Issuu

A L S O S E RV I N G TH E V I LL AG E O F LO C H LLOY D

Winter and Revel

D E C E M B E R 2 02 1 | TH E W I N TE R + R E V E L I S S U E

Investment Management

•

Financial Planning

Wishing you happiness and good health

this holiday season

Ken Green, CFA

Christen Dusselier, CFP

Phil Kernen, CFA

Jonn Wullschleger, CFA

Jan Rowe

Rob Day

Come see us in 2022!

913-428-3222 • mitchcap.com

Live with intention. Invest with intention.

Moments of comfort and joy

At Woodhouse Spa, we know that giving is the real gift - we design each spa experience for lasting transformation. This holiday season, give your loved ones the gift of true renewal and luxury at Woodhouse Spa. GIFT CARDS AVAILABLE ONLINE

L E A W O O D . W O O D H O U S E S PA S . C O M | 913.354.3100 4 4 3 1 W . 1 1 9 T H ST R E E T, L E A W O O D , K S , 6 6 2 0 9

Your next getaway is close to HOME BOOK now for your key to relaxation

innatmeadowbrook .com | 913.329.9000

Blinds

Shutters

Shades

Drapery

25% OFF ANY SOLAR SHIELD PRODUCTS THROUGH THE END OF DECEMBER! Solar Shield is Kansas City’s fastest growing window treatment solutions company. Their team of professionals is highly experienced and knowledgeable in project planning, design, and installation.

To book your FREE In-Home Consultation visit our website at

WWW.KCMOBLINDS.COM OR CALL 816-479-0160

5.0

245 Google reviews

RELAX, REFRESH, REINVIGORATE A vibrant destination, blending the best life has to offer. Come shop, live, and stay in style at Mission Farms. ELITE CYCLING EYE STYLE OPTICS FUSION FITNESS GALLERY V FINE ARTS MISSION 106 MISSION: SKIN NEW YOU HEALTH STUDIO SPRINGHILL SUITES VANBROCK VILLAGE AT MISSION FARMS XIPHIUM

106th Street & Mission Road • Leawood, KS • mission-farms.com

CITY LIFESTYLE LIFESTYLE LETTER

Letter from the Editor

LEAWOOD

December 2021 PUBLISHER

Zach Traphagan | zach.traphagan@lifestylepubs.com ADMINISTR ATIVE DIR ECTOR

Jeron Traphagan | jeron.traphagan@lifestylepubs.com EDITOR

December is my favorite month of the year. I love the magical feeling of the

Angela Broockerd angela.broockerd@lifestylepubs.com

season, the lights and decorations, the gatherings with friends and family and

AD DESIGNER

celebrating the true meaning of Christmas. My son’s birthday is the day after

Matthew Endersbe

Christmas and my birthday is on New Year’s Eve, so the entire month is full of one celebration after the other. As parents, I think many of us try to recreate the wonder that we felt as children during this season. For me, some of my favorite childhood memories of Christmases past include decorating the tree as a family, walking around the plaza and looking at the lights, going to my grandparent’s house on Christmas Eve to celebrate with extended family, and of course, the excitement of that first peek at the presents under the tree on Christmas morning. Every bit of it felt so

LAYOUT DESIGNER

Jayme Emery CONTR IBUTING WR ITER S

Angela Broockerd, Jessica Grace, LeAnn Parker, Rebecca Stoltman CONTR IBUTING PHOTOGR APHER

Janie Jones

special to me as a child, and now that I am the one trying to create that same experience for my children, I appreciate all the work my parents put into creating such nostalgic moments for us so much more. I can’t imagine how exhausting it must have been for my parents to pull of Christmas for 10 kids with the shopping and making sure gifts were even among all of us and my dad putting toys together late on Christmas Eve, and on top of that, the work that went into preparing food for our gatherings and making sure

Corporate Team

all of us looked presentable. They never seemed stressed. I am sure they were,

CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER Steven Schowengerdt

but that isn’t what I remember about Christmas at all. All the little special things

CHIEF SALES OFFICER Matthew Perry

that made the season so magical added up to cherished memories.

CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER DeLand Shore

I remind myself of that when I am trying to create special family memories for my kids. They don’t notice the chaos that goes on behind the scenes, and if they do, it isn’t what they will remember. Whatever your family traditions are that make this season unique for your family will be something that is treasured and most likely passed down to the next generation. It goes by in a blink, so enjoy these moments while they last.

CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER Randy Radosevich CHIEF DIGITAL OFFICER Bruce Ianni DIRECTOR OF SOCIAL MEDIA Mindy Hargesheimer ART DIRECTOR Sara Minor OPERATIONS DIRECTOR Janeane Thompson AD MANAGER Chad Jensen WEB APPLICATIONS Michael O’Connell

I wish you all love and peace in this holiday season!

514 W 26TH ST., KANSAS CITY, MO

A NGEL A BROOCKERD, EDITOR @LEAWOOD_ LIFEST YLE

Proverbs 3:5-6 City Lifestyle™ Leawood is published monthly by Lifestyle Publications LLC. It is distributed via the US Postal Service to some of the Leawood area’s most affluent neighborhoods. Articles and advertisements do not necessarily reflect Lifestyle Publications’ opinions. No portion of this magazine

CIT YLIFEST YLE.COM/LE AWOOD |

L I F E ST Y LE LE T T E R

may be reproduced in any form without written consent. Lifestyle Publications does not assume responsibility for statements made by advertisers or editorial contributors. Information in City Lifestyle™ Leawood is gathered from sources considered to be reliable, but the accuracy of all information cannot be guaranteed.

