TIMELESS STONE. GENERATIONS OF TRUST.
From Our Family to Yours— Welcome to Canaan Stone Works. We design, fabricate, and install luxury stone surfaces that anchor the heart of the home, combining premium materials with personal service.
At Canaan Stone Works, every slab tells a storyof craftsmanship passed down, relationships built on trust, and homes designed to last for generations.
SCAN TO CONNECT WITH OUR FAMILY AND START DESIGNING A SPACE MEANT TO BE GATHERED AROUND. From kitchens to baths, we create custom stone surfaces for the moments that matter most. Visit our Showroom + Discover stone crafted for the way you live.
AS A FAMILY-OWNED AND OPERATED BUSINESS, WE BELIEVE LUXURY IS FOUND NOT ONLY IN HOW STONE LOOKS, BUT IN HOW IT’S SELECTED, CRAFTED, AND CARED FOR.
For over 20 years, our family has helped Johnson County homeowners create kitchens and gathering spaces where everyday moments become lasting memories.
Historic Charm. Modern Memories. Every Occassion is
Worth Celebrating!
Located in downtown Overland Park, Stone Manor on 79th is a one-of-a-kind space to host any special occasion! Housed in the historic Strang Line Car Barn built in 1908, the space offers warmth & character. The entire space has been fully renovated, including two bridal suites, while maintaining the beauty of its historical charm. This combination of character & convenience works effortlessly together to bring about an unparalleled atmosphere.
stonemanorkc.com | V@stonemanoron79th
Celebrate with us this spring
Spring is the perfect season to gather and celebrate, from intimate events at the restaurant to thoughtfully executed off-site gatherings. Designed for graduations, birthdays, and special occasions of all kinds, with menus tailored to your occasion.
Seasonal spring ingredients guide every menu, allowing our kitchen to create fresh, vibrant dishes for your private setting. From the first course to the last glass poured, private dinners are about slowing down, connecting, and enjoying the season together.
Meghan Macy, MSN, FNP-C, NE
Urgent Care At Home is here to serve YOU! Top-notch health care without ever having to leave your couch. Whether it's an in-home visit or quick Telehealth chat, we're here to provide quality care wherever you are. We provide a wide range of services beyond just urgent care. Routine checkups, sports physicals, chronic disease management, weight management and more!
Love YOUR NEIGHBOR YOUR HOME
February reminds us that home isn’t just a structure—it’s the people and the love that make it whole. Whether you’re focused on refreshing your current home, or dreaming of a new place to love, the heart of it all is community.
“Let all that you do be done in love.”
1 Corinthians 16:14
WHY I LOVE MY KC HOME
Greater Kansas City is a friendly, grounded community—perfect for raising a family and building a business. My neighborhood, Lake Winnebago, offers a beautiful lake setting, warm people, and great walking trails. It's a place that truly feels like a vacation every day. – Haley
Reach out today! I’d be thrilled to help you discover a home you’ll absolutely love, where you can live, work, and play in perfect balance.
HALEY EPPS
WHERE ♥ MEETS HOME
Join me each month as we explore how to live well, spread kindness, and make a difference—right here in Johnson County.
Share the Love with Mission Southside
This month as we celebrate love, let’s go beyond our homes and into the heart of our community. Mission Southside has a neighbor’s heart. They bring hope to Johnson County through the meeting of both physical and spiritual needs. We can all help provide hope and support to those who need it most. It’s a simple yet powerful way to show love for your neighbors, near and far. Consider offering your gifts or your time directly to them, or you can reach out to me. I am happy to connect you or pick up and deliver any donations for you. ®
M: 913.558.5958
O: 913.382.6711
haley.epps@compass.com haleyeppsteam.com
Letter from the Publisher
The month of February naturally reminds us of love. Everywhere we turn, stores and signs are filled with hearts and covered in red script. In this issue, we’ve turned that sense of love toward our community! As Kansas City natives, our community means the world to us.
"Loving local" is more than a slogan; if done intentionally, it can be a way of life. From the quiet corners of coffee shops to the bustling storefronts and the sounds of conversation that fill our local restaurants, the heartbeat of Johnson County is found within the people and the way we support one another.
