SIMPLYkc Magazine June 2021

Mandy Garavaglia OWNER OF KC’S PREMIER BOUTIQUE SALON

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BEAUTY HACKS

JUNE ‘21 | Vol. 11 No. 2

TO GET YOU OUT THE DOOR, FASTER!

PEOPLE

AESTHETIC SURGICAL ARTS: KC’S ONE STOP CONFIDENCE SHOP

STYLE

BEAT THE HEAT! GROOVY STYLES TO KEEP YOU COOL ALL SEASON

BE WELL

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12541 Foster St., Suite 330 • Overland Park, KS 66213 SIMPLYKCMAG.COM

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CONTENTS

AROUND TOWN 12

36

KANSAS CITY LAKES

BE WELL 14

TIPS TO AVOID PAINFUL SUMMER BURNS

INFOCUS 18

REJUVENATING SMILES, SKIN, AND CONFIDENCE

LOCAL GOOD EATS 20 WHO WHAT WHERE 22 LISA BLEDSOE

BEAUTY 24

FIVE OF THIS SUMMER’S TOP BEAUTY TRENDS

INFOCUS 26 46 32

QUALITY HAIR CARE AND A HEART OF GOLD

BOOKISH 28

24

IN IT FOR THE LONG HAUL

7 THINGS 30

7 QUICK BEAUTY HACKS

HOME & GARDEN 32

THE DOWN LOW ON THE SUCCULENT TREND

PARENTING 34 TEENAGE VOICES

FASHION 36 34

30

BECAUSE I SAID SO 42 THE PROS AND CONS OF AGING

INFOCUS 44

SHOW YOUR SUPPORT FOR YOUR LOCAL COMMUNITY

BY ATTENDING STEMS: A GARDEN SOIREE

GOOD TASTES 46

EVERY SUMMER HAS A STORY

DEAR KACIE 48 GO AWAY, SPOTS!

APP 50

THINK DIRTY SHOP CLEAN

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JUNE 2021

KANSAS CITY’S FIRST BOUTIQUE STYLE SALON SUITE! Your vibe...

Supported by our tribe!

Visit our website to schedule your appointment with any of our experienced stylists. havensalonsuiteskc.com 4741 W. 134th St., Leawood, KS

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913.499.7626 4752 W. 135th St., Leawood, KS

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913.232.7906 4760 W. 135th St., Leawood, KS

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PUBLISHER’S NOTE

Adventure Awaits You June 21. Mark that date. Love that date. It’s the first day of summer.

The start of summer never fails to rekindle my love of Kansas City. From baseball to the lake, sightseeing to soirées, festivals to family time, adventure exists all around us if you know where to look. And with this month’s issue of SIMPLYkc Magazine, you won’t have to go far.

The summer brings with it time at the lake. Boat, fish, lay on a sandy beach, camp, mountain bike, golf, yell “cannonball!” and swim with the fish. All of this is within about an hour of the metro. Read more about where to find this adventure on page 12.

Or if you’d rather socialize at a garden party, read about Stems: A Garden Soirée at the Overland Park Arboretum and Botanical Gardens, an annual summer party that benefits the Arts & Recreation Foundation of Overland Park, on page 44. The blossoming gardens are a perfect setting for you and your friends to enjoy bands, dancers, artists, and delectable bites from more than 25 local restaurants.

This is also our annual Beauty issue, so make sure to check out one of our beauty articles: “Five of This Summer’s Top Beauty Trends” on page 24 or “7 Quick Beauty Hacks” on page 30. Julie Burton can also tell you all about the pros and cons of aging on page 42. And yes, there are pros.

We hope this issue will inspire you to visit nearby lakes, learn more about beauty trends, or discover this summer’s deep read (page 28). But—most importantly—we hope you have a little fun this summer.

Have some great adventures, Kansas City. Maybe we’ll see you around.

Suzanne Steiner, Publisher

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PUBLISHER Suzanne Steiner suz@simplykcmag.com MANAGING EDITOR Brennan Hallock of Hallock Writing & Design editor@simplykcmag.com PHOTOGRAPHY Jami Bowman of Electric Imagez, Jenny Wheat of Wheat Photography, Melanie McDowell, Molly Kuplen, Rich Downs, Zac Grimalda CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Julie Burton, Madison Obermeyer, Sophie Oswald, Gina Reardon, Jackie Woods, Allison Gibeson, Bethaney Phillips, Tiffany Killoren, T.E. Cunningham, Shannon E. Roesgen, Rebecca Fischer ART DIRECTOR Julie Faerman, Whoo Design ADVERTISING Gretchen McGraw, Sales 620.474.5859 sales@simplykcmag.com INQUIRIES SIMPLYkc Magazine 11730 W. 135th St., Ste. 116 Overland Park, KS 66221 913.209.9394 contact@simplykcmag.com simplykcmag.com

FASHION IMAGES PHOTOS • Beth Houts, Beth Houts Photography, 913.486.8120, bethhouts.com, @bethhoutsphotography MODEL • Featured on Cover Mandy Garavaglia, Owner of Haven Salon Suites, 4741 W. 134th St., Leawood, KS, havensalonsuites.com, @hairbymandyg, Lola Ray with Voices &, 118 Walnut, Suite 120, Kansas City, MO, 816.753.4261, voicesand.com, @voicesandmodels, and Faith Henzlik WARDROBE • Frankie and Jules, 16070 Metcalf Ave, Overland Park, KS, 913.544.1700, frankieandjules.com, @frankieandjulies HAIR STYLIST • Katyanne Traffas, Bijin Salon & Spa, 6960 Mission Ln., Prairie Village, @kt.anne MAKEUP ARTIST • Bibiana Carrasco, 816.286.5080, @beauty_withbibi SHOT ON LOCATION • Somerset Ridge Vineyard & Winery, 29725 Somerset Rd, Paola, KS, 913.491.0038, somersetridge.com, @somersetridge

SIMPLYkc Magazine is published monthly by Mach Publications, LLC. No portion of this publication may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, without the written permission of SIMPLYkc Magazine. All rights reserved. SIMPLYkc Magazine accepts no infringement or other responsibility for unsolicited or contributed copy, artwork, photography, or advertisements. No representation is made as to the accuracy hereof and is printed subject to omissions and errors. Opinions and statements in SIMPLYkc Magazine are contributed by authors and/or advertisers and do not necessarily represent the opinions of SIMPLYkc Magazine. Photography and material in the publication as well as design may not be copied or reproduced in any form without written permission.

References for copy will be made available upon written request.

All rights reserved. ©2021, Mach Publications, LLC.

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9/8/16 12:35 PM

AROUND TOWN How long do you plan to stay?

KANSAS CITY LAKES

I want to sleep under the stars. ❑ I want to “rough it” in a cabin. Perry Lake, Hillsdale Marina, La Cygne Lake, Melvern Lake, Pomona Lake, and Clinton Lake have cabins available to rent. ❑ I have an RV. All lakes have RV hookups. ❑ I want to pitch a tent. Well, pitch a tent.

WRITTEN BY JULIE BURTON

Are you bringing the kids?

Kansas City is surrounded by water.

We aren’t referring to the Lake of the Ozarks or Table Rock Lake. We also aren’t calling Kansas City an island. Kansas City is surrounded by lakes built by the U.S. Army Corp of Engineers. The purpose of the lakes is to control flooding.