// BRANDS AGOLDE

ALEX MILL ALLUDE

ALOHAS

ANINE BING

BAUM UND PFERDGARDEN BY MALENE BIRGER CLEOBELLA

COTTON CITIZEN DEAR FRANCES DOLCE VITA DONNI

DOROTHEE SCHUMACHER ENZA COSTA

ETOILE BY ISABEL MARANT FARM RIO GANNI

GARRETT LEIGHT JANESSA LEONE JENNY BIRD

JONATHAN SIMKHAI JUST FEMALE KWONN

L’AGENCE

LITTLE LIFFNER

LOREN STEWART

LOU LOU STUDIO MADEWORN

MAIAMI BERLIN

MARA HOFFMAN MARISSA WEBB MILLE MISA

MOTHER DENIM MOUSSY

MUNTHE

PALOMA WOOL

RACHEL COMEY RAG & BONE RE/DONE RHODE

RODEBEJER ROHE

SAMSOE SAMSOE SEA NY

SIMON MILLER STAUD

SUZIE KONDI TIBI

ULLA JOHNSON VEJA

XIRENA & MORE

Dr. Kathy Maupin M.D. & Dr. Rachel Sullivan D.O.

Get your life back!

BioBalance Health’s goal is to bring women and men back to vibrant health. Aging begins in the fourth decade and coincides with the loss of testosterone production. Testosterone deficiency results in loss of libido, fatigue, depression, weight gain, and the beginning of the diseases of aging, like diabetes and high cholesterol. BioBalance stops aging where it starts, by replacing testosterone with the most physiologic method of T replacement, bioidentical hormone pellets.

We will help you look and feel younger! 816.753.6552 // www.biobalancehealth.com 4400 Broadway Ste 306 Kansas City, Missouri 64111

DECEMBER 2021

inside the issue Winter + Revels

F E AT U R E D

D E PA RTM E NTS

20 Food Hacks

Lifestyle Letter

Local Experiences

For beautiful and easy holiday entertaining F E AT U R E D

36 S’mores with Santa A Christmas Tradition Reimagined F E AT U R E D

42 Snowflake {Salt Dough} Ornaments Old traditions with modern day trends F E AT U R E D

52 A home for all the seasons O N T H E C OV E R

Photography: Janie Jones Snowflake ornaments by LeAnn Parker

C O MMU NI T Y C O MMU N ITY

20 Culinary Creations 30 Trend Setter 42 DIY

FO O D + B E V E R AG E

LI FE + C U LT U R E

48 Giving Back

LI FE + C U LT U R E

50 Realty Report 52 Open House

R EA L ESTAT E

HO ME S ERV I C ES

The Gift of Luxurious Living Refresh Your Holiday Home and save up to 50% OFF Fine Furnishings A stunning holiday home is yours with up to 50% OFF fine furnishings from your favorite designers during our December home sale . . . through January 3rd. Over 3,000 stunning creations available for your immediate consideration and delivery. There’s still time to make your dreamy holiday home a beautiful reality! • Up to 50% OFF Entire In-Stock Collection Ready for immediate delivery • Substantial New Designer Fabric Library Customize every detail to create a look uniquely yours

Preferred By Designers and Open To Everyone

5205 W. 135th Street Leawood, KS SevilleHome.com | 913-663-4663 See store for complete details and limited exclusions.

THE ONE WITH ALL THE WINDOWS. LET’S MAKE IT YOURS.

This is it. The place you’ll call home. We believe you should feel just as confident in the people helping secure your mortgage. Our experienced lenders take pride in being your guide throughout the loan process. Having reliable, easily understood answers for every question. Putting you at ease and helping navigate every step along the way. Meet with us. Together, we’ll make it yours. We can’t wait to help you move

EQUAL HOUSING

LENDER

fidelitybank.com 844.277.2163

Happy Holidays

More to gift

Find something for everyone on your list! Apparel / Accessories Shoes Altar Bridal Alysa Rene Boutique Bella Bridesmaids Geno’s Mens Clothiers Moda Domani Moshiri Jewelry

Panache Chocolatier Pig & Finch RA Sushi Verdigris

Tom Tivol Jewels

Health / Beauty Bar Method Bare Med Spa The Gents Place Le Reve Nail Salon MassageLuXe Orangetheory Fitness

Home / Flowers Engel & Völkers Flowers by Emily Picasso Exotic Aquatics Pink Antlers Restaurants / Food Specialty 801 Chophouse Bamboo Penny’s BurgerFi Ice Cream Bae Outta The Blue

Entertainment Breakout KC The Ice at Park Place

Timothy Weber: A Hair Salon Hotel Aloft LeawoodOverland Park

Visit ParkPlaceLeawood.com for more details. Park Place is located on the northeast corner of Nall Avenue & 117th St., just north of AMC 20 Theatre.

DECEMBER 2021

local experiences Locals recommending the best places and things to do in the city.

Winter and Revel WINTER IS A TIME TO ENJOY FAMILY AND FRIENDS WHILE USHERING IN THE SPIRIT OF THE HOLIDAY SEASON. Whether you are enjoying one of the many festive activities our city has to offer or spending time with loved ones, the memories made will be cherished.