As you read through this issue, we invite you to rediscover the hidden gems in our own backyard. Whether it’s trying a new family-owned restaurant or choosing to shop locally this season, there are endless ways to connect deeper with our community.
In the following pages, you will meet locals who have turned personal passions into memorable landmarks and gathering places, artists that have built their careers right here in Johnson County, and academic professionals that are making a lasting impact on future generations. Their stories remind us that while the landscape of our county continues to grow and change, the spirit of service and connection remains our strongest foundation. We hope these features inspire you to look at your own neighborhood with a little extra appreciation this month. As Luke 10:27 tells us, “Love thy neighbor."
NOLAN AND EVA WILLIAMS , PUBLISHER @JOHNSONCOUNTYCITYLIFESTYLE
February 2026
PUBLISHER
Nolan Williams | nolan.williams@citylifestyle.com
EDITOR
Angela Broockerd | angela.broockerd@citylifestyle.com
PUBLICATION DIRECTOR
Eva Williams | eva.williams@citylifestyle.com
CONTRIBUTING WRITERS
Angela Broockerd, Lauren Powers, Bev Weidner
CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS
Janie Jones, Annalise Houghton, Bev Weidner
Corporate Team
CEO Steven Schowengerdt
President Matthew Perry
COO David Stetler
CRO Jamie Pentz
CoS Janeane Thompson
AD DESIGNER Rachel Kolich
LAYOUT DESIGNER Jamie Housh
QUALITY CONTROL SPECIALIST Marina Campbell
Fall In Love With Your Smile This February
This February, fall in love with your smile again with KoR Whitening! Known for delivering exceptional, long-lasting results, KoR Whitening is a cutting-edge treatment designed to effectively whiten your teeth while maintaining the health and integrity of your enamel. Whether you’re preparing for a special event or simply want a brighter, more confident smile, KoR’s advanced formula offers dramatic whitening without sensitivity.
The Style Approach
At The Style Approach, Fashion Wardrobe Stylist Danielle Huppe launches her new Intentional Style Package streamlining all services into a long-term approach of purposeful dressing. This strategy focuses on refining the wardrobe, investing in the right pieces, and dressing with intention. The result is a wardrobe that reflects how life is lived now: edited, considered, and designed to last, supporting both personal and professional versions of you with clarity and ease. Visit www.thestyleapproach.com to begin your 2026 Style Journey.
Photography by Janie Jones
CITY LIST
SESSENISUB
Local Boutique
We have such amazing, innovative business leaders in our community who are proud to serve you, our residents, with class and quality. We’ve compiled some of our top company picks for the services that might be on your mind this month in an effort to make your lives a little easier.
Want to suggest a monthly pick?
Perch at the Plaza https://www.perchvail.com/
Born Into Money https://bornintomoney.com/
Slabotsky's Menswear https://www.slabotskyskc.com/ | 816.842.3445
Dennie Jo Style Lounge https://dennijostylelounge.com/ | 913.585.4802
Newton James https://newtonjames.com/
Florist
Flower House KC https://flowerhousekc.com/ | 816.335.8695
Good Earth Floral Design Studio https://goodearthflowers.com/
Eden Floral + Events https://www.edenfloralandevents.com/ | 913.492.1600
Sidelines Custom Floral Designs https://www.heysidelines.com/ | 816.941.8814
The Art of Feeling Like Yourself Again
Personalized care that supports your biology, your balance, and your confidence.
At KCHS, we know you’re more than a set of numbers. You deserve care that listens fully, looks deeper, and honors the way you truly feel, not just what shows up on paper. Too often, we are told everything is “fine” simply because our labs fall within a range.
We believe you deserve better. Your story, your symptoms, and your intuition matter just as much as the data.
Your health is individual to you, your care plan should be just as unique.
We believe in balance beyond just your physical health, but in your aesthetic treatments as well.
That’s why our intentional, artful providers can help you reach your aesthetic goals by enhancing your natural features, not changing them.
Our goal in aesthetics is always to refine, not redefine the look that makes you feel the most confident.
Whether your goal is hormone and thyroid optimization, or facial balancing, our priority is you.
Tell us your goals, explore personalized treatment options, and connect with our team all in one place. Scan to begin your tailored care plan.
