Explore Issue
TRAVEL
BARB WRIGHT CURATES UNFORGETTABLE, LUXURY TRAVEL EXPERIENCES
Making Space to Explore
I often feel that a good day is measured by how many things I can check off my to-do list.
While productivity is deeply satisfying, there is so much value in creating space to do nothing. Time without an agenda allows for complete presence with the people you are with, or presence with yourself. It expands your capacity to pay attention, cultivates creativity and allows you to be driven simply by what you want to do.
Travel allows for this kind of time.
I love this quote from the late, great Anthony Bourdain, “I’m a big believer in winging it. I’m a big believer that you’re never going to find a perfect city travel experience or the perfect meal without a constant willingness to experience a bad one. Letting the happy accident happen is what a lot of vacation itineraries miss.”
One of my most treasured travel memories was last summer in Coastal Oregon with my three kids. We had an empty itinerary-free day, and walked down to explore the quiet beach at low tide near our cottage. We walked barefoot, exploring the wonder of the starfish and sea anemone stuck to the rocks that are covered by the ocean half of the time. We investigated jellyfish and collected washed-up shells. That led to a few hours of constructing a sandcastle out of driftwood, seaweed, mussel shells and coastal grasses.
In our July issue, we present four features to hopefully inspire you to explore and set aside open-ended time to pour into yourself. Barb Wright is an international travel expert whose eyes sparkle when she talks about the global destinations she has visited and helped clients experience as well. She truly finds passion and purpose in seeing how exploring different cultures and destinations changes people forever.
We also introduce you to the ultimate starting point for a staycation, Sojourn Spa, located in the design-savvy Cascade Hotel on the Country Club Plaza.
Dr. Spencer Eagan talks about natural results for looking and feeling your best, and we get to share in the ways that United Way is serving the critical medical needs in our community.
Here’s to hoping that this issue becomes a catalyst for exploration and self-care.
BECCA SPEARS, SOCIAL MEDIA COORDINATOR
July 2025
PUBLISHER
Sarah Johns | sarah.johns@citylifestyle.com
EDITOR
Victoria Moore | victoria.moore@citylifestyle.com
SOCIAL MEDIA COORDINATOR
Rebecca Spears | rebecca.spears@citylifestyle.com
PUBLICATION DIRECTOR
Katie Bode | katie.bode@citylifestyle.com
ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANT
Sarah Elise Seidel | sarahelise.seidel@citylifestyle.com
PUBLISHER ASSISTANT
Rita Strickland | rita.strickland@citylifestyle.com
STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER
Emmalee Rathsam | emmalee@emmaleerathsam.com
CONTRIBUTING WRITERS
Kera Mashek, Bev Weidner
CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS
Janie Jones, Becca Spears, Studio 3 Marketing, United Way of Greater Kansas City, Bev Weidner
Corporate Team
CEO Steven Schowengerdt
COO Matthew Perry
CRO Jamie Pentz
VP OF OPERATIONS Janeane Thompson
VP OF SALES Andrew Leaders
AD DESIGNER Rachel Kolich
LAYOUT DESIGNER Adam Finley
QUALITY CONTROL SPECIALIST Marina Campbell
Locals
Explore a New Path to Aging Well at Home.
Arosa combines expert Care Management with compassionate in-home care so you or your loved one can confidently explore each day.
Arosa Kansas City is here to guide your journey.
city scene
WHERE NEIGHBORS CAN SEE AND BE SEEN
1: These ladies spent their Saturday morning celebrating our May “Ladies” issue on the mat. 2: Our publisher Sarah Johns welcomed everyone participating in a Chiefs Fit yoga class. 3: Molly led the class through an hour of yoga flow. 4: Chiefs Fit on the Plaza hosted a rooftop yoga class for over 30 ladies. 5: The Puttery on the Plaza provided yummy snacks as post-yoga treats. 6: A great time was had by all on a beautiful Saturday morning. 7: Local business Nickel & Suede made an appearance to display their beautiful handmade jewelry.
