensuring our heirs have both financial resources to thrive and the emotional wellness to sustain them. For many, wealth and mental health have been treated as parallel lines to not intersect. Even worse, the topic of discussing mental health issues was dismissed and shrouded in an old school silence behind closed doors in fear of judgement or a stigma. It is not just the lows in silence but also the outgoing highs through overspending and keeping up with “Jones”.
I know this dynamic intimately because I lived it personally. Through bipolar family dynamics, the dark depression of loved ones that lead to mental health struggles, to my own journey of ups and downs. Professionally, as a financial advisor, I hear first-hand from my clients about the battles of financial pressures and responsibilities but also, the joys that can come from giving, and providing proper planning. When a family member or loved one battle clinical depression or a turbulent path of manic episode, financial strategies may not be enough and throwing more dollars at the crisis is not the solution. It requires a community of professional intervention, for some, requires faith, emotional energy, and an open heart to share. Sharing this is not easy, my intention is to normalize these difficult conversations for all the generations around my community and the generations beyond my lifetime. If we truly want to build a legacy, we must start to discuss our holistic health the same way we discuss our quarterly business financial reviews. Authentic legacy is not just about transferring dollars and capital efficiently. It is about fostering an open mindset and honest communication with our mental burdens while being a good steward of our finances. True financial wellness cannot exist in a vacuum. It is deeply, inextricably linked to our mental and emotional well-being. I’m optimistic and believe if one family starts the dialogue then my story is worth sharing.
Connect with Michael: michael.funaro@westpacwealth.com
Michael A. Funaro
Financial Advisor | CA Insurance Lic. #4188966 6405 Metcalf Ave. Suite 220, Overland Park, KS 66202 WestPac Wealth Partners | CA Insurance Lic. #0I29680 P : 310.318.4111 | michael.funaro@westpacwealth.com
ARTICLE
MICHAEL FUNARO
Photo Credit: Emmalee Rathsam
Family Support WHOLE
Method Pediatric Therapy and Wellness understands the importance of including everyone in a child’s therapy
ARTICLE BY LINDA DITCH | PHOTOGRAPHY BY MCKENNA BOSTICK
Pediatric therapy not only impacts the life of the child involved but also has a positive influence on the entire family thanks to the child’s ability to communicate, move, and participate in daily life. Method Pediatric Therapy and Wellness brings occupational, physical, and speech therapy into the child’s world — home, school, community — to help integrate those new skills. In return, this often makes daily life easier and more stable, as well as supporting strong connections among everyone.
“When families invest in the process together, we often see meaningful shifts not only in the child but also in the relationships within the home,” says Method Pediatric owner Taylor Hornbaker. “Through OT, PT, and ST, we help families understand the ‘why’ behind areas that have challenged the child, which reduces worry and fear and builds more responsive, connected interactions.”
One key part of the process is identifying habits that no longer support the child’s development. The Method team helps implement more successful strategies. When families make these changes, their daily routines often become easier, communication improves, and everyone feels more connected and confident.
The team provides services in the home, their clinic, and in school and community settings so the child’s new skills can translate directly to real-life situations. Families and caregivers are coached in the child’s techniques during the sessions. They also receive recommendations on skills to use during a typical day’s routines, such as mealtimes, play, transitions, and school activities.
The Method team also knows how busy families can be. So, they create a plan that fits into the family’s natural rhythm. This is meant to make things easier, not more stressful or overwhelming.
Hornbaker says, “Supporting the whole family is essential because it allows progress to last. We recognize that we are only a small part of a child’s life. Our goal is to provide meaningful support while helping families build the confidence and skills to succeed independently as quickly as possible. Children do best when the people around them feel supported, informed, and equipped.”
T h e r a py th a t
S u p p o r t s
th e W h o l e
Fa m i l y
Occupational, Physical, and Speech Therapy for children birth through adolescence.
GROWING Futures
Bringing education and support to Johnson County kids and families
ARTICLE BY LINDA DITCH | PHOTOGRAPHY BY UNITED WAY OF GREATER KANSAS CITY
On the Growing Futures Early Education webpage, it says, “Kids get one childhood. Let’s make it count.” For the past 60 years, they’ve accomplished this goal by supporting families and children during the early years of development. The kids get a strong start in life, and their parents don’t have to go it alone.