But the lakes also hold boating, fishing, sandy beaches, camping, mountain biking, golf, “cannonballs!” and swimming with the fish. The possibilities are endless within about an hour of the metro. We did our research—find your way to the lake that suits your needs!

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Well, I’m not leaving them at home. ❑ Clinton Lake (KS) Lawrence, Kansas, is home to Clinton Lake, but don’t let this lake fool you—it doesn’t have a “college vibe.” The lake caters itself to families.

From jet ski races to scavenger hunts, kids will never be bored. And Clinton Marina is home to the “best pizza you’ll ever eat.” ❑ Melvern Lake (KS) You feel the need for speed? If you are looking for the best lake to test those ski legs, send your kids skidding off a tube or shout “cannonball!” this lake is the best place to be. Bonus! Cruise

by Melvern Lake Marina to see the world’s largest bobber. ❑ Smithville Lake (MO) The sea giant down below as you fly into KCI is Smithville Lake—one of the best lakes for kids. This popular lake has two marinas for all your fishing, boating, and water activity needs.

Boat rentals can be found at Camp Branch Marina, or stop by Northland Outdoor Adventures to rent kayaks. ❑ Lake Jacomo (MO) Life slows down at Lake Jacomo. The lake is limited on watercraft horsepower, but Lake Jacomo Marina provides the largest boat facility rental in the metro. Pontoons, paddleboards, pedal boats, canoes, and kayaks are available.

The lake is in Fleming Park and is close to Blue Spring Lake.

Just friends & sunshine ❑P erry Lake (KS) It’s a party in slow motion at Perry Lake. Perry Lake Party Cove has its own Facebook page with almost 14,000 members.

Line up the boats and raise your beers. No boat? No problem. Perry Lake hosts two marinas to rent boats and pontoons. ❑L ongview Lake (MO) Longview Lake used to be known for their beach and blow-up obstacle course for kids. But 2020 changed that. Take advantage of the lack of kids this summer and rent a pontoon for a relaxing day on the lake.

And then catch some rays on the beach too.

Quick day trip Do you want to get wet?

“Cannonball!”

Nah, I’m staying dry.

Do you want to fish?

I want a state record game fish. ❑L a Cygne Lake (KS) Fishermen don’t tell their secrets; everyone knows that. But we do. La Cygne is well-known for their bass fishing.

The lake’s purpose is to cool the power plant sitting nearby. The water rarely freezes, and the bass grow into giants. There is no swimming or water activities allowed at the lake.

And it’s BYOB: bring your own boat.

I fish at the grocery store.

Do you want to mountain bike?

I want lobster tails. ❑D rive to KCI, catch the next flight to Miami, and bring snorkel gear.

❑H illsdale Lake (KS) Hillsdale is one of the few lakes to spawn walleye in the spring. Since the lake is “newer,” the standing timber left in the water provides an abundant fishing habitat, including crappie and walleye. Jayhawk Marina rents pontoons and fishing boats.

❑ Blue Springs Lake (MO) Blue Springs Lake is home to the dirt roads—for mountain bikers.

North Shore Trail runs along Blue Springs Lake.

The trail is popular for experienced and beginner mountain bikers. The lake sits in Fleming Park and is close to Lake Jacomo.

Do you want to run/hike? ❑ Pomona Lake (KS) If there was an award for most beautiful lake, Pomona would take it. The lake sits along the Flint Hills Nature Trail, the longest trail in Kansas. Hike it, bike it, or ride it (horses, that is). Pomona is BYOB—bring your own boat.

Do you want to golf? ❑L ongview Lake, Smithville Lake, and Perry Lake have 18-hole golf courses.

Do you want to disc golf?

WAIT!

I heard Lake Tapawingo and Lake Lotawana are fun!

❑C heck out Clinton Lake, Melvern Lake, Smithville Lake, Perry Lake, and Pomona Lake.

Are you bringing a horse? ❑O f course! Clinton Lake, Smithville Lake, Hillsdale Lake, Pomona Lake, Perry Lake, and Melvern Lake have horse trails.

❑ Buy a lake house.

❑M ake a friend with a lake house.

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BE WELL

TIPS TO AVOID PAINFUL SUMMER BURNS WRITTEN BY JACKIE WOODS / PHOTO BY GETTY IMAGES

Sunscreen is one of the first things we grab when headed outdoors to enjoy pool weather. A sunburn isn’t fun, but it’s also a health hazard as it can cause skin cancer. Sunburns are a common type of burn in the summer months, but there are other burns to be cautious about as well.

Sara Cross, MD, is an emergency physician at AdventHealth Shawnee Mission and sees many patients in the emergency room during the summer for treatment of burns, including sunburn and sun poisoning, but also burns caused by grilling, burning leaves, fire pits, and fireworks.

“When relaxing with friends and family, we tend to be less cautious about the dangers a fire can present,” says Dr. Cross. “Alcohol consumption increases in the summer, and most kids have not been around a fire in months or possibly ever. They may not fully understand how dangerous it can be

to hang out around a fire pit.”

Emergency physicians see more severe burns from burn piles. These fires can quickly become much larger when you rearrange the wood or add lighter fluid or gasoline to help the fire burn hotter and faster. Dr. Cross also

continued on page 16

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Time can’t always be on your side.

Get your annual mammogram.

When breast cancer is detected early, the 5-year survival rate is 99%.

Now is not the time to skip your annual mammogram.

Last year impacted our lives in many ways, but for breast cancer it was business as usual. If you missed your annual mammogram, do not delay any longer. Schedule online at our website, call, or walk in to one of our nine metro locations and walk out with results.

At Diagnostic Imaging Centers, we remain centered on you and are continuing to follow CDC Guidelines at all nine of our locations to keep you safe.

www.dic-KC.com

913-344-9989

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BE WELL CONT.

sees patients who suffer burns from an explosion after throwing things into the fire.

“Each year in the U.S., there are approximately 1.25 million burns with 60,000-80,000 hospitalizations and 5,500 deaths from burn injuries,” says Dr. Cross. “Age groups at highest risk for burns are 0-20 and 20-29 years old, and mortality from burns is much higher with advanced age.”

Not all burns require emergency care, but it’s important to recognize those who warrant a trip to the E.R. First degree burns are red and can usually be treated at home, depending on size and location. Second degree burns are partial thickness and usually blister. The most severe are third degree burns, where the burn has penetrated entirely through the skin and can cause deeper damage.

“Emergency care is needed for any burn with full thickness,” says Dr. Cross. “You should also seek emergency treatment for burns on the face, singed nasal or facial hairs, any circumferential burns like those that go all the way around fingers, arms, hands, or legs, as well as larger burns.”

People who are victims of structural or house fires can also experience inhalation injury, causing them to cough up soot-colored sputum. Emergency care is required for these situations.

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At-Home Treatment Some burns, such as first degree burns, can be treated at home. Immediately place the burned skin under cool running water. Use topical hydrocortisone ointment, then cover the burn with clean gauze. Be sure to stay hydrated by drinking lots of fluids because our bodies use more fluid to heal burns.

Our best prevention against burns is education and having proper equipment on hand in case of an emergency.

“Review fire safety with kids by teaching them to not throw things into a fire, to stand back from fire, and to avoid running near open flames,” says Dr. Cross. “Remind them about stop, drop, and roll.”

Dr. Cross offers additional tips for burn prevention: • Hook up a garden hose nearby, especially during the summer months.