Quaint:
A Thoughtful Cocktail Lounge Bringing Big City Energy
ANGELA BROOCKERD
ARTICLE BY
| PHOTOGRAPHY BY JANIE JONES
In a growing corner of Johnson County, Quaint has quickly become a place locals are proud to call their own. Locally owned and intentionally designed, the cocktail lounge offers something refreshingly rare. A space to slow down, connect, and enjoy a well crafted drink without distraction.
The idea for Quaint began years before its doors opened in late 2024. While living in Philadelphia in 2013, the owner spent time working in both the cigar industry and a cocktail bar, developing a deep appreciation for hospitality rooted in experience. When he and his wife moved to Olathe in 2017, they loved the community but noticed a familiar pattern. A night out often meant driving elsewhere, then returning home wishing there were more unique places nearby.
That desire to stay local became the foundation for Quaint and its sister space, Fireside. The goal was never just to open another bar. It was to create a place where people could sit down, talk, and genuinely enjoy one another’s company. TVs were intentionally left off the walls, shifting the focus away from screens and toward conversation.
Fireside opened in early 2021, just as people were emerging from pandemic isolation and craving connection. Its immediate success confirmed there was room in Olathe for spaces built around community. When the space next door became available, the vision for a cocktail lounge naturally followed.
The name Quaint reflects exactly what guests find inside. It is a smaller venue that feels classy yet comfortable, understated from the outside and quietly impressive within. First time visitors
“At its heart, Quaint is about people. It is about building something local, intentional, and rooted in community.”
are often surprised by the atmosphere. Warm lighting, curated music, and thoughtful seating create an upscale yet cozy vibe that feels more like a hidden city lounge than a suburban bar.
Design plays a central role in shaping the experience. Every detail, from the brightness of the lights to the layout of the room, is meant to help people feel at ease. At Quaint, atmosphere, service, and drinks are treated as equally important. Together, they set the tone for connection.
The cocktail program is where Quaint truly shines. Drinks are made with premium spirits, house made syrups, and fresh mixes, which means they take time and care. The menu balances familiarity with curiosity. Guests will find recognizable classics with thoughtful twists, alongside more adventurous options that highlight the creativity and personality of the team.
One of the lounge’s most popular drinks is the Fireside Old Fashioned. It is warm, inviting, and a little unexpected, much like Quaint itself. It honors tradition while offering something just different enough to feel special.
Seasonal cocktail menus rotate twice a year, with additional offerings appearing around holidays. Live music has also become part of the experience, with jazz and solo performances filling the space a few nights each month. Looking ahead, Quaint plans to introduce tastings, educational events, menu preview nights, and collaborations with other local small businesses.
For first time guests, a few things are helpful to know. Quaint is a cashless business, a choice made to support staff safety, though cash tips are always welcome. Cocktails are served as designed, but the bartenders are happy to offer recommendations and guide guests toward something they will love.
At its heart, Quaint is about people. It is about building something local, intentional, and rooted in community. In a county full of growth, Quaint stands out by offering something simple and meaningful. A place to gather, linger, and truly enjoy the moment together.
ARTICLE BY JAMIE SEGALL PHOTOGRAPHY BY ANNALISE HOUGHTON
LEADING With PURPOSE
at Saint Thomas Aquinas High School
Saint Thomas Aquinas High School has spent recent years clarifying its identity as a faith-centered academic community. Under the leadership of President Brian Schenck, the school has taken a deliberate approach to aligning its culture, programs, and long-term planning with its Catholic mission.
Schenck’s nearly 30 years at Aquinas give him a unique perspective on how the school has evolved while remaining grounded in its core values. “In my 29 years at Saint Thomas Aquinas High School, the strength of our community has always been the foundation of our success,” he said. “We kept hearing stories that there is something special about our community. It became necessary to name that something and be intentional with our unique mission.”
That clarity has sharpened the school’s focus on faith formation. For Schenck, the school’s identity begins with its name. “We are the Saints, but it is more than a mascot,” he said. “We are all called to be Saints. Our students need to know they are a part of this mission toward sainthood.”
Rather than emphasizing a single path, Aquinas encourages students to grow in ways that reflect who they are. “Each Saint took a different path with their unique strengths to grow closer to God,” Schenck said. “It is the same with our students. God has blessed them with gifts that are different from one another.”