The center, located in the heart of Johnson County, serves children from six weeks to five years old as they transition into the school system. They also have a home-visiting program, where they go directly to families and support them prenatally for a healthy birth, followed by providing the little ones with a full educational experience. All total, they help educate about 225 children.
This was one of the first Head Start programs, developed by the Johnson administration in 1965 as part of the War on Poverty. The idea was that the best way to combat poverty was to give children an early start on their education. So, pre-K children ages three to five receive a high-quality early education to prepare them to enter the school system. Years later, in 1996, when studies showed that aspects of brain development begin at birth, Early Head Start was created for children ages zero to three.
Executive Director Larry Lewis explains, “Our goal in all spaces is to educate, empower, and make sure that parents can do for themselves. It’s not our place to do it for them. We’re just part of their journey, and we’re going to make sure that they feel fully equipped to do everything they can to support their family.”
All of Growing Futures’ programs follow a curriculum-based approach. The Early Head Start and Head Start educators in the classrooms have skills ranging from early childhood accreditation to master’s degrees. All the classes follow a well-developed lesson plan while also considering the needs of each individual child. And those plans are fine-tuned throughout the year to keep those children moving forward.
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The home-based Early Head Start program follows the respected Parent as Teacher curriculum, which is available to all families in Johnson County, regardless of income. This method brings a family educator to the home where they work one-on-one with parents and caregivers. These educators offer guidance on supporting early learning for infants and toddlers through activities tailored to each child.
“Our family educator looks at everyday items in the home and uses them to move the child forward in their development,” says Lewis, who was once an in-home educator. “A great example is taking cereal and putting some next to a bowl. Then the parent picks one up and puts it in the bowl, and then the child picks one up and puts it in the bowl. Now you’re working on fine motor skills. You’re also counting. All these beautiful things are happening in this space of development right there in that moment. Plus, there’s a bond happening between that parent and child.”
Every Growing Futures family has a caseworker to advocate for their needs. With families in poverty, it isn’t uncommon for a crisis to exist, and their caseworker will help them learn to address the problem so they can deal with it should it arise again. Wraparound services are also provided for the families and children. Twice a year, every child gets vision and hearing screenings. They also provide dental support, as well as speech, play, and occupational therapy.
Growing Futures is a 501 (c) (3) nonprofit organization. Funding for their programs comes through the federal government, but that amount hasn’t increased in more than 40 years. So, to fill the gap, they rely on grants and fundraising. Harvesting Hope, a beautiful outdoor autumn gala, is their primary fundraiser. This year’s event takes place on October 1st.
For more details about Growing Futures’ programs and Harvesting Hope event, visit growingfutures.org.
An area non-profit that gets young women moving and believing in themselves
GIRLS ON THE RUN
ARTICLE BY LINDA DITCH | PHOTOGRAPHY BY BRANDON ROLAND
Erica Schulte started running as a child to cope with difficult times in her tender life. She remembers, “My mom was single with six kids, so my childhood was a little rough. I actually started running as a very young girl around the neighborhood because it was kind of my exit from general life stress.”
The benefits from running inspired the Rose Productions founder to host Muse, a yearly celebration of women in food, drinks, and the arts, where 100 percent of the proceeds go to Girls on the Run for Greater Kansas City. She is also a board member
of the organization that promotes inner strength, physical activity, confidence, and possibilities for girls in third grade and up.
Girls on the Run International was founded in 1996 with just 13 participants. Today, the organization serves more than 2 million girls from across the country. The greater Kansas City chapter, founded in 2007, has impacted around 45,000 young women.
Schulte says, “Personally, it’s very impactful for me to support Girls on the Run because it specifically focuses on building self-confidence, helping young girls have tough conversations at school with friends that they don’t know how to navigate, and just learning how to be brave and to go for it. During the spring and fall seasons of the program, girls run twice a week for an eight-to-ten-week period that ends with a celebratory 5K.”