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BECCA SPEARS
BECCA SPEARS
business monthly
Playa Bowls opens in The Shops of Prairie Village
Just in time for summer, Prairie Village’s newest business is bringing new meaning to the word “refreshment.” Playa Bowls opened in late May, just around the corner from the French Market in the Village Shops. In addition to their popular acai and pitaya bowls, they serve smoothies, juices and cold brew. With plenty of toppings to choose from, everyone can create their own summer sensation. Visit them on Instagram: @playabowlsprairievillage
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Arosa Care Kansas City is dedicated to exceptional home care
Known as the nation’s premier provider of integrated home care services for seniors, Arosa Care is bringing that same elevated care to the Kansas City area. Offering caregiving, care management services and more, Arosa is dedicated to hiring the highest quality caregivers to ensure the best experience for the entire family. We welcome them to the Mission Hills City Lifestyle family! For a full list of services and contact information, visit arosacare.com/
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Method Pediatric Therapy and Wellness opens clinic in Mission Hills
Method Pediatric Therapy and Wellness now offers pediatric outpatient therapy in a clinic setting in Mission Hills, along with continued concierge therapy provided in the home and community. They offer occupational therapy, physical therapy and speech-language therapy through a compassionate, child-centered approach. Their team integrates strategies and goals into each family and child’s unique structure to support meaningful progress, successful outcomes, and long-term skill retention. Request a consultation today: methodpediatrictherapyandwellness.clientsecure. me/request/service
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Photography by McKenna Bostick
The Travel Dreammaker
Barb Wright curates unforgettable, luxury travel experiences for individuals, families and groups
Barb Wright is the founder and luxury destination advisor behind Travel Wright with Barb. She is an expert in turning once-ina-lifetime travel dreams into reality—no matter how big, bold, or bespoke.
As an independent affiliate of Largay Travel, a proud Virtuoso member and Forbes Travel Guide-endorsed agency, Wright has earned access to the world’s most extraordinary destinations and experiences. Whether it’s a sunrise hot air balloon ride over the Serengeti or a behind-the-scenes tour of a family-owned vineyard in Tuscany, Wright curates journeys that are quite unbelievable.
“You can Google anything, but how do you Google the unGoogleable? That’s where that’s where I come in,” she said. “It’s the most wonderful experience to see smiles when [clients] are on horseback in a river in Colombia or picking coffee and cocoa beans and making their own hot chocolate. I can even fly you to the moon if you want. Nothing is out of bounds.”
Wright recently returned to Kansas City from a business trip to Greece—visiting Athens, Tinos, and Mykonos. While the views were stunning, it wasn’t a vacation. This was a familiarization trip, or “FAM,” giving her firsthand knowledge of the accommodations, tours, and people to better match future clients with the right Grecian getaway.
“It is an educational trip for me to learn about the hotels and to vet the people who run the tours,” she said. “When I went to France a few years ago, the gentleman I used as my guide there was incredible. So whenever I have a client who wants to go to Normandy and wants an in-depth Normandy experience, I call Christophe.”
Wright specializes in international luxury travel for individuals, families, and groups. She tailors each itinerary with care, ensuring every detail reflects their goals, preferences, and investment. And once the trip begins, she’s with them every step of the way—no matter the time zone.
RANSOM
Photo by: Faces You Love by Helen Ransom
I can fly you to the moon if you want. Nothing is out of bounds.
“My husband always jokes, ‘Why do they always call at 2:00 a.m.?’ Because there’s a seven-hour time difference. While my clients are traveling, I’m available 24/7,” she said.
The word Wright hears most often from returning clients? “Stress-free.”
That’s no accident—it is the result of meticulous planning, deep listening, and a genuine commitment to getting every detail right. From the very first consultation to the final flight home, Wright anticipates her clients’ needs before they ever have to ask.
“This is a 70-year-old couple. One has muscular dystrophy. She moves kind of slowly. We need to make sure we have some breaks for her to sit down. This is a family of four with two teenagers. We need to keep him on the go and keep him happy. I’m with you from start to finish.”
Wright’s passion for travel was born after a soul-stirring journey to Africa.
Watching villagers walk barefoot to singing wells changed the way she saw the world—and her purpose.