Seasonal Light Displays and Events DEANNA ROSE FARMSTEAD: Deanna Rose Farmstead's digital holiday light display can be enjoyed from the comfort of your car and is something you won't want to miss. 13800 Switzer Rd Overland Park, KS SAR KO PAR PARK: Visit Sar Ko Par Park for a stroll around the lake and you will feel like you escaped to a winter wonderland. Lenexa, KS FOREST GLEN SUBDIVISION: Christmas on Bradshaw is a neighborhood in

Overland Park that boasts an entire street of holiday lights, music and more. 138th and Bradshaw, Overland Park, Kansas 66062 OVERLAND PARK ARBORETUM AND BOTANICAL GARDENS: Enjoy a quite

walk around the Overland Park Arboretum at this year's Luminary Walk. 8909 W 179th St Bucyrus, KS

park place

PARK PLACE: Enjoy the light strung outdoor ice rink at Park Place in Leawood and take in the sounds of carolers and a visit with Santa. 11551 Ash St Leawood, KS

Scan for more photos and the full list.

Show us how you used our recommendations! Tag @Leawood_Lifestyle for a chance to appear in our next issue.

LOCA L E X P E R IE N C E S | COMMUNI TY

3 Steps to Stunning, High-Quality Windows & Doors 1. Schedule an In-Home Consultation 2. Put Our Team to Work 3. Fix Those Old, Broken Windows & Doors for Good

Download Our Free Guide: The Top 5 Mistakes People Make When Selecting New Windows & Doors

11522 W 90 th St in Overlan d Park | (913) 362-3872 | www.win dura.com

LIFETIME WARRANTY

913 586-ROOF (7663) 816 554-ROOF (7663) 554ROOF.COM FREE ROOF INSPECTIONS AND SHINGLE UPGRADES INSURANCE CLAIMS SPECIALIST

SERVING KS & MO

WILLS? TRUSTS? POWERS OF ATTORNEY? Wondering which estate planning documents are right for you ?

Call today for an appointment, and let’s make a plan! Prefer to meet vir tually ? Secure, online appointments also available.

913 - 535- 8 325 / www. m e g a n ro se l aw.com 6405 Metcalf Avenue, Suite 515, Overland Park, Kansas 66202 Licensed in Kansas and Missouri. The choice of a lawyer is an important decision and should not be based solely upon advertisements. C I TY L I FE STYL E L E AWOOD | D ECE M B E R 2 0 2 1

FOOD HACKS FOR BEAUTIFUL AND EASY HOLIDAY ENTERTAINING

MAKE HOLIDAY ENTERTAINING EASY WITH THESE STYLING FOOD HACKS THAT LOOK IMPRESSIVE BUT ARE SIMPLE TO CREATE. If you don’t have time to bake a dessert but want to serve something that doesn’t look store bought, simply top it with berries, herbs, a sauce or a holiday prop to give it a little something extra. We made a trip to Trader Joes and purchased most of these items, and after some simple assembling and minimal baking, we were able to create a beautiful, eye-catching holiday spread.

ARTICLE BY ANGELA BROOCKERD PHOTOGRAPHY BY JANIE JONES

C ULIN A RY CR E AT ION S | F OOD & BE VE RAGE

HOLIDAY CHARCUTERIE BOARD Why not create a unique holiday charcuterie board in the shape of a Christmas tree or snowman. It looks impressive and was a quick assembly. For this look, a few trimmed evergreen clippings from the backyard served as a great edging for the board. With a variety of cheeses, berries, nuts and olives, this tasty display makes the perfect statement board. For an added touch, use a cookie cutter to add a cheese star to the top.

CONTINUED > C I TY L I FE STYL E L E AWOOD | D ECE M B E R 2 0 2 1

NEW YORK CHEESECAKE This inexpensive cheesecake was purchased at Trader Joes but definitely needed a little something to make it look festive. Candied pecans (we made ours from scratch but they can be purchased), fresh berries and mint sprigs added color, dimension and interest.

C ULIN A RY CR E AT ION S | F OOD & BE VE RAGE

APPLE TART This apple tart was already really pretty right out of the box, however adding a few toppers made it look like it was made from scratch. Sliced pears, fresh herbs, berries and drizzled caramel added color add a homemade touch to this delicious treat. CONTINUED > C I TY L I FE STYL E L E AWOOD | D ECE M B E R 2 0 2 1

NAKED CAKE A cake mix, a simple buttercream frosting and a gingerbread house kit is all it took to create this adorable 3-layered naked cake. After preparing the cake layers, simply ice the cake in a thin layer to give an opaque look that reveals some of the cake underneath. This cake was topped with a gingerbread house and coconut flakes to resemble snow.

C ULIN A RY CR E AT ION S | F OOD & BE VE RAGE

DOUBLE CREME BRIE BOARD This double creme brie with truffles can be purchased at Trader Joes and is always a crowd favorite. After baking the brie, add berries and a sauce of your choosing to the top as a flavor enhancer and to add interest. This brie is drizzled with local honey, berries and candied pecans and is served with crackers.