• Have at least one fire extinguisher in the house or garage, and be sure family members know where to find it and how to use it.

• Teach kids to call 911 in case a parent or supervising adult gets hurt.

• On 4th of July, wear closed-toed shoes if you plan to celebrate with fireworks.

•U se a broad-spectrum, PABA-free and oxybenzone-free mineral sunscreen with zinc oxide or titanium oxide to protect from UVA and UVB. •A pply sunscreen to your face, ears, neck, chest, and arms every morning.

•R eapply sunscreen all over your body every 60-90 minutes when swimming, and every 90 minutes to two hours when outdoors.

•W ear a hat for added sunscreen protection.

• I f your sunscreen is more than three years old, the FDA suggests tossing it.

“Kids like the spray sunscreen, but lotion provides better protection,” says Dr. Cross. “The agreement at our house is that the first application will be a thick layer of lotion. After that, you can use the sunscreen spray for repeat applications.”

When you have an emergency, AdventHealth offers fast, comprehensive emergency medical care close to home with four Johnson County locations. And we’re always here— seven days a week, 24 hours a day.

Visit AdventHealthKC.com/ER to learn more.

Myofascial Release

Myofascial Release is a safe and very effective hands-on technique that involves applying gentle sustained pressure into the Myofascial connective tissue restrictions to eliminate pain and restore motion.

Myofascial Release Therapy is the foundation of our treatment approach. We offer a variety of therapeutic modalities.

These include:

Graston Technique • Cupping Cranial Sacral • Scar Release

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Overland Park Location Plaza Location -

7270 W. 98th Terr., #220, Overland Park, KS

1421 W. 47th St., Kansas City, MO

We are adhering to COVID-19 with the following increased sanitizing procedures: • Your car is the new waiting room. • We will all be wearing face masks.

• We will be performing health screenings. • We have added Medify H-13 air cleaners. • We have enhanced sanitizing procedures. More details are available on our website.

INFOCUS

REJUVENATING SMILES, SKIN, AND CONFIDENCE WRITTEN BY ALLISON GIBESON PHOTO BY JAMI BOWMAN

T

here are not many doctors who perform both dental implants and tummy tucks, but Dr. Joseph Camarata with Aesthetic Surgical Arts is American Board Certified in both oral and plastic surgery.

“What makes us unique is how diversified we are and what we can offer,” says Kathleen Koffman, practice administrator for Aesthetic Surgical Arts.

Today, Dr. Camarata operates in a 6,000 square-foot facility and offers a full range of oral surgery services ranging from bone grafting and wisdom tooth extraction to cleft lift and palate correction.

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Pictured:

Dr. Joseph Camarata

Additionally, he offers traditional plastic surgery options including breast augmentation, rhinoplasty, face lifts, liposuction, and Botox.

pa is another part of the business and offers customized facials, IPL, Sculpsure™, chemical peels, medical grade skincare lines, and more.

The practice’s offerings do not end there. The Mia Bella Donna Meds-

Dr. Camarata initially received his dental credentials, and as he

gained experience in oral and maxillofacial surgery, he saw that plastic surgery could be a natural expansion of his work. After all, he was already doing facial surgery and wanted to extend that work to include other cosmetic procedures. As a result, he subsequently received his medical degree and began working in plastic surgery.

Koffman says they are essentially running two practices simultaneously. Offering all these services requires a talented staff that knows how to go from supporting Dr. Camarata with a breast augmentation to assisting with dental implants all in the same day. “Our biggest asset is the skill set our staff has,” Koffman explains.

When one of Al Fitzmorris’ front teeth broke, something had to be done as he had other underlying dental issues as well. He contacted Aesthetic Surgical Arts and began discussing dental implants. “From a young age, I was scared of going to a dentist,” Fitzmorris says. “Aesthetic Surgical Arts made me feel comfortable and that I had made the right decision in what I was getting ready to do.”

Fitzmorris went through with the All-on-4™ procedure, a method of placing dental implants to replace

a full mouth of teeth all in one day.

“Walking out with a beautiful smile the same day was a pretty big transformation,” he says. “I felt better right away.”

“We are helping people make the changes they feel they need. Being part of that journey is very rewarding.”

Alyssa Groenig struggled for a long time with the decision of whether to have a breast augmentation. After deciding to undergo the procedure, she says Aesthetic Surgical Arts was able to get her in quickly, and Dr. Camarata made her feel comfortable and safe throughout the experience.

“Every person who works at Aesthetic Surgical Arts is friendly, warm, and made me feel that I was with family. It really felt like I was cared about as a person and not just a patient,” she says.

Koffman says relationship-building and word of mouth have been the primary ways the business has grown since they first opened in 2007. Because their services and treatments require multiple visits and followup, building ongoing relationships with patients and other dental professionals is an important part of what they do.

In addition to the previously mentioned services, Koffman says they help many people through the Mia Bella Donna Medspa who have had significant acne scarring, and it is heartwarming to see their confidence grow as their skin clears.

Koffman says they hope to expand the Mia Bella Donna Medspa and their All-on-4™ oral surgery service. They are currently in the process of receiving extensive training and bringing in new equipment for the All-on-4™ procedure, implementing a digital workflow that will improve efficiency, design, and delivery of dental implants and full mouth restorations.

Whatever the service, patient transformation is the goal. “We are helping people make the changes they feel they need,” Koffman says. “Being part of that journey is very rewarding.”

Aesthetic Surgical Arts/Mia Bella Donna Medspa • 12541 Foster Street, Suite 330, Overland Park, KS Plastic Surgery 913.270.0649/MedSpa 913.270.0654 • asa-kc.com SIMPLYkc Special • Mention this article when scheduling an appointment and receive 10% off of a skincare product of your choice.

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GOOD EATS

Story is now open for patio and dining room seating. We have patio heaters and blankets for your use, or bring your own blanket for cool evenings on the patio. Chef Thorne-Thomsen is excited to welcome you back into the restaurant. Story will continue to offer curbside pickup with online ordering at storykc.com.

Featured menu items include: Alaskan halibut, beef short ribs, lobster tagliatelle, soft shell crabs and more. Story also offers monthly wine dinners, a fried chicken special on Wednesday nights, and a burger special on Thursday nights. Visit storykc.com to learn more.

3931 W. 69th Terr., Prairie Village, KS • 913.236.9955 info@storykc.com • storykc.com

Austins Bar & Grill has been serving Southern Johnson County for over 33 years. Our family-owned establishments offer a fun sports bar environment to watch all the games. Fresh quality food is provided with great daily food and drink specials. Enjoy our happy hour menu 3-6 p.m. Monday-Friday!

SOUTH OLATHE - 2103 E. 151st St. • 913.829.2106 NORTH OLATHE - 11180 S. Lone Elm Rd. • 913.322.2337 GARDNER - 245 Moonlight Rd. • 913.856.6965 austinsbarandgrill.com

Serving organic, whole food eats and treats for KC’s ever-growing health food scene, Unbakery Juicery prides itself in its gluten free menu. Unbakery is open 8 a.m.-3 p.m. Monday-Saturday serving breakfast and lunch options from Billie’s Grocery in midtown and organic juices served in glass bottles. Unbakery offers an easy, convenient drive-thru option for those days you’re in a hurry or have a car full of crazy kids. (Buy them a protein ball, you’ll thank us!) With a full line of wellness shots and functional herbal teas from Apothe, the team at Unbakery helps you maintain optimal health. Mention SIMPLYkc Magazine and receive 10 percent off a juicer.