That belief shapes Schenck’s approach to leadership. “Personally, I am driven by the idea of continuous improvement,” he said. “We cannot afford to just reach a manufactured finish line and consider things done.”
In recent years, that mindset has guided meaningful campus improvements, including a new track and turf field and a fine and performing arts wing connected to the theater. Schenck credits the broader Aquinas community for making those projects possible. “The support of parents, past parents, and alumni has been a tremendous gift toward our progress,” he said.
The same collaborative approach guided the development of the school’s new five-year strategic plan. Rather than serving as a broad vision statement, the plan outlines priorities across academics, Catholic
“I truly believe the youth are drawn to something greater in their life.”
identity, student life, enrollment, facilities, and long-term sustainability. “Last year, we spent the time listening to our community through surveys and feedback sessions to develop priorities over the next five years,” Schenck said. “Working together in committees affirmed that we are moving in the right direction.”
Faith formation remains central to daily life at Aquinas, especially through the Kairos retreat program. “The faith is so alive in our community,” Schenck said. “Our Kairos retreat program is the best ‘thing’ we do at Aquinas.”
The senior-led retreat has an impact that extends beyond the days students spend away. “Our students get to experience the power of listening to others’ stories and see how Jesus plays a role in that story,” he said. When seniors return, they help shape the tone of the school community. The impact is visible, including a growing number of students who choose to enter the Catholic Church. “We had 13 students convert to Catholicism last school year and we have another 13 converting this year,” Schenck said. “I truly believe the youth are drawn to something greater in their life.”
Academics at Aquinas are structured to support that same sense of purpose. Students follow a core curriculum aligned with Kansas Scholars requirements alongside theology courses based on the USCCB curriculum. Over time, the school has expanded offerings in engineering, health professions, business, and the arts to help students explore their strengths. “Since we are trying to foster the growth of their God-given gifts, we have developed programs and courses to develop these strengths,” Schenck said.
“We kept hearing stories that there is something special about our community. It became necessary to name that something and be intentional with our unique mission.”
Service is another expectation woven into student life. Aquinas maintains a strong relationship with Catholic Charities, and students lead large-scale efforts such as a canned food drive that brings in more than 100,000 donated items each year. Partnerships beyond campus also shape learning, including collaboration with Rockhurst University for nursing and health professions coursework. “A true education has to expand beyond the walls of the school,” Schenck said.
Under Brian Schenck’s leadership, the school continues to focus on clarity and consistency, aligning daily practice with a clearly defined mission. For families considering Aquinas, the school presents itself as a place where faith and education are intentionally connected, and where students are supported as they grow into who they are called to become.
Homegrown, Road-Hardened
KANSAS CITY MUSICIAN BRANDON MILLER BLENDS
GUITAR-DRIVEN ROCK, BLUES, AND AMERICANA— THEN TAKES IT EVERYWHERE
ARTICLE BY LAUREN POWERS | PHOTOGRAPHY BY JANIE JONES
If Kansas City is the heart of American music, Brandon Miller is one of its most road-tested storytellers. A guitarist, singer, and songwriter with a sound rooted in rock ’n’ roll and stretched wide by blues and Americana, Miller carries the Midwest’s melting-pot DNA wherever he plugs in, from hometown stages to far-flung festivals across the globe.
Ask Miller to describe his music, and he doesn’t overthink it. It’s “guitar-driven rock ’n’ roll,” he says. American music, at its core, simple and deliberate. His songs lean on melody and muscle, the kind that leave room for a ripping electric solo or a stripped-down acoustic moment, depending on the night. “If you give it a chance,” he says, “there’s something you’ll be able to relate to.”
Kansas City taught him that openness. The local scene, he explains, is a crossroads with rock rubbing shoulders with blues, country, and everything in between. Growing up in that environment expanded not just his taste but his understanding of how different traditions can coexist in one setlist, even within a single song. It’s also why coming home to play never feels routine. For Miller, local crowds are family reunions: friends, relatives, and longtime fans who’ve been there since the beginning, singing along like they always have.
That sense of home makes the contrast with the road even sharper. Miller has played stages that most musicians only daydream about. One unforgettable gig took him to
the Dark Season Festival in Svalbard, an island north of Norway, where the sun disappears for four months, and polar bears outnumber people. Another landed him in Sighisoara, Romania, where he stayed inside the medieval citadel where Dracula was born. It’s the kind of résumé that makes touring sound impossibly glamorous, and Miller laughs at that idea.