CONTINUED > C I TY L I FE STYL E L E AWOOD | D ECE M B E R 2 0 2 1

DOUBLE CHOCOLATE CAKE If you don’t have time to bake a cake but want your store bought cake to look special, add berries and a holiday topper to give it that special flair. Fresh raspberries adorn the top of this cake, and to add cascading fresh berries down the side, toothpicks can be used to hold them in place. Not only is it simple and quick to do, but it turns into the perfect entertaining table centerpiece.

C ULIN A RY CR E AT ION S | F OOD & BE VE RAGE

GOURMET HOT CHOCOLATE If serving a warm beverage for guests to enjoy, consider hot chocolate with burnt sugar rimmed mugs. If creating a hot chocolate bar, provide whipped cream and marshmallow toppings as well as added flavorings such as caramel, peppermint, or make it a boozy hot chocolate with whiskey, Bailey’s or Peppermint Schnapps. C I TY L I FE STYL E L E AWOOD | D ECE M B E R 2 0 2 1

FRIENDS keep on GIVING You get $500 for any referral who buys from us. Plus they get $1,000 off their qualifying project!

ThinkBordner.com/referrals

I am thri l le d to be a par tner in the L eawood L i f e s t y le C ommuni t y. Wel lne s s and vi tali t y can mean some thing

No membership fees

di f f erent to each per son. Your ne e ds and goals are

Aﬀordable court rentals

unique . I par tner w i th my pat ient s to de velop a path

High level lessons & academy

to wel lne s s that al low s them to f lourish and f ind their be s t selve s , in e s senc e helping you “ thrive onc e more”. S che dule your c omplimentar y phone c onsul tat ion at thrive onc emore.c om today!

Happy Holidays!

G ive your love d one the gi ft o f heal th and wellne s s . Enjoy 1 5% o ff Dr. Morgan’s Vi t ali t y Pack age wi th this ad. Through D e c emb er 31s t . 1 Eas t Gre gor y Blvd. K ansas C i t y, 6 4 114 (w i thin Hol l yday A e s the t ic s) 816-591-24 2 5 | thrive onc emore.c om 28

Tennis & Pickleball Pickleball - Check our website for our upcoming events and leagues.

Indoors and air conditioned

Keep active during raging sun to blistering cold, and the inbetweens!

Free tennis evaluation

Improve your game, or learn the fundamentals with prol-level technique.

A C A D E M Y Sw19academy.com | (816)437-8451 | info@sw19academy.com 2008 W 103rd Ter, Leawood, KS

Inspired by Community

— NOW OPEN —

locally It’s time to think

ADVERTISE WITH US to deliver your message to the most affluent families in our community.

lifestylepubs.com/advertise

Located in Meadowbrook Park, this boutique community provides seniors with a worry-free retirement experience. Join us and discover an array of amenities that will ensure that you love the way you live!

Assisted Living & Memory Care

CALL TO SCHEDULE A TOUR TODAY!

913.325.4907

MeadowbrookKansas.com 9300 Parkside Drive, Prairie Village, KS 66207 C I TY L I FE STYL E L E AWOOD | D ECE M B E R 2 0 2 1

ARTICLE MORIAH SCHOWENGERDT PHOTOGRAPHY JANIE JONES

more than just a pie IT IS OFTEN ASKED AT SOME POINT IN ONE’S LIFE, “WHAT DO YOU WANT YOUR LEGACY TO BE?” Of course there is a variety of answers to such a deep and personal question. Does legacy equate to dollars in a savings account, traditions passed on to loved ones, morals and values taking deep root, or perhaps all of those things combined? Sometimes, the making of a legacy is found in the small, intimate moments found in our day to day lives. Cooking in the kitchen is something that will forever be part of my grandmother’s legacy. Growing up eating the food she taught my own mom to cook, the taste of her southern cooking cuisine is delectable, and has a way of warming your whole body from the inside out. All made by hand, the wonderful taste of her food came from her

T R E N D SE T T E R | L IFE + CULTURE

love of being in the kitchen. At ninety three years old, Mamaw Pat still makes some of the greatest food I’ve ever tasted. I think it’s important to make note of how legacy’s are created. Intentionality is key. It’s taking time to put down the busy things that consume our day, and carving out space for the small moments spent together with the ones you love. Each year at Christmas time, the task of Christmas cookies lingers in the air. As a mom of three daughters, I know the task involves a great big, fat mess! I also know that if my own mom hadn’t endured the mess with me, I wouldn’t have the memories I have now as an adult. It’s these memories that allows me to also endure the mess with my own children. It’s time spent together, being creative, licking the sweet frosting off of your fingers and laughing when the flour goes flying into the air. These are the moments that last through the generations. It’s these moments that create a lasting legacy. What are some of the things you are doing with the ones you love to create a legacy for your own family? Are you getting in the kitchen with your grandmother, absorbing all the things she can teach you? Are you risking messy situations to laugh and create with your kids? It doesn’t have to be a long list, it doesn’t have to take all of your time. It’s the small, intentional moments that matter the most. Every so often, gather up the ones you love, tell them how much you love them, learn something new together, make apple pie. These are the things that last a lifetime and beyond.