634 E. 63rd St., KCMO • 816.237.1128 unbakeryandjuicerykc.com

Our food is simple, elegant, and honest. The menu is inspired by a combination of American, Greek, French, and Italian cuisines. Our commitment to freshness and quality is first and foremost, as we use the season’s best offerings and buy from local farmers and purveyors whenever possible.

The service team at YaYa’s consistently aims to provide the best service and complete guest satisfaction. We’re proud to be able to meet each special request of our guests, whether it’s food, beverage, or a special setting.

7021 W. 135th St., Overland Park, KS • 913.345.1111 yayaskc.com

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Burnt End BBQ is a fast casual BBQ restaurant located in Overland Park.

They are the tastiest of the tasty! Come in hungry and walk out satisfied.

If you can’t make it in, don’t worry! They deliver and cater. Burnt End BBQ can cater any event from a simple office lunch to an old-fashioned BBQ wedding. Come in and try the best BBQ in town!

11831 Metcalf Ave., Overland Park, KS • 913.451.8888 burntendbbqkc.com

JUNE 26

7-10 P.M. Safely celebrate and socialize at the beautiful Overland Park Arboretum & Botanical Gardens

2021 A Garden Soirée PLEASE JOIN US FOR THE CELEBRATION OF THE SUMMER! Fine wine with exclusive hand-painted glasses Delicious food from local restaurants Live music and entertainment Fireworks and floral landscapes

PRESENTING SPONSOR:

LEG AC Y SPONSORS:

Visit stemssoiree.org or call 913.322.6467 for all ticket and event information.

Purchase your tickets or sponsorship package today.

in partnership with the Regnier Family Foundations

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, o h W

PHOTO BY RICH DOWNS

WHAT, WHERE

Meet Lisa Bledsoe Who: Lisa Bledsoe is owner of Scoby Masters Tea-Biotics, handcrafted artisan kombucha.

What: At home, Lisa is called

the “Scoby Master.” She loves making kombucha and fermented vegetables. Kombucha is a fermented, lightly effervescent, sweetened black or green tea beverage with many health benefits.

Lisa was a military brat—her dad was in the U.S. Army—but she primarily grew up in Liberty, Missouri. She attended Liberty Middle School, but dropped out at 15. She secured her GED, attended Johnson County Community College, and graduated from the University of Kansas with a degree in psychology. She met her husband, Ed Bledsoe, at Austins Bar & Grill, where she worked full-time. They now have three daughters, Marley (8), Cali (7), and Alexis (22), who works in the family business.

It was Lisa’s love of health that became a passion and a career.

She wanted to share the health benefits of fermented food with others. Lisa first learned about kombucha from a local farmer one hot summer day. The woman offered her the drink, which was delicious and fizzy. Lisa was

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trying to stop drinking soda, and this delightful drink provided a perfect alternative.

She says it changed her life, improving her hair, skin, bloating issues, energy deficiencies, severe allergies, and more. She no longer needed her four inhalers, Claritin, or steroid shots from her physician father. Her passion led her to share the drink with family and friends for free, but people started calling and asking to buy it. Thus her business was born.

She worked her way up to brewing and distributing 400 gallons out of her home and selling it out of her garage. Grocery store chains and commercial accounts then started calling and asking if it could be put in a bottle and purchased.

Her first facility was built in 2015 and served kegs on tap, but she eventually began bottling the product and distributing it. Today, the company distributes nationwide to nearly 500 different retail locations from a 15,000-square-foot facility. It also boasts the world’s largest taproom in Olathe, Kansas, with 64 flavors on tap.

What’s on the horizon? Lisa says her focus is on continuing the

expansion of the business nationwide and picking up more accounts.

The company is also launching additional lines, including plantbased kombucha, CBD kombucha, alcoholic kombucha, and THC kombucha (where allowed).

We sat down with Lisa to learn more about what she loves about Kansas City.

Where: FAVORITE PLACE TO DINE My favorite place to dine is Bristol Seafood Grill in Town Center.

FAVORITE PLACE TO DRINK Austins Bar & Grill, their original location on 151st street.

FAVORITE PLACE TO SHOP I don’t shop a lot, being a mom and running an organic business, but when I do it’s at the Town Center Shopping Center.

FAVORITE HIDDEN GEMS Overland Park Farmers’ Market and Black Dog Coffeehouse. I like to support other small businesses and shop local, being a business owner myself.

FAVORITE PLACE TO TAKE OUT-OF-TOWN GUESTS Bristol Seafood Grill.

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BEAUTY

FIVE OF THIS SUMMER’S TOP BEAUTY TRENDS

WRITTEN BY MADISON OBERMEYER

S

ummer. It’s a time of dining al fresco, rest, and rejuvenation— and some of the year’s hottest fashion and beauty looks of the year. (And it’s not just because of the Kansas heat, either.) There’s a certain carefree attitude in the air—albeit as carefree as COVID-cautious activities can be—and the beauty looks that are coming out of it are masterpieces.

We rounded up five of the best beauty trends you need to try this summer. Trust us, there’s something for everyone! To help us analyze this year’s trends, we chatted with Sophia Binder, CEO of Graceful Beauty KC.

Colorful Eyes:

When it comes to colorful beauty, the eyes might not be your first assumption (unless you grew up in the ‘80s, that is). However, where fashion goes, beauty is likely to follow—and the mixed patterns and bright hues that carried spring into

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summer are the perfect backdrop to get creative with your look.

Binder says that especially in KC and the metro, she’s been seeing more color on the eyes (oranges, greens, purples, and more).

Our Advice: If you’re trying out

a colorful look for the first time, do some research. Trends follow a cycle, and whether you pull from the maximalists in the ‘70s and ‘80s or go fullon Twiggy with the eyeliner, having inspiration for your look will help ensure it’s not a total Jackson Pollock.

Hint: remember your elementary friend, the color wheel? Experiment with soft, bright hues paired with a colorful winged eyeliner.

Funky Nails: If you can dream it, a

nail technician can do it … probably.

From works of art to a colorful take on the classic French tip, fun nails are

the hottest trend of the season. Make every nail a different design (we’ve even seen peppers, smiley faces, and Rubik’s cube-like squares make an appearance), or take a cue from the ‘70s with funky swiggles, swirls, and shapes in your color(s) of choice.

Our Tip:

Don’t have time to sit for a few hours? NYC-based spa and self-proclaimed “Authority in Modern Self-care” took their most popular manicures and turned them into presson sets available to ship cross-country—and they’re only $16!

Dewy, “Skinimalism”: On the op-

posite end of the spectrum, Binder says she’s also been seeing fuller eyebrows, dewy skin making a comeback.

“I think people are also going to take more time taking care of their skin,” Binder says. “Because of the pandemic and people having to wear masks all the time, we’re seeing more people suffer

from ‘maskne,’ and they’re trying to find the best solution for their skin.”

According to a Pinterest Business article, there was a four times increase in searches year over year for “glowing skin how to get naturally” and a 180 percent increase in searches year over year for “natural everyday makeup,” thus prompting them to create a namesake for this trend: Skinimalism.

Our advice:

Switch out your mask for a mask that will help you relax, unwind, and start your journey to better self-care, one facial massage technique at a time.