The non-profit is divided into programs serving girls of all ages. The primary one is for those in third through fifth grades, designed to inspire them to discover and grow their self-confidence through a blend of physical activity and life skills development. The participants learn to manage emotions, show empathy, and develop friendships. They also run every week.
Schulte says, “Most of our teams are programmed through the local school districts, and we rely 100 percent on volunteer coaches. No one is getting paid to take these girls out there, and our communities have been so supportive.”
Middle school-aged girls join the Heart & Sole program, tailored to their specific age group, to feel supported and inspired as they strengthen both their physical and emotional health. Also, high school-aged young women can join the Junior Coach program to develop leadership skills and make a difference in the lives of younger participants.
“Being a part of this organization is definitely a full-circle thing for me as an adult,” Schulte says. “Many young ladies have probably had a moment of insecurity. Just feeling like you’re not enough, don’t look the right way, or wondering if you have the right friends. It should be everyone’s right to be able to do what they need to feel confident in themselves.”
To learn more about Girls on the Run for Greater KC and to sign up for a program, volunteer, or donate, visit the website: gotrkc.org.
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“No one is getting paid to take these girls out there, and our communities have been so supportive.”
“It should be everyone’s right to be able to do what they need to feel confident in themselves.”
TOMATO BUTTER
An insanely simple August staple to elevate your summer flavors
Ingredients
• 1 pint cherry tomatoes, halved
• 3-4 garlic cloves
• 1 Tbs. Extra-virgin olive oil
• 1 pinch of salt
• 2 sticks butter, room temp
Instructions
1. Preheat your oven to 400.
2. Place the tomatoes on a rimmed baking sheet, along with the garlic cloves, tablespoon of oil and
a pinch of salt. Toss with your fingers and roast for 30 minutes.
3. Transfer the tomatoes to a food processor and blitz until smooth.
4. Place the butter in a medium bowl and add the pureed tomatoes. Stir until you have . . . tomato butter! Add another pinch of flakey salt if needed. Transfer to a smaller bowl and store in the fridge. Spread it on toast, cook your eggs in it - anything!
5. Makes one cup of tomato butter.
ARTICLE AND PHOTOGRAPHY BY BEV WEIDNER
TREY & KATIE KENNEDY
ON MARRIAGE, KIDS, AND THE COMEDY OF REAL LIFE
Trey Kennedy makes a living finding comedy in regular life. Marriage. Toddlers. Yoga pants. The Thursday-night scramble between school dropoffs, soccer practice, and whatever has to be done by morning. Twelve years in, it shows: millions of followers across every platform, three stand-up specials, a sold-out Relatable Tour, and a style of humor fans send each other captioned, “Are you watching me?” He delivers the kind of comedy that travels because everyone’s living some version of it.
Katie, his wife of six years, is a former biomedical engineer who also built a modeling career. She’s now raising their kids and co-hosting Correct Opinions alongside Trey — the show where the two of them swap takes on marriage, parenting, and whatever came up that week.
Trey has been at this longer than people realize. An Edmond, Oklahoma kid who grew up playing basketball described himself as a “shy kid who never thought he’d be an entertainer.” He started making videos while attending Oklahoma State University. After building millions of followers on Vine before the platform shut down, he gave himself six months on Instagram and Facebook to see whether he could rebuild from zero. He did. Stand-up soon followed. His first special, Are You For Real?, streams on YouTube; the second, Grow Up, on Amazon Prime; the third, built around the Relatable Tour, wrapped earlier this year. “I’ve been trying to be funny every week for like twelve years now,” he says. A slow climb, made one bit at a time.
ARTICLE BY KALI KASPRZYK PHOTOGRAPHY BY JANIE JONES
“I’ve been trying to be funny every week for like twelve years now.”
Most of what Trey writes lately starts in his own kitchen. Thomas is three and a half, and he is, in his father’s words, “a movie.” He narrates his own life from the moment his eyes open and mispronounces words in ways his parents now repeat to each other because no one else would believe them. His younger sister, Eva, is what Katie calls “the calm one.” With a third now in the mix, the Kennedys are officially outnumbered.
After six years of marriage, Trey and Katie have learned that the partnership runs best when it gets its own time on the calendar. So once a week, they leave the kids with a sitter and go out for coffee. “You need a system,” Katie says. “It’s about taking time to look each other in the eye. Not the kids. Not the cameras. Just each other.”