CONTINUED >

C I TY L I FE STYL E L E AWOOD | D ECE M B E R 2 0 2 1

Mamaw’s apple pie INGREDIENTS FOR THE CRUST + 3 c. all-purpose flour + 1 c. butter, cut into 1/2” pieces + 2 tbsp. granulated sugar + 1/2 tsp. kosher salt + 1 tbsp. apple cider vinegar + 8 tbsp. ice water (or more, if needed) FOR THE FILLING + 3 1/2 lb. assorted apples (Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, Gala) cored, peeled, and thinly sliced + 2 tbsp. freshly squeezed lemon juice + 2/3 c. granulated sugar + 2 tbsp. all-purpose flour, plus more for rolling + 1 tsp. ground cinnamon + 1/2 tsp. pure vanilla extract + 1/4 tsp. kosher salt + 2 tbsp. butter, cut into small pieces + 1 egg beaten with 1 tbsp. water (egg wash) + Coarse sugar, for sprinkling

LATTICE PIE CRUST + Roll out second disc of dough into a 12-inch circle. + Cut dough into strips. + Lay 6 strips vertically and evenly spaced on top of the filled pie. Use the longer strips in the center of the pie and the shorter strips on the ends. + Fold every other strip (3 in total) all the way back so they’re almost falling off of the pie. Lay one of the 6 unused strips perpendicular on top. Unfold the 3 vertical strips back so they lay over the perpendicular strip. You have 5 strips left. + Fold the other 3 vertical strips back. Lay one of the 5 unused strips perpendicular on top. Unfold the 3 vertical strips back so they lay over the perpendicular strip. You’re now beginning to see the beautiful woven pattern! + Repeat with last 4 strips, weaving the strips over and under one another. + Fold the excess dough that lays over the edges of the pie back and pinch them with the bottom pie crust. Flute the edges of the pie, then brush with egg wash and sprinkle with a little coarse sugar. This adds a lovely sparkle and crunch! + Refrigerate unbaked pie for 30 minutes prior to baking. This is an often overlooked step, but cold dough is guaranteed to hold the lattice shape. + Place pie onto preheated baking sheet and bake 20 minutes, then reduce heat to 375º and bake until golden and bubbly, 40 minutes more. (If edges begin to look dark, cover with foil.) + Let cool on a wire rack at least 2 hours before serving.

T R E N D SE T T E R | L IFE + CULTURE

DIRECTIONS + Make crust: Place flour and butter into freezer for 30 minutes before starting crust process. + In a large food processor, pulse flour, sugar, and salt until combined. Add butter and pulse until pea-sized and some slightly larger pieces form. With the machine running, add vinegar, then ice water into feed tube, 1 tablespoon at a time, until dough starts to come together and is moist but not wet and sticky (test by squeezing some with your fingers). Mixture will be crumbly. + Turn dough onto a lightly floured surface, form into 2 equal size balls, and flatten into disks (making sure there are no/minimal cracks). + Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate until dough is very cold, at least 2 hours. + On a lightly floured surface, roll out one disc of dough into a 12” circle. Drape over lightly greased (with cooking spray) 9”-x-1.5” pie dish and gently press to fit (don’t stretch). Refrigerate 30 minutes or freeze 10 minutes. + Make Filling: In a large bowl, toss apple slices with lemon juice, sugar, flour, cinnamon, vanilla, and salt until well combined. Transfer apple mixture into the crust-lined pie dish. Dot all over with butter. Assemble + Bake Pie + Preheat oven to 425º with a large baking sheet on the middle rack.

C I TY L I FE STYL E L E AWOOD | D ECE M B E R 2 0 2 1

Ambiance and Style to Burn A fireplace for every décor, lifestyle and budget, from traditional to modern and rustic to contemporary. Our experts help you select a fireplace with ambiance and style to burn from the world’s most renowned manufacturers and state-of-the-art technology. SALES | INSTALLATION 4380 Belgium Blvd. Riverside, MO 64150 | 816-471-4663 completehomeconcepts.com

You’ll find the center of your financial life very close to home Let us help you pursue what matters most to you Whether you’re looking to buy a house, a vacation home or an investment property, or you’re ready to renovate, your home should be part of your overall financial approach. Speak with your Merrill financial advisor today about access to Bank of America financing options to help you pursue the home you’ve always imagined.

Homuth, Hyde & Luby Group Merrill Lynch Wealth Management 3401 College Boulevard Leawood, KS 66211 913.906.5245 fa.ml.com/hhl_group

Merrill Lynch, Pierce, Fenner & Smith Incorporated (also referred to as “MLPF&S” or “Merrill”) makes available certain investment products sponsored, managed, distributed or provided by companies that are affiliates of Bank of America Corporation (“BofA Corp.”). MLPF&S is a registered broker-dealer, registered investment adviser, Member SIPC and a wholly owned subsidiary of BofA Corp. Banking, mortgage and home equity products offered by Bank of America, N.A., and affiliated banks, Members FDIC and wholly owned subsidiaries of Bank of America Corporation. Equal Housing Lender . Credit and collateral are subject to approval. Terms and conditions apply. This is not a commitment to lend. Programs, rates, terms and conditions are subject to change without notice. Investment products: Are Not FDIC Insured Are Not Bank Guaranteed May Lose Value © 2021 Bank of America Corporation. All rights reserved. | MAP3058319 | AD-07-21-0289 | 471101PM-0121 | 07/2021

C I TY L I FE STYL E L E AWOOD | D ECE M B E R 2 0 2 1

S’mores with Santa A CHRISTMAS TRADITION REIMAGINED

ARTICLE BY REBECCA STOLTMAN

F E AT U R E | L IFE + CU LTURE

"T here is not hing quite like t he smell of evergreens mixed wit h c ampfire, t he crisp, cool air and t he magic of Sant a C l aus set against t he b ackdrop of beautiful t rees."