The ‘90s Are Calling:

But overplucked eyebrows couldn’t join the call.

Here’s what did make it: curtain bangs and blowouts à la Cher Horowitz and Rachel Green, every mom’s favorite claw clip.

Our tip:

Elevate your look with chic

bangs or refresh your hair care routine with a blowout at home, thanks to blow dryer/round brush hybrids like Revlon’s One-Step Hair Dryer. If it’s a wash day, twist your hair up into the classic claw clip, back and more stylish than ever in a rainbow of colors, sleek metal styles, and even sparkly embellishments.

Monochromatic Makeup:

Not all trends come and go—some like to stay around for a while, which is exactly why monochromatic makeup is here to stay.

Binder agrees, saying, “A lot of my clients are asking for a soft natural ‘glam’ look; they don’t want a lot of contouring.”

Our hack:

When you’re on the go (and under a mask), sometimes the easiest makeup routine is a oneproduct wonder. Put down the bronzer and highlighter and take your favorite cream blush or lipstick, applying to your lips, cheeks, the bridge of your nose, and your eyelids.

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INFOCUS

QUALITY HAIR CARE AND A HEART OF GOLD WRITTEN BY BETHANEY PHILLIPS PHOTOS BY JAMI BOWMAN

T

ucked inside Haven Salon Suites in Leawood, visitors will find something special—a luxurious retreat, but not one that they’ve likely seen before. The salon isn’t like other compilation locations, it’s altogether something else. An oasis.

A getaway with high-end massage chairs. Plush couches with a coffee bar. A calming, welcoming place for customers to relax and receive only the highest quality of hair styling and care.

Owner Mandy Garavaglia founded the location in February of this year. Opening a salon—specifically a luxury boutique salon suite, as she calls it, was a longtime goal.

But with the changing of social times, she was inspired to go all-in.

As a cancer survivor, Garavaglia says she learned to not wait to take risks. After a three-year stint with ovarian cancer, she threw herself into her career. “There were moments during my diagnosis where I was like, Do I even want to be doing this anymore? But it is absolutely what I love to do! I also learned that if you don’t have your health, you don’t have anything. So why not take risks, push forward, and do the things you think about but are afraid to do?”

With 20 years of experience in the salon business, and having worked Pictured:

Mandy Garavaglia, owner of Haven Salon Suites

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in the KC area since 2008, Garavaglia did just that. She began planning for Haven. She hand-picked top stylists and created a space where they could all come together under one roof. Their motto is “Collaboration over competition”; they’re there to help each other out.

“Haven Salon Suites is successful because she’s the best and she’s only hired the best.”

In the waiting area, there’s high-end furniture, comfy couches, massage chairs, and a coffee bar so clients can caffeinate while their color takes.

There’s also ample space so it won’t get overly crowded.

Each stylist has their own room styled to their own tastes, following Haven’s secondary motto: “Your vibe supported by our tribe.” Rooms include a high-end station, shampoo bowl and sink, cabinetry, and the stylist’s own vibe in décor. Fifteen stylists make up the Haven team.

because she wants clients to have a great experience, no matter who they see. She brought in colleagues and researched work of querying stylists, including Instagram profiles.

Other qualifications included keeping up with continued education and modern trends.

Booking is unique as well. There’s no main line for customers to call.

Instead, users head to the website and check out the work of each stylist. Once they find one they like, they book with them directly. Garavaglia says she wanted this aspect so customers can choose the right style for them and the ability to search the work they like best, all from one source.

“The moment you walk in and feel the vibe, we’re all friends. We’re people who have been in business for a long time, who have been finding the perfect place to work. You can trust that anyone you see here is going to be great,” Garavaglia says.

Garavaglia says she took the time to personally choose each stylist

Longtime customer Jenny Matthews works as the host for Q104’s The Morning Drive. “Mandy has been doing my hair for so long … it’s been like 12 years,” she says, adding that the two bonded over hair appointments

and became fast friends. She also says Garavaglia’s genuine personality only adds to the appointment experience. “There are good people in this world, and she’s one of those people. She has a heart of gold.”

Of the hair care itself and styling outcome, Matthews says there’s no comparison. “I don’t trust anybody else with my hair. She’s so excellent,” Matthews says. After all, Garavaglia’s clients book six months out.

Having seen Garavaglia move into her own venture, Matthews says she has no doubt about the location’s growth. “Haven Salon Suites is successful because she’s the best and she’s only hired the best. You can tell she poured her heart and soul into it.

She doesn’t do anything halfway; she worked really hard and it shows.”

Haven Salon Suites • 4741 W. 134th St., Leawood, KS • 913.299.3300 • havensalonsuiteskc.com

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A Not-So-Ordinary Book Discussion

IN IT FOR

THE LONG HAUL WRITTEN BY TIFFANY KILLOREN

Books are wonderful because there is a story out there to fit every mood. Need a quick read that requires little concentration? There are books for that. In the mood for something a bit brooding for late evenings and a good cry? Yes, there are books for that, too. Although some stories can be fully enjoyed with one foot in the pool or an eye on dinner cooking, others are to be savored , read when you have the time and patience to truly appreciate a story’s craftsmanship. This book is a heavy hitter and, as such, deserves to have a periodic column devoted just to it.

A Gentleman in Moscow Amor Towles, 2016

Be still my beating heart. I loved this book. Loved. I write such a declaration fully aware that this type of book isn’t for everyone. You need the time (it’s no small read at 462 pages), appreciation for detailed nuances, and love for history to fully lose yourself in this book. It’s not so much an entertaining journey as it is a compelling one.

Readers are invited to live through the eyes of a protagonist who ages with every turn of the page. Enough introduction—let’s discuss.

Almost the entirety of the book takes place in a single setting, the luxury Metropol Hotel in Moscow. Count Alexander Ilyich Rostov is an amusing and colorful character in his late 20s at the beginning of the novel in 1922.

As a member of the aristocracy, he is

placed under lifelong house arrest at the hotel after the Bolshevik Revolution, his place in high society now considered a repugnant reminder of the class structure under the prior monarchy. And so the story begins, the Count transferred to a small attic room at the top of the hotel to begin a new and forcefully humbled life within four walls.

Russian history, especially during this time, has more twists and turns than the most beguiling novel, and a general understanding of this history is a must before launching into this read. The story spans the time from the revolution through Lenin, Stalin, and then Khrushchev’s reign. And the Count’s subtle observations of the changes that such political shifts made

to Russian life is both poignantly and painfully conveyed in the writing and story. In many ways, this is a story about befores and afters, lives that once were suddenly replaced with what life must now be.

A Gentleman in Moscow is just that—it is a story about a gentle and refined man who remained who he was while the world around him changed. The Metropol Hotel itself becomes a beautiful character in the book, the comings and goings of its visitors and stories of those who remain bring life to a place that, for one man, became his entire world and family. And, at the end, it is a powerful realization that the Count lived a more robust and plentiful life than most who walked freely on the outside.

Tiffany Killorenis a local author and lover of the written word. Her novel, GOOD WILL, was released in 2020 and she is always thinking of new stories to tell. Follow her at @readandthreads on Instagram for book and life musings as she tries to balance career, family, and her passion for writing one step—or word—at a time. PHOTO BY MOLLY KUPLEN

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7 THINGS

7 QUICK BEAUTY HACKS

1 Big

Brows Are Back:

For this beauty hack, all you need is a bar of soap—one that dries clear, preferably—and an unused mascara applicator. Spray your bar of soap and brush the applicator until the bar gently foams. Brush your eyebrows up and out, forming your brow into the desired shape, until dry.