The reality, he says, is late nights, early mornings, and truck stops that blur together. Life continues back home while you’re gone, and missing that time is the price of chasing a dream. Touring tests patience because so much is out of your control, but the tradeoff to standing onstage, guitar in hand, keeps calling him back.
Songwriting starts there, too. As a guitarist first, Miller builds melodies and chord progressions before laying lyrics over the top. He keeps a running “lyrics library” of one-liners and ideas, mixing and matching until something clicks. Some songs come together effortlessly; others fight back. Choosing a favorite is impossible, he jokes—like picking a favorite child—but tracks such as Bad Situation, Virtue and Vice, Love Ain’t No Guarantee, and Ain’t Welcome Here No More have earned permanent spots in the set.
His influences read like a classic-rock hall of fame. Jimmy Page lit the spark that made him pick up a guitar, opening the door to Led Zeppelin, The Beatles, KISS, Rush, Aerosmith, and Van Halen, all still in regular rotation. Today, he draws inspiration from modern storytellers like Chris Stapleton, Sturgill Simpson, Lukas Nelson, Blackberry Smoke, and The Mavericks, proof that great songs outlast trends.
Trends, however, are unavoidable in today’s music industry. Miller points to the ever-changing demands of social media as one of the biggest challenges artists face. It’s a full-time job layered on top of the creative work, and not always a welcome one. “You can play that game if you want to,” he says, “but people live and die by it too often.”
“Come to a show and rock out with us.”
At its heart, Quaint is about people. It is about building something local, intentional, and rooted in community. “If you give it a chance,” he says, “there’s something you’ll be able to relate to.”
Offstage, his life is refreshingly grounded. A normal day means splitting school drop-off duties with his wife, Danielle Nicole, prioritizing early workouts, handling the business side of music, and putting love into their home, especially the garden and landscaping. That balance matters because the road always calls again.
What does Miller want audiences to carry with them when the lights come up? He grins. Playing guitar is cool. More than that, he wants people singing along, forgetting their bad day, and letting themselves have fun for a while. And if someone in KC hears his music for the first time this year? “Come to a show and rock out with us.”
They’ll have plenty of chances. Miller is finishing a new album with Danielle Nicole, set for release later this summer, with a packed schedule to follow: a Northeast tour in early spring, extensive European dates through summer and fall, and West Coast shows in between. Homegrown, road-hardened, and still hungry, Brandon Miller is taking Kansas City’s sound to the world, one guitar-driven night at a time. Check out his next show at Knuckleheads in the Crossroads on April 10th.
www.brandonmillerkc.com www.instagram.com/brandonmillerkc
Creators Who Love Local
Three local creators sharing heart, flavor, and community pride while spotlighting the people and places that make KC shine
ARTICLE BY ANGELA BROOCKERD | PHOTOGRAPHY PROVIDED
MAGGIE HARRISON
@MAGGIEHARRISONKC
Kansas City has a way of inspiring fierce loyalty, and local creator Maggie Harrison channels that pride with warmth, clarity, and heart. A lifelong KC native, Maggie describes herself as a bundle of sunshine who leads with love. Motherhood comes first, and everything else flows from there. Her content captures the everyday magic of the city, from family friendly outings with her young son to evenings exploring local restaurants, events, and hidden gems.
Maggie’s path into content creation grew naturally alongside technology. Storytelling felt intuitive, and highlighting her hometown became a calling. Early on, she learned the importance of brand alignment and trusting her instincts, lessons sharpened by the resilience required of single motherhood. That clarity now defines her work.
Today, her platform reflects two central pillars of her life: raising a child and building a career in real estate. Followers can expect active listings across the metro, kid approved adventures for snow days or weekends, and an insider’s view of Kansas City life. Her style is polished but real, think good hair, a fresh manicure, and a car that could use a wash.
Grounded by daily intention setting and a belief in manifestation, Maggie keeps things authentic. With a toddler in charge, there is no over editing. Her goal is simple and impactful: to be authentic, relatable, and relevant while helping others feel at home in KC. You can follow her journey on Instagram at @maggieharrisonkc.