“Africa was life-changing,” she said. “I came home to realize that we all look different. Our hair is different. Our eyes are different. Our taste buds are different. Our religions are different. But at the end of the day, these people were exactly the same as me. They just wanted to be loved and accepted, to feel safe and secure.”
Today, as a trusted advisor in the global luxury travel community, Wright continues to help clients of all ages discover the world and connect with it more deeply. Whether it’s their first passport stamp or a bucket list finale, she believes travel creates lasting ripples of empathy and connection.
“If I can create experiences for people where they can go and realize we’re all one people and cause a ripple effect, maybe that’s how I change the world.”
“
I’m with you from start to finish.
The Ultimate Kansas City Staycation
LOCALS RAVE ABOUT THEIR LUXURIOUS EXPERIENCES AT SOJOURN SPA.
ARTICLE BY VICTORIA MOORE AND OTHERS
PHOTOGRAPHY BY BECCA SPEARS
Planning a getaway does not always mean leaving town. Sometimes, life does not allow for the luxury of a weeklong vacation. When a few hours or a couple of days is all you have, Sojourn Spa is there to provide a luxurious, local escape.
With easily accessible accommodations and dining options, the enjoyment does not have to end after a day of wellness. Housed within the beautiful Cascade Hotel on the Country Club Plaza, Sojourn is the only Kansas City spa located inside a hotel. The atmosphere, the services, the staff– every detail has been intentionally created to leave a lasting impression that keeps locals coming back. In just over a year of business, Sojourn Spa has created a loyal customer base that raves about its outstanding qualities. According to these four regulars, it is the perfect choice for a Kansas City staycation.
Nick Davis
To me, Sojourn provides an upscale luxurious experience from the moment you walk in the door, to the warm and friendly staff, to the waiting and solitude areas, to the treatment room itself - everything successfully gives me the same vibes as if I am at a five start resort far far away from Kansas City, and it only takes me five minutes to get there as opposed to five hours! I would compare Sojourn Spa more to vacation spas versus those I’ve visited locally. The fact that there is a nice hotel, a beautiful lobby, and a bar attached just makes it a significant plus!
Sojourn massage therapists are top-tier, and the level of care is “vacation quality”. Furthermore, the quality level of the add-ons and products used is equal to any luxury spa I’ve visited. The Infrared spa following a treatment is a nice touch as well.
Steve Warren
The facility is beautiful—from the decor to the comfortable, well-appointed rooms, every detail reflects care and quality. But what truly sets this place apart is the staff. They don’t just provide excellent service— they remember you. That personal touch, being recognized and acknowledged, creates a sense of belonging that makes every visit feel special. It’s not just about hospitality; it’s about being genuinely valued.
They remember who you are—your preferences, how you like your services, and even the tone of your conversations. That personalized touch leaves a lasting impression. As they build rapport with you, they become aware of your wants and needs. For instance, my massage therapist recommended I try a facial, knowing it would complement my usual treatment. It was something I had never experienced, but thoroughly enjoyed. This level of thoughtfulness goes beyond routine service.
Kylie Owens
From the moment you walk into Sojourn, the energy shifts. The ambiance is serene and beautiful, and the staff greets you like a friend. Every interaction feels genuine—nothing is rushed, nothing is overlooked. By the end of the visit, I always feel grounded, glowing, and completely reset. I have challenged myself to make regular visits to Sojourn – it’s good for both my skin and my wellbeing. It’s like taking a deep breath in the middle of a busy life.
The founders are Kansas City natives who brought back everything they learned from living in big cities to create a worldclass experience for our community. There’s a real pride and purpose in what they’re doing—and you feel that. Whether you’re popping in for a quick service or making a whole day of it, it never feels transactional—it feels personal, meaningful, and restorative.
“From the moment you walk into Sojourn, the energy shifts. It’s like taking a deep breath in the middle of a busy life.”
“My guest experience meets every need I would expect in a luxury upscale spa: terrific hospitable staff that just ‘gets it’, beautiful decor, peaceful and quiet ambiance, an excellent shop, and tranquil common areas like the waiting, solitude, and changing rooms.”