LAST HOLIDAY SEASON FOUND US

the perfect place for her photos with Santa.

ALL UNEXPECTEDLY SCRAMBLING TO

That's when she crossed paths with Emily

REINVENT OUR FAMILY TRADITIONS

Taylor of Gather at Red Cedar Gardens.

AND POSSIBLY EVEN POSTPONING

“Emily’s space was perfect,” Helen says,

OUR PLANS DUE TO THE COVID-19

“magical like something straight out of a

PANDEMIC. Maybe it was a church service,

Hallmark movie.” While they toured the

a gathering with family over a holiday meal,

grounds, Emily shared her vision with Helen

a flight to visit loved ones or even caroling

of Santa making s’mores around the fire, and

with our neighbors—these things were now

the idea for ‘S’mores with Santa’ was born.

all considered a risky venture. But what

Beloved, longtime Santa Gary Lied was

about Santa Claus? In many families, tak-

just the Santa for the job with more than 40

ing the children on the annual visit to sit

years of experience and having worked with

on Santa’s lap as he indulges them in their

Helen in the past. “I thought it was just a

sweetest, holiday wishes is a tradition that

marvelous idea,” he shares.

has been carried throughout generations.

Fall arrived and S’mores with Santa

Not to mention the most cherished part—

booked up quickly, proving to be a success

the keepsake photo with Santa himself that

with a waitlist of more than 40 families.

will be treasured for years to come. So the

Helen marveled at its popularity. “What

question became, just how does a visit to

was born out of necessity is now loved so

Santa work now that we must stay outdoors

much that we just have to continue this

and six feet apart?

tradition,” she says.

In search of the answer to that question

There is nothing quite like the smell of

was local photographer Helen Ransom of

evergreens mixed with campfire, the crisp,

Faces you Love Photography.

cool air and the magic of Santa Claus set

“When Covid happened and everything

against the backdrop of beautiful trees. The

shut down I was really worried about my

best part was that there were no tears from

business,” Helen says. With the new social

toddlers! Little ones could be close to Santa

distancing guidelines, Helen knew that the

but not too close, as anyone with a toddler

photos with Santa that she traditionally did in

knows this is a delicate balance.

her studio simply were not going to work this

“The toddlers have a job to do in making

holiday season. So in June of last year she set

the s’mores, so it just automatically means

out to find an outdoor venue that would be

less tears,” Helen shares.

CONTINUED >

C I TY L I FE STYL E L E AWOOD | D ECE M B E R 2 0 2 1

This year's S’mores with Santa has sold out just as quickly, even with the additional dates added. In a time where many businesses are sadly forced to shut their doors, those that prove innovative and can pivot quickly are finding success and reward for their out-of-the-box thinking. Gary says that he has been a part of other reinvented Santa experiences as well like Channel 5’s Facebook Live Questions with Santa that was a huge hit with more than 12,000 participants, along with the Swope Park Rangers Summer with Santa where he donned Hawaiian attire and celebrated outdoors. When asked how he feels about the new holiday tradition of swapping cookies for s’mores he says, “it has been a wonderful concept in a woodsy setting that makes everyone comfortable and relaxed and...well, there are s’mores!” Helen adds that she has seen Santa eat a considerable amount of s’mores throughout her sessions. When asked just how many s’mores he’s eaten, with a jolly laugh he replies, “Only the elves know that answer!”

F E AT U R E | L IFE + CU LTURE

C I TY L I FE STYL E L E AWOOD | D ECE M B E R 2 0 2 1

10% Off NEW CUSTOMER SPECIAL

valid thru October 31st.

Services Tree Removal Tree Trimming Landscaping Arborist Stump Removal

Call 816-500-2378

OPENING DOORS FOR YOU! SERVICE . REPAIR . NEW INSTALL ATION . 2 4/7 EMERGEN CY SERVICES

C ALL TODAY o r UPLOAD A PHOTO o f yo u r ho u se t o o u r websi t e & de s i gn yo ur garage do o r f ro m ho me wi t h o u r D esi g n To o l ! HEAR WHAT OUR CUSTOMERS HAVE TO SAY AND CHECK OUT OUR 5-STAR REVIEWS

(913) 839-1119 PROLIFTDOORS.COM

PILATES HAS YOUR BACK

Whether you are enhancing your golf or tennis, playing with Grandchildren or dealing with nagging pain. Intro Reformer Classes 5 for $100 Private Lesson Intros 3 for $165

SMALL GROUP CLASSES

PRIVATE LESSONS

CUSTOMIZED SESSIONS

Call or Text: 913-345-8787 // Betterbodiespilates.com 6600 College Blvd. Suite 210 in Overland Park 625 NE Woods Chapel Road & 400 SW Longview Blvd in Lee’s Summit C I TY L I FE STYL E L E AWOOD | D ECE M B E R 2 0 2 1