Emma Ezzell has become a trusted guide for anyone eager to experience Kansas City through a local lens. As the creator behind @kansascityplaces.em, Emma has spent the last several years building an engaged community that celebrates food, travel, events, and the small businesses that give a city its soul. Named Influencer of the Year 2025 by the GKCRA, she brings both enthusiasm and intention to everything she shares.
Emma’s journey into content creation began with curiosity. A natural planner and explorer, she loved researching the best restaurants and hidden gems while traveling and realized Kansas City deserved the same spotlight. What started as food photography has grown into dynamic video storytelling that captures full experiences, from new restaurant openings to concerts, boutiques, spas, and sporting events. Her comfort on camera and genuine love for discovery shine through in every post.
“A natural planner and explorer, she loved researching the best restaurants and hidden gems while traveling and realized Kansas City deserved the same spotlight.” “
What Emma loves most about Kansas City is its sense of community. The city shows up for its entrepreneurs, its teams, and its neighbors. It is big enough to stay exciting and approachable enough to feel connected. She is especially passionate about highlighting the city’s food scene, which she believes rivals much larger destinations without the constant chaos.
Followers of @kansascityplaces.em can expect thoughtful recommendations, local favorites, and a steady stream of inspiration for things to do both in and beyond the city. With major global events like the World Cup on the horizon, Emma hopes her content helps shift perceptions and show visitors just how special Kansas City truly is. You can find her on Instagram, TikTok, and Facebook at @kansascityplaces.em.
EMMA EZZELL
@KANSASCITYPLACES.EM
HANNAH WILLIAMS
@HANNAHINKANSASCITY
Hannah has a gift for making Kansas City feel both exciting and familiar. Through her platform @hannahinkansascity, she highlights the eats, drinks, and experiences that give the metro its personality, pairing polished visuals with a lighthearted, relatable tone. Her content feels like a recommendation from a friend who truly knows the city and cares deeply about the people behind it.
Her creative path began long before social media. With roots in professional photography, videography, and drone work, Hannah’s love for storytelling has always been visual. While becoming a content creator was not part of her original plan, she believes every step along the way prepared her for this chapter. Early challenges taught her how to grow an audience, balance creativity with strategy, and stay grounded in authenticity while learning the analytics behind meaningful engagement.
Today, Hannah’s content blends personality with intention. She highlights local businesses through experiences she genuinely enjoys, focusing on food, drinks, events, adult-focused outings, and occasional family friendly moments. Her style is clean, modern, and approachable, offering an insider look at Kansas City without ever feeling forced or overproduced.
What she loves most about Kansas City is its energy and its loyalty to local businesses. There is always something happening, whether it is a casual neighborhood spot or an upscale night out. That sense of support resonates deeply with Hannah, who grew up in a small Oklahoma farm town where community and local business were central to daily life. Those roots continue to shape her passion for helping Kansas City entrepreneurs thrive.
Beyond influencing, Hannah is the owner of Triple H Social Media Agency, where she helps local brands grow through thoughtful strategy, professional visuals, and an understanding of neuromarketing and psychology. Her goal is simple and powerful: to turn digital engagement into real world results while staying true to the heart of each business.
You can follow Hannah’s Kansas City recommendations on Instagram and TikTok at @hannahinkansascity or reach her by email at hannahinkansascity@gmail.com.
- Carla S.
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Cleaning Magic
Creamy Beef Ravioli Soup
A DELICIOUS WAY TO KEEP WARM THIS WINTER
ARTICLE AND PHOTOGRAPHY BY BEV WEIDNER
INGREDIENTS:
• 1/2 medium red onion, diced
• 3 carrots, diced
• 5 cloves garlic, minced
• 3 Tbs. extra virgin olive oil
• 2 (15 oz) cans fire-roasted diced tomatoes
• 4 cups chicken stock
• 2 cups cream
• 1.25 pound frozen beef ravioli
• 4 cups chopped kale
• 1/2 lemon for the juice
• Parmesan cheese, for garnish
• Crushed red pepper, for garnish (optional)
• Coarse salt
INSTRUCTIONS:
1. In a large soup pot, bring the oil to a medium high heat. Add the onions and carrots and sauté with a pinch of salt for three minutes. Add the garlic and sauté another minute or two. Add in the diced tomatoes and give it a quick stir. Add the stock and cream to the pot, then bring to a light boil.