2 Honey, Your Skin Will Thank You:

Need a skin detox fast? Grab some raw honey from your pantry and apply directly to your face, allowing it to sit for 2-5 minutes before washing it off with warm water. Raw honey can help balance your skin tone, help cells heal faster, and gently exfoliates.

3 The Miracle Moisturizer: Mix 1-2 tablespoons of melted coconut oil with a tablespoon of apple cider vinegar, and then apply to dry or damp hair. Leave on the mask for about 15 minutes, then wash out with shampoo for refreshed, moisturized hair!

4 Great Lashes at Home: If you want your lash

curl to hold longer, don’t buy a heated lash curler yet. Hold your normal curler a small distance away

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from your hairdryer for a few seconds, making sure the curler isn’t too hot, and gently curl your lashes.

5 Smell Good, Longer:

Don’t waste perfume sprays just to make it last all day. Before spraying, rub a bit of petroleum jelly on your skin to help the scent stick! (Only a very small amount; you don’t want to be sticky all day!)

6 Master Winged Eyeliner:

Gently place a small piece of tape from the bottom outer corner of your eye, directed to the top of your ear. Use a gel, liquid, or pencil eyeliner and follow along the tape for your desired wing length.

7 A n All-over Bronze:

If you need a natural glow stat, a bronzer is your best friend. Brush your bronzer not just on your cheekbones, but on all spots on your face where the sun typically hits—like your nose, chin, top of forehead, eyelids, and more. The finished look? An at-home tan, no vacation needed!

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HOME & GARDEN

THE DOWN LOW ON THE SUCCULENT TREND

WRITTEN BY SHANNON E. ROESGEN

S

ucculent gardens have recently become a trend, but succulent gardens used to be a rarity. If you would like more plants in your home, this is a trend that is worth joining. Succulents are beautiful and require very little care. They are called the “camel” of greenery because they need so little water to survive. Another bonus is different varieties of succulents can be planted together.

Succulents can also be grown anywhere in the country. They are sturdy plants that can even tolerate a hard freeze. In general, succulents prefer daytime temperatures between 70 and 85 degrees F, and nighttime temperatures between 50 and 55 degrees F.

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What is a succulent?

A succulent is any plant with thick, fleshy water storage organs. Succulents store water in their leaves, stems, or roots. Some types of succulents are agave, aloe, dudleya, fishbone cactus, ox tongue moonstones, pinwheel desert rose, and zebra plant.

Succulent care It is best to add compost or other organic material to soil when planting succulents. In addition, coarse sand should be added on top. It is best to start planting in the summer.

Whether you are planting in a container or garden bed, it is important to use fast-draining soil. This helps prevent root rot. Watering

does not take a great deal of effort with succulents. It is best to water no more than twice a week in the summer. During the winter months, only water when the plant dries out completely.

Jessica Teliczan, owner of Paradise Garden Club in Kansas City, Missouri, offers some great advice for planting indoor succulents.

“The key things to remember when potting and caring for succulents at home are soil and light. Succulents need very little water, so it’s important to make sure they’re living in a gritty, well-draining soil. Always use pottery with a drainage hole. This will help you avoid overwatering your succulent friends.”

Teliczan continues, “Once they’re

potted and happy, display them on a windowsill, or in a room with plenty of bright, warm sunlight.”

sun per day, however, produces even brighter and more colorful flowers.

there is less soil there is less risk of too much moisture.

If planting outdoors, rainfall is only needed every few weeks. Too much water is much worse than too little.

Covering is suggested if there is a great deal of rain in the forecast.

It is best to pull potted plants to a porch, as overwatering is the most common cause of succulents dying.

Humidity can be an achilles heel for succulents, and this is something to remember, as there is no escape from humidity during a Kansas City summer. If it is going to be humid and over 90 degrees, succulents should be shaded. A cover should be added to outdoor gardens and potted plants should be pulled to shade.

Upcycling a planter for your new succulent

Overwatered succulents are often discolored. Their leaves may turn yellow or white. If the plant is in this condition, you can inspect the roots.

If the roots are brown and rotted, cut away the dead roots and repot into a drier environment.

If wrestling with summer humidity sounds too daunting, indoor planting may be a better option. Succulent planters make beautiful centerpieces for either dining room tables or coffee tables. Some even use them for bookends.

All succulents require a great deal of sun. A minimum of six hours per day is recommended. Eight hours of

Succulent roots do not grow as deeply as other houseplants, so a deep pot is not necessary. Also, if

There are endless creative ideas for upcycling a planter to use for your succulents. One is to cut a wine bottle in half. Small succulents and cacti work well when planted in this size planter. Glass terrariums, mason jars, glasses, or bowls are other fun options. Making a succulent teacup garden would make a vibrant and colorful display in any home.

If joining the succulent trend is something you are considering, succulent plants can be found at your local garden stores.

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PARENTING

TEENAGE VOICES WRITTEN BY JULIE BURTON

A

ll eyes are on the teenagers.

They define the next generation of cool. Their styles sell, even if those styles are a repeat of your own youth. They’re going through a series of firsts that they’ll always remember—first car, first job, first date. Parents go from Mom and Dad to the annoyingly strict old people who pay for their housing and rent. “You wouldn’t understand” is a right of passage mumbled by every teenager.

We gathered the kings and queens of cool and asked them for anonymous answers about what it’s like to be a teenager in this high tech, pandemic world. Their answers may surprise you.

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“Some parents are strict. They think everyone on social media is a threat.

That’s not true. It’s a part of our high school experience and our way of socializing. It’s our language.” Parents blowing risks out of proportion is a common theme with teenagers. “The risk of meeting strangers is overhyped as long as your kid knows the basic ‘stranger danger.’”

But not all teens use social media. If offered a million dollars

Every teen asked said they like their parents. Most parents are “chill” and “they’re cool when they’re not trying to be.”

to give up social media, some would take it because they’d still talk to their friends via texting or FaceTime. “I don’t share my entire life over social media. I can get celebrity news from Pinterest,” said one teen.

Social media, FaceTime, and texting are their forms of communication. We all had ways to

If given an opportunity to give parenting advice: Not all technology is good technology.

communicate with our friends during our childhood. Passing notes in class.

Talking on the kitchen phone in the

Teens crave trust from their parents.

They don’t want to earn their parents’ trust because they know they’re being

You’re cooler than you think.

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pantry because the cord wouldn’t let you leave the room. Teenagers find ways to privately talk to each other outside of school. This generation of teenagers is no different.

watched by their parents. They want the opportunity to have independence.

“Please don’t think every person giving parenting advice is right. For example, Life360 (a tracking app parents use to keep track of where their kids are) has most parents saying, ‘Wow, this is a great idea!’ when it’s something they never had to experience. Forming reign over your kid through technology is going to leave them unable to cope with life after moving out.”

Some teens understand why certain parents use tracking devices. And some teens are open to parents using a tracking device when they’re in a part of town they’re unfamiliar with. “Just don’t invade your kid’s whole life with it.”

High school is still the same. Procrastination, worrying about college or grades, needing a boost of confidence— those are all things every high schooler worries about, and this generation isn’t any different. There are still cliques.