{

LAKE F W

}

O D U T GH L A S

S N D IY | L IFE + CU LTU R E

OLD TRADITIONS WITH MODERN DAY TRENDS ARTICLE BY LEANN PARKER | PHOTOGRAPHY BY JANIE JONES

R NA MEN }O SALT DOUGH, OR DOUGH ART AS WE REFER TO IT IN OUR FAMILY, IS A SIMPLE YET BEAUTIFUL WAY TO ADORN SPACES AROUND THE HOLIDAYS. Making salt dough ornaments is a holiday tradition that we have been doing since I was a kid in the ‘80s, but the process has been around even longer than that! The use of salt dough is as old as dirt, or I guess I should say as old as clay. Even so, salt dough has made a comeback in recent years and for good reason—it only requires three ingredients, and the festive end product will last for years to come. We still pull out the salt dough ornaments I made as a kid and place them on our tree each year. I love that old traditions can live throughout the decades as we find ways to reinvent them with current day trends. That is exactly what I did here with these lovely Snowflake Salt Dough Ornaments. I hope you follow along to make some yourself this holiday season. CONTINUED > C I TY L I FE STYL E L E AWOOD | D ECE M B E R 2 0 2 1

S A LT DOUGH R ECI PE

SUPPLIES NEEDED + Rolling Pin + Cookie Cutters (optional) + Plastic or Metal Straw + Cookie Sheet + Parchment Paper + Lettered Stamps + Acrylic Sealer + Bakers Twine

INGR EDIEN T S + 1 cup All Purpose White Flour + ½ cup Table Salt + ½ cup Water (give or take) + 4oz White Acrylic Paint

STEP-BY-STEP 1. Mix together flour and salt. Add ¼ cup water and paint (if you want a white dough, otherwise you may leave it out). Stir to mix. If needed, slowly add more water until you reach a pizza dough consistency. Finally, remove dough from the bowl and knead on a floured surface until all ingredients are fully incorporated. Add more flour if too sticky, add more water if too dry. 2. To make ornaments, use a rolling pin to roll dough to ½ to ¼ inch thick. 3. Use a cookie cutter to create snowflake shapes. Use a straw to poke a hole at the top of each snowflake to allow a space to thread your twine after baking. 4. Place ornaments on parchment lined baking sheets. Bake at 200 degrees Fahrenheit for 2 hours until dry. Flip ornaments every 30 minutes for a faster bake. 5. Once cooled, add decorative touches with lettered stamps, acrylic paint or Sharpie markers. Finally, spray one side of the ornament with an acrylic seal. Let dry, flip and spray the other side. 6. Once dried completely, thread twine through the hole created before baking. Hang from your tree or add to your gift boxes as gift tags. For more DIY’s and seasonal styling ideas, visit me at silvertoothhome.com. Happy Holidays!

D IY | L IFE + CU LTU R E

From our Farm to Your Family WWW.THEU PPER CU TKC . CO M | V B

(816) 781-8694 9 7 6 9 N CEDA R AV E KA N SA S C I TY, MI SSO U R I 6 4 1 5 7 Delivery service available

C I TY L I FE STYL E L E AWOOD | D ECE M B E R 2 0 2 1

CL E A N I NG HOM ES T H ROUGHOU T JOH N S ON C OU N T Y & W E S T E R N KC

PUT YO U R C IT Y ON O U R MAP.

Weekly, Bi-weekly, Monthly, Occasionally or one time! Move - ins & Move - outs • Remodel & Construction Clean-up

CA LL US FOR YOUR CLEA NING NEEDS! FR EE ESTIM ATES 913 .649.6022 · LuluandMimis.com

Start a magazine & build a legacy.

Life is short. Love what you do.

CityLifestyle.com/franchise

TR AN SF OR M YO U R K I T C H EN

Without the mess or stress of a full remodel!

CUSTOM PAINTING ALL THINGS METAL (OLD AND NEW)

1-5 Day Updates ◆ Free Consultations Financing Available

RENEW YOUR PA T I O F U R N I T U R E FOR THE 2022 SEASON

913.603.5983

KITCHENTUNEUP. COM

@KTUKCLeawood

Refacing ◆ Redooring ◆ Custom Cabinets 1 Day Wood Restoration ◆ Cabinet Painting ◆ More

To them, it’s playing freely. To you, it’s playing safe.

R IM S L IF T KITS

SAVE $150 Invisible Fence® Brand Boundary Plus® Technology

FU R N I TU RE A N D M O RE !

913.585.4019 @PerrysPowderCoating 2021 E Spr u ce C ir, Un it A , Ola t h e , Ka n sa s 6 6 0 6 2 C I TY L I FE STYL E L E AWOOD | D ECE M B E R 2 0 2 1

Gratefully

ARTICLE ALLISON GIBESON PHOTOGRAPHY JANIE JONES

GIVING AWAY AFTER A SUCCESSFUL CAMPAIGN LAST YEAR, LIFESTYLE PUBLICATIONS IS GIVING $300,000 TO RECIPIENTS IN NEED THIS CHRISTMAS SEASON AND BEYOND... AND WE NEED YOUR HELP!