2. Add the ravioli and cook under a simmer for about five minutes, until they soften and plump. Add the kale to wilt, then squeeze in the lemon juice.
3. Off the heat check for salt. Need another pinch? Do it. Add freshly grated parmesan and a pinch of crushed red pepper for a kick. Serve with crusty bread!
4. Serves 6.
Follow Bev’s blog for more yummy recipes: bevcooks.com Also on Instagram: @bevcooks
Effortless Lawn Perfection
DIS COVER THE VALAIS REGION OF SWITZERLAND, WHERE ALPINE TRAILS, THERMAL SPRINGS, AND LOCAL TRADITIONS CREATE RESTORATIVE TRAVEL.
AN ALPINE ESCAPE
In Switzerland’s Valais region, wellness and adventure are always part of the same itinerary. Morning could bring a high-alpine hike, afternoon a soak in mineral-rich springs, and evening a table set with traditional cuisine, always including delicious wine and cheese. For travelers, the best part will be finding the perfect balance between exploring the outdoors and relaxing with wellness-infused activities in the heart of the Swiss Alps.
A CAR-FREE ALPINE ADVENTURE IN ALETSCH ARENA
An easy train ride from Zurich lands visitors in the Aletsch Arena, a high-alpine region on the south side of the Bernese Alps, home to three villages: Riederalp, Bettmeralp, and Fiescheralp. Known for its ski slopes in winter and hiking in summer, the area is entirely car-free, making walking and local buses the main modes of transportation through its quaint chalet-lined streets.
One of the main attractions of the ski-in/ski-out area is the Aletsch Glacier, the longest glacier in the Alps. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, the 12-mile glacier is visible from several vantage points, shaping every experience in the area.
WHERE TO STAY
ARTICLE BY GABI DE LA ROSA
Located in the heart of Bettmeralp, Hotel Panorama provides no-fuss accommodations steps away from the picturesque Chapel Maria Zum Schnee. The hotel’s restaurant offers delicious regional cuisine, including raclette paired with Swiss wine. A good bottle of Pinot Noir or Gamay is also easy to come by because the Valais region of Switzerland is one of the largest wine-producing areas in the country, with vineyards dotting the steep slopes of the Rhône Valley. In addition to wine and cheese, eating cholera, a covered vegetable pie invented in the region during the cholera epidemic, is a must.
Take in sweeping alpine views across Switzerland’s Valais region.
Funicular railway at Lake Emosson.
WHAT TO DO
Begin at Viewpoint Moosfluh, the closest and lowest vantage point of the Aletsch Glacier. From there, trailheads lead to Villa Cassel, once the home of a British financier and now a museum focused on history and conservation. The hike passes through a thousand-year-old forest with views of both the glacier and the Matterhorn.
Walk over Goms Bridge, a nearly 1,000-foot-long suspension bridge that connects two hiking areas over the Rhône River. For a final look at the majestic glacier, take the cable car to Viewpoint Eggishorn. At nearly 10,000 feet above sea level, it offers panoramic views of the Matterhorn, Mont Blanc, Jungfraujoch, or the “Top of Europe,” and the most comprehensive view of the Aletsch Glacier.
HISTORY AND ALPS MEET IN MARTIGNY
A short train ride takes visitors to one of the largest cities in the Valais region of Switzerland. The city is a crossroads between Italy and France, with a history dating back to Roman times. Visitors can tour Roman ruins, including a well-preserved amphitheater, ancient settlements, and Roman baths.
WHERE TO STAY
Martigny Boutique Hotel is minutes from the train station and is one of the few establishments in the city employing people with disabilities. The light and bright hotel provides a comfortable base for exploring the city.
WHAT TO DO
Take the steepest funicular in the world, the Mont-Blanc Express, on a scenic ascent through the Alps. The funicular connects to a smaller train that leads to the Trient Valley on the French-Swiss border, where, at the top, a full day of activity begins. Hiking, biking, zip-lining, or traversing the Emosson Dam, which straddles France and Switzerland, are all options. The crystal clear blue waters of Emosson Lake are perfect for a picnic or a break between adventures.