The same instinct shapes the work. Most of Trey’s trial and error happens onstage or on Instagram, but the first read is always Katie’s. “There’s only been one time ever I’ve had to be like, ‘you’re not doing that,’” she says. The rest of the time, she just laughs first.
FEATURING TREY & KATIE KENNEDY
Trey and Katie talk about marriage, parenting, and the moments that don’t make the Instagram feed.
Watch or listen to the full conversation wherever you get your podcasts.
HAIR & MAKEUP BY MIKAYLA CRANE
Elevate YOUR PB & J
ARTICLE BY KRISTY BELLEY PHOTOGRAPHY PROVIDED
TRANSFORM YOUR HUMBLE PEANUT BUTTER AND JELLY SANDWICH FROM LUNCH BOX BASIC TO GOURMET GREATNESS
Ready to give this childhood classic the upgrade it deserves? Whether you’re packing your kid’s lunch or treating yourself to something special, these elevated PB&J creations will make any one excited for lunchtime.
THE ART OF THE UPSCALE
The secret to an elevated PB&J isn’t complicated—it’s all about premium ingredients and creative combinations. Swap that white bread for artisanal sourdough, brioche, or even croissants. Trade processed jelly for fresh fruit compotes, gourmet preserves, or actual fresh berries that burst with flavor.
Quality nut butters make all the difference. Think creamy almond butter, rich cashew spread, or that perfectly salted natural peanut butter from the farmer’s market. These simple swaps instantly ele vate your sandwich from ordinary to extraordinary.
Bread Options
• Artisanal sourdough
• Brioche
• Croissants
• Multigrain bread
• Cinnamon raisin bread
• Hawaiian sweet bread
• Whole wheat bread
• Thick-cut bread (for open-face)
Nut & Seed Butters
• Natural peanut butter
• Almond butter
• Dark chocolate almond butter
• Cashew butter
• Coconut butter
• Nutella
Fresh Fruits
• Strawberries
• Fresh blueberries
• Fresh raspberries
• Fresh peaches
• Kiwi
• Mixed berries
• Bananas
• Pears
Preserves & Sweet Spreads
• Honey
• Fig jam
• Mango preserves
• Raspberry preserves
• Grape jelly
• Marshmallow cream
Toppings & Add-ins
• Fresh mint leaves
• Granola
• Toasted coconut flakes
• Cream cheese
• Everything bagel seasoning
• Dark Chocolate Syrup
COMBOS TO Try:
CREATIVE COMBINATIONS THAT HIT DIFFERENT
The Sophisticated Sweet: Nutella, sliced strawberries, and a drizzle of honey on brioche bread
The Panini Perfection: Peanut butter, fresh blueberries, and marshmallow cream pressed between sourdough slices
The Beautiful Mess: Your favorite nut butter topped with sliced fresh peaches, kiwi, or berries, then drizzled with golden honey or sprinkled with toasted coconut on thickcut bread
The Grown-Up Classic: Almond butter, fig jam, and thinly sliced pears on multigrain bread
The Breakfast Crossover: Cashew butter, sliced bananas, and a sprinkle of granola on cinnamon raisin bread
The Tropical Twist: Coconut butter, mango preserves, and toasted coconut flakes on Hawaiian sweet bread
The Chocolate Dream: Dark chocolate almond butter, raspberry preserves, and fresh mint leaves on whole wheat
The Savory Surprise: Natural peanut butter, grape jelly, and a thin layer of cream cheese with everything bagel seasoning
PRO TIPS FOR LUNCHBOX SUCCESS
Toast your bread lightly for extra texture, even if you’re making it ahead. Create a barrier with your spread to prevent soggy sandwiches—apply nut butter to both sides, then add your sweet elements in the middle. Pack fresh elements separately and assemble just before eating when possible. Cut into fun shapes with cookie cutters, wrap in parchment paper tied with twine, or pack in a bento box with complementary sides like apple slices, fancy crackers, or dark chocolate squares.