Caroline Canfield
Little luxuries like the tranquil relaxation lounge, complimentary herbal teas, and plush robes create an immersive experience that allows you to fully unwind. Even small details, like the calming music and beautifully designed treatment rooms, make you forget you’re still in Kansas City and transport you into a peaceful, resortlike escape.
Sojourn doesn’t just offer massages or facials; it offers personalized, elevated treatments tailored to your needs, with thoughtful enhancements like aromatherapy, custom pressure, or special skincare options. The spa’s serene design, peaceful relaxation spaces, and high-quality products create an environment that feels more like a boutique retreat than a typical day spa.
To book your retreat with Sojourn Spa, visit their website: sojournspakc.com/
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Photo by Janie Jones
SUMMER-READY confidence
With summer comes longer days, warmer weather, and lots of time spent outdoors. But for some, it can also bring a renewed awareness of body image and feelings of insecurity. Dr. Spencer Eagan of Ascentist Plastic Surgery understands the value of being confident in your own skin.
“One of the common things that we hear is ‘Oh, I’ll never wear a two-piece suit’. Many patients feel like certain areas of their body have to stay hidden. Seeing them excited to show off their results is one of the most rewarding parts of what we do.”
In the last few years, Dr. Eagan has observed a growing shift in patient preferences toward more ‘natural-looking’ outcomes in plastic surgery. Many individuals are now seeking subtle enhancements, like restoring breast volume or achieving a flatter abdomen, to complement their existing anatomy. Dr. Eagan has always emphasized maintaining balanced proportions, aligning with each patient’s unique body type. This approach has led to Ascentist Plastic Surgery becoming a regional and national destination for patients.
Dr. Spencer Eagan of Ascentist Plastic Surgery specializes in natural-looking results
ARTICLE BY VICTORIA MOORE
PHOTOGRAPHY BY JANIE JONES AND STUDIO 3 MARKETING
Photo by Janie Jones
“The key is you don’t want it to be obvious,” Dr. Eagan said. “Whether it’s facial rejuvenation or a tummy tuck, you want someone to say ‘Wow! That stomach looks good,’ and not ‘They’ve had a tummy tuck’. I think it comes down to hiding scars in natural locations and using techniques that make things look authentic, as opposed to an over-exaggerated appearance.”
Dr. Eagan aims to achieve natural results that are difficult for anyone to tell if a patient has had surgery. He jokes that the belly button is often the most obvious sign of a poorly done tummy tuck.
“If you’re on a beach, the belly button is the telltell sign they’ve had a tummy tuck, whether too big or too little,” he said. “We recently posted on social media highlighting our belly buttons after a tummy tuck. Because they just look natural.”
Fat grafting is another technique often used to achieve natural-looking results. This advanced procedure transfers fat from one area of the body to another, commonly enhancing the breasts, buttocks, or face. Dr. Eagan is recognized as a national leader in performing fat grafting procedures.
“Fat grafting is a long-lasting option that enhances volume naturally,” said Dr. Eagan. “Once it’s settled, it’s there to stay with minimal maintenance.”
Dr. Eagan emphasizes that no two patients—or procedures—are the same. He encourages anyone considering plastic surgery to do their research, seek consultations with board-certified plastic surgeons, and ultimately, trust their instincts.
“Choose the surgeon who listens to you and understands your goals,” he said. “That’s what I love about this field—every patient is unique, their anatomy is different, and every treatment plan is tailored to reflect the differences.”
Ascentist Plastic Surgery
Whether you seek to refine facial features, restore youthful contours, or sculpt your ideal silhouette, the Ascentist Plastic Surgery team offers extensive services, including rhinoplasty, facelifts, breast augmentation, mommy makeovers, and more. Read more on their website: ascentistplasticsurgery.com/
POWERED by Community
UNITED
WAY OF GREATER KANSAS CITY PROVIDES ASSISTANCE FOR THOSE WITH CRITICAL MEDICAL NEEDS
SUSAN M’S STORY
WHAT IF…
You were driving to work one day and someone smashed into your car, then fled the scene, leaving your mode of transportation to work in shambles?
It’s the reality Susan M. faced this year while heading to one of the churches she regularly cleans in Kansas City, Missouri. Desperate to keep money coming in, she called a friend who she knew had a bicycle sitting in the garage.