There’s still gossip behind backs. Some are dating. Some are not. They all say sex

should come with maturity and with the right person. The drugs are still in school if you know the right person to ask. The most common drugs used are alcohol and vaping (with marijuana).

The LGBTQ+ community is still struggling. Many LGBTQ+ teens are closeted. They lack the confidence to be assertive with their sexuality—and some are not sure themselves. All the teens said they would support a friend coming out.

Racism is still in the hallways.

Slurs in the hallway. People of color being the minority in a mostly white school. Some teens say, “Any slurs are just jokes—we’re joking” to teens starting up a white/people of color alliance club at school. Empathy is still needed in high school.

Fear of guns in the school? It’s about half. “I scan the room for exits.

I know a lot of kids who have access to guns because their parents hunt.” Some kids don’t feel threatened at all.

Going through high school during a pandemic is extremely

hard. There is nothing to debate here— all students were affected by COVID-19.

When in-person high school was canceled in 2020, every student struggled with online learning. A lot of teens saw their grades and mental health drop.

“It affected my social life. We had to rebuild our social skills to all online.

In-person school does play a huge role in socialization.”

A lot of teens agreed. “As much as parents think we do, we don’t spend our whole lives on our phones. But with COVID-19, we had to. That was tough.”

The only positive thing one teenager said about COVID-19 was, “I did like the online individual attention from teachers.”

— Teenagers are not adults. They don’t think like adults. They’re learning and doing the best they can with the devices they have.

If you ask your teenager the hard questions, even if it’s a group of them in the form of anonymous texting, they’ll surprise you with their new-found voice.

Proud to be providing board certified, compassionate pediatric dental care to KC and Johnson County since 2005.

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FASHION

From subdued stripes to pretty prairieinspired silhouettes, the 70s are back and so are the good vibes! Say “Peace” to classic proportions and embrace the swing of bell bottom jeans, flowy dresses and tunic tops, all in a stunning array of naturesque hues.

FRANKIE & JULES 16070 Metcalf Ave Overland Park, KS 913.544.1700

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Photography / Beth Houts Models / Mandy Garavaglia, Lola Ray with Voices &, and Faith Henzlik Hair / Katyanne Traffas Makeup / Bibiana Carrasco Shot on location / Somerset Ridge Vineyard and Winery

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BECAUSE I SAID SO...

THE PROS & CONS OF AGING WRITTEN BY JULIE BURTON / PHOTO BY JAMI BOWMAN

“Write about beauty, Julie. It’s the beauty edition!” they said. Ummm ... Hi, I’m a 39-year-old woman who wears a side part, skinny jeans, and I use the laughing emoji when I text something funny. This probably means nothing to you unless you’re a Zoomer. Gen Z. My kids. What I’m trying to say is, I’m not cool. I still don’t know what I’m doing with makeup. I wear blush as an eyeshadow.

But here’s what I know about beauty: growing older can make you feel good, and it can make you feel bad. There are pros and cons. Here are a few.

Con: Losing your hair.

Pro: But I don’t have as much arm and leg hair on my body as I used to. Less shaving, less toe hair, and less gorilla arms isn’t bad.

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Con: You start wearing a mature wardrobe. That means you’re wearing mom clothes.

Pro: I really don’t want to wear my daughter’s crop top. Been there.

Done that. But I will borrow those

brand new Birkenstocks Grandma got her for her birthday. Cha-ching!

Con: That works both ways. My daughter steals my clothes and shoes without asking. The worst part is I can’t tell Mom.

Pro: Silver foxes. Men with gray hair.

Women with gray hair too. I think both genders look good with gray hair. Silver vixens! Yes, and if you hate it, then dye your hair until you’re 90 years old.

Con: The silvery strands aren’t only on your head. Go lower. Lower. So low you wouldn’t dare put hair dye. Yep, that happens. And no one warned me.

Pro: I was always impressed with my Mexican grandma eating her homemade habanero salsa. Now I know how she could take it—taste buds die off, because I can eat those habaneros too.

They’re delicious ...

Con: … Until the next morning.

tologist to get biopsies and lab work, and the dreaded wait to hear if you have a skin cancer diagnosis.

Pro: Laugh lines. You’re living the good life if you ask me.

Pro: It’s not cancer. “That’s just an age spot, Julie. It will grow exponentially, or I can take that off if you want.” Oh, well.

Good thing, Doc.

Con: Horizontal lines on your chest that just appear one morning when your kid walks into middle school. I call those cougar lines.

Welcome to the beauty edition of SIMPLYkc Magazine. I don’t know what I’m doing when it comes to beauty, fashion, or makeup. But I do know it’s not boring.

Pro: Any time I can refer to myself as a cougar is a good thing.

Con: The sun from your youth starts to show up as strange moles and discolored skin. You really start to show your age when you make trips to the derma-

Julie Burton is an Overland Park mom, writer, K-State lover, and bacon-hater. She is a blogger and contributing author to the humor book, But Did You Die?: Setting the Parenting Bar Low. Burton’s also been named one of the Today Show’s “funniest parents.” And yes, she really does hate bacon. Please don’t drop her as a friend.

Follow Julie at: julieburton.blog facebook.com/julieburtonwriter • twitter.com/ksujulie • instagram.com/ksujulie

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INFOCUS

SHOW YOUR SUPPORT FOR YOUR LOCAL COMMUNITY

BY ATTENDING STEMS: A GARDEN SOIRÉE WRITTEN BY SOPHIE OSWALD PHOTO BY JAMI BOWMAN

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ow would you like to attend a party that not only raises money for local attractions and art in the community, but also allows you the opportunity to network and enjoy yourself among friends?

Stems: A Garden Soirée might be exactly what you’re looking for!

and beverage stations—delicious small bites from area restaurants and a wonderful selection of local and imported wines and other beverages. There’s music, of course, and fireworks to cap off the evening,” explains Vicki Lilly, executive director of The Arts & Recreation Foundation of Overland Park.

that allow the Arts & Recreation Foundation to make a difference in the community. The foundation has already provided many commonly enjoyed activities in the area such as Main Street at Deanna Rose, the Train Garden at the Arboretum, as well as numerous city art installations.

Stems has quickly grown into one of the most popular fundraising events in the area. It offers attendees the chance to give back to the community while enjoying the fabulous environment that is the Overland Park Arboretum & Botanical Gardens.

“The evening begins with the first pour in a hand-painted wine glass everyone receives as they enter,” says Lilly. Hundreds of these wine glasses are painted prior to the event each year, and attendees get to take their own stunning glass home at the end of the festivities.

“Stops along the way include food

The goal of Stems is to raise funds

“Our focus this year is completing the Growing to Inspire capital campaign to raise funds for the new visitor center and surrounding gathering spaces at the Arboretum,” explains Lilly. “Funded by the City of Overland Park and the foundation, these improvements are going to be a game-changer

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this event knowing you will be in good hands! Attendance will be limited and food and drink stations will be spread out more than they have been in previous years.

If you’re looking to get even more involved and might wish to volunteer, they always have their eyes open for potential helpers. “Volunteering at Stems is almost as fun as being a guest!” exclaims Lilly. You can help set up the tables and decor before the event starts or serve food and drinks throughout the evening. To volunteer, call 913.322.6467.