THE BOTTOM LINE
An elevated PB&J proves that sometimes the best meals come from taking something familiar and making it special. These upgraded versions will have everyone asking for the recipe—and maybe even offering to trade lunches.
PROVIDED
Homemade Dog Food
Recipe from Amy Tinnin - A Cup Full of Sass
ARTICLE BY AMY TINNIN PHOTOGRAPHY
My two pugs are more than pets—they’re part of the family. That’s why I started making their food at home, and it’s been one of the most popular posts on my blog. You may be surprised just how easy this recipe is. I add all the ingredients to my slow-cooker to cook, and my dogs love it. If you decide to try this recipe for your pet, please consult your veterinarian. Every dog has different needs based on age, weight, and any health issues. You can even share this recipe with your vet to see if any changes are needed. The ingredients are flexible and can be easily swapped to substitute the turkey for chicken or beef, and even try different dog-safe vegetables. Making dog food at home isn’t hard—it just takes a little planning, and my dogs love it.
Slow Cooker Homemade Dog Food
Ingredients:
• 3 lbs ground turkey (85% lean)
• 1¼ cups frozen sweet potatoes
• 1½ cups frozen peas and carrots
• 1 cup frozen spinach
• 1½ cups uncooked brown or white rice
• 4 cups water
Directions:
1. Add all ingredients to a slow cooker.
2. Break up the ground turkey and mix all the ingredients.
3. Cover and cook on High for 3–4 hours or Low for 6 hours, stirring occasionally.
Note: My dog food was ready in 3½ hours on High. Let cool completely before serving. Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator or freeze for later use.
realty report
DIY At Home Theater
Our family had so much fun creating this At-Home Movie Theater party for our son Ezra’s 8th birthday. All you need is a projector and an outdoor space, but I wanted to jazz it up just a little bit more.
ARTICLE AND PHOTOGRAPHY
BY LEANN PARKER
TICKET BOOTH
I created a ticket booth and concession stand for a full movie theater experience to ensure that our movie night felt like our guests were actually going to a movie theater and not just our house. In an attempt to achieve that, we set up a ticket booth at the front door using our kids’ old puppet theater.
Materials:
• Tickets
• Ticket Booth (optional)
Before entering our theater (aka our backyard), I set up a shadow box for guests to place their entry ticket.
PEGBOARD DISPLAY WALL
I love displaying food in a creative way at our parties. I made this simple DIY Popcorn Display Wall as a statement piece in our concession stand. We have also used it in many other ways for other parties such as a donut wall, bagel wall, pretzel wall and more. You can easily recreate your own for your next party.
Materials:
• Pegboard. I chose the 4ft square size at Lowe’s for $10 and spray-painted it white.
• Frame (optional). I bought two 1x4’s for $5 each, cut two pieces 4ft long and two pieces 3.5ft long, stained Minwax walnut, attached to pegboard with screws through the back.
• Twine to string popcorn bags. Or, if you’re using the pegboard display for donuts, bagels or pretzels then use golf tees hot-glued into holes from behind!
• Clothespins to hang popcorn bags.
• Popcorn bags
CONCESSION STAND
My daughter handed out tickets for guests to use to “purchase” their popcorn, candy and drinks at the concession stand.
Materials:
• Popcorn Machine (optional)
• Popcorn
• Popcorn flavors for guests to get creative!
• Candy - Use boxes rather than bags for movie theater vibes!
• Soda - Use bottles rather than cans
• Napkins
• Cupcake toppers & plates (if it’s a birthday celebration)
• Reused boxes and spray-painted them white for guests to easily carry their snacks
SET THE SCENE!
FINISHING TOUCHES
I cut out red stars (from foam sheets) and stuck them to the floor (with adhesive putty) to lead guests through the house to the concession stand and back outside to where our movie was going to take place. Finally, our guests could choose their seating on chairs or blankets around our yard. I also set up a little bug-spray table for people to grab as needed. Dramatic play, even as an adult, is so much fun! Who says staying home can’t be just as entertaining?
I hope you have as much fun at your party as we did! I’d love if you tagged me @silvertoothfarmhome so I can see your At-Home Movie Theater too!! In reflecting on the party, my son said that “the best part of the night was eating candy with my friends.” After all, people are what matter most!