Susan has COPD, which makes it hard to breathe, especially in the summer heat. Pedaling 10 miles one way to clean just one church was all she could handle.
“I was using my rescue inhaler a lot more, which you can only fill that so often,” Susan said. “And it was getting to where the breathing medicine the doctor had me on wasn’t quite working. I did quit smoking, and it’s made a difference. But with all the bike riding, it wasn’t quite enough.”
Not only was her health suffering, but so were Susan’s finances. Cutting back hours at work meant she fell behind on bills. She knew losing electricity could have serious health consequences, especially with her breathing.
“I was really starting to panic,” Susan said. “I wouldn’t make it long without air conditioning.”
Thankfully, a social worker at University Health knew about a new United Way initiative called the Critical Medical Needs program. The program is designed to stop disconnection or restore services for Kansas City households, like Susan’s, who have serious medical needs. It’s made possible thanks to generous support from utility providers, Evergy and Spire, and in cooperation with local health system partners who help identify eligible patients. This partnership speeds up securing assistance and provides additional support for households struggling with major medical needs.
Susan M.
ARTICLE BY KERA MASHEK
UnitedWayGKC.org/CriticalMedicalNeeds
You can also support the program with generous donations: UnitedWayGKC.org/Donate
Join UWGKC this September for CommUNITY Fest, a city-wide day of service. Individuals can spend a portion of their day giving back in ways that are meaningful to them: unitedwaygkc.org/events/
JAMES CARVER’S STORY
Jeanie Bordon and James Carver have been divorced for more than 12 years. But that hasn’t stopped Jeanie from stepping into a major caregiver role for James over the past year.
“He’s always been an awesome dad to our children,” said Jeanie. “So when he had a stroke last November, there was no question that I would do whatever was needed to help him.”
James is only 50. He’s done manual labor jobs most of his life, often as a contractor or on a self-employment basis. Doctors warned the stroke could permanently leave him without speech, the ability to walk and more. But with therapy and determination, James has fought through.
“He couldn’t even feed himself at first,” Jeanie shared. “His recovery is amazing, but there’s also been a lot of hardship.”
The recovery was impaired by a second stroke James suffered last summer. Thankfully, it was much less severe.
“But there just aren’t a whole lot of options for work for him with where his body is at right now with all of this,” Jeanie said. “We have been trying to get disability benefits for him, but it’s a very long process. We applied way back in December 2023 and are still waiting for that to get approved.”
With no income at all, keeping food on the table and the lights on has been a huge struggle.
“His electricity actually did get cut off at one point. And it’s a medical emergency for him, because in addition to the stroke, he has a pacemaker and it’s monitored through wi-fi in his home,” said Jeanie.
James had racked up utility charges of more than $900. Family and friends tried to scrape together money from anyone who could help, but they only managed to come up with about a third of that past due balance.
His healthcare providers learned of United Way’s Critical Medical Needs program and Jeanie reached out immediately.
“It’s huge, because honestly, for him pretty much adapting to a new way of life with all of the medical situations he’s dealing with and previously being such a physical person his entire life, it’s been really tough,” she said. “Not having to worry about the electricity bill now is truly tremendous. We are so very grateful.”
The critical medical needs program has served 500 households, and more than $325,000 of assistance money has been awarded, with 17 healthcare partners providing client referrals to the program.
James Carver and Jeanie Bordon
A SHOW-STOPPING SUMMER DESSERT WITH JUST SIX INGREDIENTS
Simple Blueberry Galette
Just six ingredients for an exquisite but simple summer dessert.
It’s tang meets sweet. Tart meets depth. Texture meets... well, other texture.
INGREDIENTS
• 1 pint blueberries
• 1 frozen pie crust, thawed
• 1 lemon, zested and juiced
• 2 Tbs sugar
• 4 oz room temperature cream cheese
• 1 egg, lightly beaten
• 1 pinch turbinado sugar
It’s got this vibrancy both in the berries and the simple layer of cream cheese underneath it. That, paired with the rustic homey flavors of a good ol’ pie crust? Stawpit.