Back in Martigny, Barryland, the only theme park in the world dedicated to St. Bernard dogs, offers a look at the history of the dog, bred by monks in the 17th century for alpine rescue work. The Barry Foundation, founded in 2005, continues to preserve the breed and educate visitors about it. Guests can watch the dogs train, play, and interact as they learn about their role in the region.
Roman influence remains visible across the city, including at Les Bains Publics at Hotel Borsari, where visitors can soak in cement wine barrels located in the hotel’s spa. The baths sit on the site of a former wine tank factory and offer a circuit of hot and cold pools in a historically inspired, wine-colored setting.
SUZANNE
Group classes & private training
Date Night
AT HOME
THREE CREATIVE IDEAS TO CELEBRATE LOVE
ARTICLE BY BAILEY HALL
Not every date night needs to involve reservations or an elaborate itinerary. With a little creativity, you can create magical moments right at home. Whether you’re celebrating Valentine’s Day or just want to reconnect, here are three ideas for unforgettable at-home date nights.
ROMANTIC PICNIC UNDER THE STARS
Transform your backyard or balcony into a dreamy picnic spot! Spread out a cozy blanket, add a few fluffy pillows, and hang string lights or fairy lights for ambiance. A small fire pit or lanterns can also add a romantic glow.
Pack a picnic basket with finger foods and a bottle of wine or sparkling water. Don’t forget a decadent dessert like chocolate-dipped strawberries. Lay back and stargaze, identifying constellations or making wishes on shooting stars. To make it extra romantic, bring a bluetooth speaker and play soft music.
BREAKFAST IN BED
Start the day with love by turning breakfast into an indulgent experience. Prepare a tray with a DIY breakfast charcuterie board. Include mini pancakes, waffles, fresh fruit, yogurt, granola, bacon, and pastries. Add small bowls of toppings like syrup, Nutella, or whipped cream.
Mix up mimosas or serve coffee with flavored syrups and whipped cream for a café vibe. Then, snuggle up in bed and watch a favorite movie or TV series.
PAINT AND CREATE TOGETHER
Unleash your inner artists with one of these three fun and interactive dates. Grab some inexpensive canvases, brushes, and acrylic paints from the craft store. Don’t forget aprons or old clothes to protect against spills!
• Paint each other’s portraits for a mix of laughter and creativity.
• Work on a collaborative painting - each person adds their own touch to a single canvas.
• Try a themed painting challenge, like recreating your favorite memory together.
Pair this date with a cheese platter and wine and don’t worry about being “good’ at paintingit’s all about enjoying the process together.
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FEBRUARY 2026
events
FEBRUARY 7TH
Trey Kennedy: The Relatable Tour
The Midland Theatre, 1228 Main St, Kansas City, MO | 7:00 PM
Comedian Trey Kennedy brings his relatable humor live to Kansas City on his “Relatable Tour.” Expect an evening of laughs based on everyday life and social observations. https://www.axs.com/events/1164176/trey-kennedy-tickets
FEBRUARY 8TH
Boozy Book Exchange
KC Wine Co. | 12:00 PM
Pair a good book with your favorite wine in this cozy event at KC Wine Co. https://www.kcwineco.com/events/upcoming-events
FEBRUARY 14TH
Sweetheart Run 5K & 10K
9000 W 137th St, Overland Park, KS | 9:00 AM
A Valentine’s themed run with 5K and 10K options through Overland Park. The Sweetheart Run 5K/10K is a Valentine's Day tradition that provides a great chance to get out and run with your loved one! Individuals and couples will compete for overall, age group and two person team awards in the 5K and 10K. https://www.kcsweetheartrun.com
FEBRUARY 20TH
Kansas City Mavericks Hockey – vs. Wichita Thunder
Cable Dahmer Arena | 7:00 PM
Come cheer on the Kansas City Mavericks for some game action as the Mavericks host the Wichita Thunder in a mid-season showdown. https://kcmavericks.com
FEBRUARY 22ND
Succulents & Sips Workshop
KC Wine Co | 12:00 PM
Ready to unleash your inner plant stylist? Join us for a relaxing and creative workshop where we’ll turn succulents into stunning arrangements. https://www.kcwineco.com/events/upcoming-events
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