Pictured:

Vicki Lilly, Executive Director of The Arts & Recreation Foundation of Overland Park

for the Arboretum which will become the go-to destination for family and corporate celebrations,” she adds.

When planning the first Stems back in 2007, it was designed to be an enjoyable fundraiser, but no one could have anticipated just how cherished this event would become. Now it has grown into something people seek out and love to attend each year.

“Stems is my most favorite event of the year. I am a foodie so it’s great to wine and dine the night away for a good cause that benefits the community,” says media personality Ivani Bing.

“Stems and our other events add to

the quality of life, are inclusive, and help Overland Park be recognized as one of the best places to live, work, raise a family, retire, and on and on,” says Lilly.

This event is more than just a party for charity. You won’t be stuck inside sitting at a black tie dinner, but rather walking around a beautiful garden enjoying local food and beverages among friends, both old and new. The guys tend to wear aloha shirts while the ladies wear sun dresses as they explore the great scenery outdoors.

They are paying special attention to ensuring the health and safety of their guests is top priority during these unusual times. You can attend

“It’s great to wine and dine the night away for a good cause that benefits the community.”

This year the event will be held on Saturday, June 26, from 7 to 11 p.m.

You can purchase general admission tickets for $150 or patron tickets for $250. Tickets are available online and at the Arboretum. This year they suggest not waiting to buy tickets at the door as they may sell out because of the limited capacity.

For more information on Stems, or to purchase tickets, visit stemssoiree. org. To volunteer, call 913.322.6467.

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GOOD TASTES

EVERY SUMMER HAS A STORY WRITTEN BY GINA REARDON / PHOTO BY MELANIE MCDOWELL

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I hope you are prepared for a real page turner! After last year, we are all due for an epic summer story complete with all the parts and pieces that make it memorable. Will your story be about adventure and travel? Or will your story be like a memoir, recalling memories of summers past, joyfully remembering the last time you were able to gather with those dear to you to celebrate.

Our gatherings may feel more like reunions, and at their center will be the celebratory food that we will share. Whether a backyard barbecue or potluck, fruit desserts are always a welcome addition. And with blueberries at their peak during the month of June, I have a blueberry cobbler just for you. Baked ahead of time in a cast iron pan, you can rewarm the cobbler on your outdoor grill while enjoying the main event.

Serve with vanilla ice cream, homemade if you dare, and everyone will beg for a sequel!

Blueberry Cobbler Ingredients

Directions

1-1/2 cups plus 3 tablespoons allpurpose flour

Preheat oven to 375 degrees F. Whisk 1-1/2 cups flour, 3 tablespoons sugar, baking powder, and salt in a large bowl. Add butter. Using your fingertips or a pastry blender, incorporate until only pea-size lumps remain.

Gently mix in crème fraiche. Knead in bowl until a biscuit-like dough forms, 5-7 turns (be careful not to overmix—overmixing will make the dough tough).

3 tablespoons plus 1 cup sugar 1-1/2 teaspoons baking powder 1/2 teaspoons Kosher salt 6 tablespoons (3/4 stick) chilled unsalted butter, cut into 1/2-inch pieces 1/2 cup plus 1 tablespoon crème fraiche or sour cream 6 cups fresh blueberries, rinsed, drained and laid out on paper towel-lined baking sheet to absorb excess liquid 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice 1 tablespoon finely grated lemon zest 1/2 teaspoons cinnamon (optional)

Combine remaining 1 cup sugar, remaining 3 tablespoons flour, berries, lemon juice, and lemon zest and cinnamon (if using) in a large bowl. Toss to coat. Pour into an 8 by 8 by 2-inch glass baking dish, shallow casserole dish, or medium-sized cast iron frying pan. Alternatively, divide among six 6-ounce ramekins. Sprinkle topping modestly with raw or coarse sugar.

Tear biscuit topping into quarter-size crumbles and scatter over berries.

Bake cobbler until juices are thick and bubbling, and topping is cooked through and deep golden brown—20-25 minutes for ramekins or 45-50 minutes for a baking dish. Let cool for at least 1 hour. SERVES 6-8

Raw or coarse sugar (optional)

Gina Reardon, former owner of Catering by Design and culinary philanthropist, leads the KC team for No Kid Hungry, culinary professionals and community members focused on supporting Share Our Strength’s No Kid Hungry campaign. Funds raised help connect the nation’s 16 million low-income children with more school breakfast, lunch, and summer meals.

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r a e D

KACIE GO AWAY, SPOTS!

My teenage daughter’s acne is horrible. She’s embarrassed by it. I know acne is a normal part of growing up, but I am embarrassed for her because I remember how acne can make you feel. We’ve tried all kinds of different acne-curing face washes and moisturizers. I’ve bought her everything from a $7 face wash to a $60 face wash. Nothing is working! Should I just make an appointment with a dermatologist?

The worst! We’ve all been there.

You are right when it comes to a “normal” part of growing up. Make sure your daughter knows acne is not her fault. It’s not from the pizza she ate or cleaning her face improperly. It’s not caused by makeup, either—at least most likely it’s not. The cause is hormonal changes during puberty. We all have hormones, and levels are changing all the time. That’s why you might even occasionally break out too.

Your pediatrician can prescribe a treatment medication. Don’t worry, it’s just a stronger version of face washes you find over the counter. Acne is not a new condition to pediatricians and dermatologists. And since your child is a girl, the FDA has approved birth control as a medication to combat acne. It’s always a good idea to let a doctor know your concern.

She won’t be a teenager forever. She’ll get through it and one day wake up to only the occasional breakout, just like Mom.

If you have any questions you’d like Kacie to answer, submit them to contact@simplykcmag.com.

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APP OF THE MONTH

THINK DIRTY SHOP CLEAN The gist: Pick up any personal care or clean-

ing product in your home, and there’s a good chance it contains unrecognizable and/or unpronounceable ingredients. Stearalkonium hectorite? Linolenic polyglycerides? CI 77491? Seriously?

Think Dirty Shop Clean is a simple, free app for making sense of all that wackiness. Just select the scanning feature and hold the product’s barcode up to your phone’s camera. The scanner worked effectively from my first try, and I am no tech genius.

The products I used to test the scanner—Mrs. Meyer’s and Dr. Hauschka—were already included in the app’s nearly 2 million catalogued products, which are also searchable. A generous number of filters are provided for searching as well: womenowned businesses, black-owned businesses, paraben-free products, vegan, talc-free, etc.

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Each product is scored between 0 and 10 to give you a quick feel for how safe it is—the lower the number, the safer.

Each product ingredient is also scored and colorcoded, with red (“dirty”) ingredients at the top, yellow coming next (“half and half”), and green (“clean”) last. Tap on any ingredient to learn more about it, including usage, health impact, sources, and more.

The more you scan, the more badges you earn, but I have yet to figure out what the badges are for.

Save products to your favorites. The app links out to Amazon and other sites for shopping, and there are special offers for app users.

(And, in case you were wondering, CI 77491 is red iron oxide. Huh?)

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Someone is accidentally injured every second Schedule online at GetInQuickERKC.com.

In case of a life-threatening emergency, call 911

That’s why our ER experts stand ready 24/7 to care for you.

Unexpected moments happen. When they do, you can trust that AdventHealth’s ER experts are ready to safely care for you at four locations throughout Johnson County. And, we’ve made it easy to schedule a non-life-threatening emergency room visit online so you can wait in the comfort of home and arrive at a time convenient for you.