DIRECTIONS
1. Preheat your oven to 415.
2. In a small bowl, combine the berries with the lemon zest, juice and sugar. Toss and let it sit for a few minutes.
3. Roll the pie crust out on a large baking sheet. Spread the softened cream cheese in the middle, leaving about an inch untouched at the edges. Pour the berries on top of the cream cheese and gently fold the edges of the pie crust over itself in that classic galette pattern. Brush the crust with the egg wash, and sprinkle the turbinado sugar over it.
4. Bake for about 25 minutes (longer or shorter based on your oven), or until the crust is golden brown and the berries are soft and bursting in places.
5. Let rest for about 10 minutes, then slice and serve!
6. Yields six small servings.
Follow Bev on Instagram: @bevcooks
Read more recipes on her blog: bevcooks.com/
“It’s tang meets sweet. Tart meets depth. Texture meets... well, other texture.”
OYSTERS:
July 9 | July 16 | July 23
August 13 | August 20 | August 27
Wednesdays 6:00 to 8:00 pm
The Oyster Bar in Aqua Penny’s Single Ticket $80* (1 class)
Ticket Combo $220* (3 classes)
These
Mission Hills City Lifestyle is like an old friend stopping by to give me an update on places and local events The pages are smooth and pleasant to touch I read Mission Hills City Lifestyle in my quiet moments to ignite in myself a way to flow with change and appreciate my life
Judith Bader Jones
events
JULY 4TH
Stars and Stripes Picnic
National WWI Museum and Memorial | 12:00 PM
Celebrate Independence Day at the free Stars and Stripes Picnic at the National WWI Museum and Memorial! Bring friends and family to savor delicious food, browse local vendors, and enjoy live music throughout the day. As night falls, be dazzled by the city’s largest fireworks display, creating an unforgettable patriotic experience. Learn more about the event online: theworldwar.org/stars-and-stripes-picnic
JULY 10TH – 13TH
Annual Sidewalk Sale
The Shops at Prairie Village | 10:00 AM
The shops meet you on the sidewalks in the middle of July! Plan for a day of shopping and leisure around the Prairie Village Shops and take your pick for a lunch break and drink at one of the restaurants in the area. For a list of shops, visit shopsofprairievillage.com/
JULY 13TH – 27TH
KC Fringe Festival
various locations and times | 12:00 PM
The KC Fringe Festival marks its 21st season as the largest arts and culture celebration in the Kansas City area. For two vibrant weeks, audiences can indulge in an array of performances, film screenings, and visual arts exhibits from local, national, and international creators. This volunteer-run organization has fostered creativity, offering a platform for uncensored artistic expression. Learn more: kcfringe.org/
JULY 17TH – AUGUST 3RD
Festival of Butterflies
Powell Gardens | 9:00 AM
Powell Gardens invites you to experience this year’s Festival of Butterflies. Nature lovers of all ages gather to celebrate the beloved pollinators in a day of exploration, surrounded by tropical and native butterflies in breathtaking botanical displays. With its whimsical charm, this festival has become a Kansas City tradition, perfect for family adventures and outdoor enjoyment. Visit powellgardens.org/ for more information.
JULY 18TH
Summer Movie Night
Overland Park Arboretum & Botanical Gardens | 7:00 PM
Make family plans for enchanting summer movie nights! Gates open at 7:00 p.m. for delicious food, refreshing drinks, and finding the ideal spot with your chair or blanket. Enjoy yard games, visit the gift shop, and participate in movie trivia before the big screen lights up at dusk. A full list of movies and information is available online: opkansas.org/recreation-fun/arboretum-botanical-gardens/
JULY 20TH
Kansas City’s Lawn Party
Donald J. Hall Sculpture Park | 4:00 PM
Kansas City’s Lawn Party celebrates the Donald J. Hall Sculpture Park and National Parks and Recreation Month with a vibrant free event on the Nelson-Atkins Museum’s south lawn. Guests can enjoy delicious offerings from local food trucks while engaging in fun lawn games and activities. Live musical performances provide the perfect summer soundtrack for this community gathering. View the schedule online: nelson-atkins.org/events/
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