ABOUT SIX YEARS AGO ANNA SAROL, THE DAUGHTER OF A SINGLE MOTHER, WAS PARALYZED IN A GYMNASTICS ACCIDENT WHEN SHE WAS A FRESHMAN IN HIGH SCHOOL, BUT UNTIL LAST YEAR SHE DID NOT HAVE A STAIRLIFT IN HER HOME. The stairlift was made possible when Lifestyle Publications gave her family $10,000. “I watched my community come together to help me get this equipment to my house, and words can’t explain how appreciative my

“I watched my community come together to help me get this equipment to my house, and words can’t explain how appreciative my family and I are.” —Anna Sarol

family and I are,” Anna says. The money for Anna’s stairlift was part of a giveaway campaign from the company during the 2020 Christmas season that benefited more than 80 recipients across the country with a final distribution of $250,000 throughout the year. When the company opened nominations, they were flooded with submissions. Community leaders such as judges, police officers, teachers, nurses, social workers, mentors and readers like you nominated people that were in need of assistance. As the eyes and ears of the community, these readers were able to help identify people who might have

Anna Sarol

otherwise gone unnoticed or unrecognized. One such nominee was Kathy*, an aunt who is raising her three young relatives. The children came from an abusive situation, and Kathy, a single guardian, works tirelessly to provide for them. Nevertheless, the family was already living in poverty despite her working seven days a week when Kathy lost her job during the pandemic. She resorted to selling tamales to help pay the rent. When a case manager with a Big Brothers Big Sisters foster youth mentoring program heard about Lifestyle’s campaign and call for nominations, she quickly thought of Kathy. “When I shared the news that Kathy was selected and would be receiving $3,000, she cried, screamed, and was in disbelief,” the case manager said. “She immediately wanted to give back to me and the donor by providing endless tamales. This funding allowed the children to have a small Christmas tree for the first time ever. Kathy was able to pay her rent and utilities for three months, and the children were able to experience a holiday season in peace without financial stressors.” In yet another case, Emily* who worked as a janitor at a school, was a recipient and was struggling to afford simply buying groceries for her children. Before the ongoing difficulties of the pandemic even started, a tornado destroyed the school she worked at just a couple weeks before the initial shutdown in March 2020 which resulted in a loss of income for her. Emily was incredibly surprised and grateful to receive assistance from the giveaway. *Names changed for privacy

G IV IN G B AC K | L IFE + C ULTURE

WE NEED YOUR HELP TO GIVE AWAY $3OO,OOO This year the company will have nominations for the giveaway open from December 1-15, 2021. To submit a nomination, follow @CityLifestyle on Instagram and fill out the form found in the bio link. The amount given to each recipient will be based on need. The leaders of Lifestyle Publications believe God has blessed them with their company’s continued success, so they in turn wish to be a blessing and encouragement to others as they increase the amount of this year’s giveaway to those in need to $300,000 for the year.

Nominate HERE! Follow @citylifestyle on Instagram

C I TY L I FE STYL E L E AWOOD | D ECE M B E R 2 0 2 1

S E P TE MBE R 2 0 2 1

realty report A sample of recently sold properties in Leawood. N E I GH BO RH O O D

LIST PRICE

SO L D P RIC E

%SO L D/ O RIG

DO M

B DRM S

B AT H S

Tomohawk Creek Estates

$3,250,000

$2,900,000

89%

172

3.2

Hallbrook Farms

$2,750,000

$2,500,000

90%

6.3

Tomohawk Creek Estates

$1,500,000

$1,471,000

98%

257

3.2

Leawood Hills

$1,395,000

100%

4.1

Leawood Estates

$1,399,000

$1,375,000

98%

6.1

Highlands Creek

$1,289,000

$1,315,000

102%

4.2

Leawood Hills

$1,275,000

$1,300,000

102%

5.1

Leawood Lanes

$1,379,000

$1,290,000

93%

5.1

Glenabbey of Leawood

$1,200,000

$1,150,000

95%

6.1

Hallbrook Farms

$1,150,000

$1,100,000

95%

4.1

Information compiled is from Heartland Multiple Listing Service (MLS) and includes properties listed and sold in the area from multiple brokers. STATISTICS from 09/01/2021 TO 09/30/2021. * DOM=Days on Market

R EA LT Y R E P ORT | R EA L E STATE

J GEIGER

Motorized shades with no visible wires or screws Thoughtfully designed to accentuate architecture Learn more at JG EIG ERSH A DING .COM

HIGHEST QUALITY LEDs

ARCHITECTURAL

LANDSCAPE

STEP/DECK/PATIO

SECURITY

MITSKC .COM

CO NTAC T YO U R LOC A L DE A L E R : 913 -210- 515 0

SI M PLY M O DE RN

913-871-1299 w w w. N i t e L i t e s.c o m

STRING LIGHTS

COMMERCIAL

PROFESSIONAL OUTDOOR LIGHTING

Security • FREE Professional Outdoor Lighting Consultation

Beauty

Value

• High Quality Fixtures & LEDs • Lifetime Warranty on All Fixtures

• Retrofitting Older Systems to

• Commercial & Residential

Energy Efficient LED Systems

Lighting Design & Installation

• Professional Lighting Design

• Showcase Your Home &

• Safety, Security & Curb Appeal

Landscape’s Beauty

*Each location is locally owned and operated. C I TY L I FE STYL E L E AWOOD | D ECE M B E R 2 0 2 1

H O M E

A HOME FOR ALL THE SEASONS MERRIE COSTELLO IS A LOCAL ENTREPRENEUR AND BLOGGER IN KANSAS CITY WHO HAS THE GIFT OF TAKING DIFFERENT ELEMENTS OF DÉCOR TO TELL A STORY AND CRAFT A SPACE FOR AMAZING MEMORIES TO BE CREATED. Merrie welcomes you into her heart, story and home. She and her husband David completely redid their lake house on Lake Lotawana in 2015-2016, constructing a home that is the perfect place to learn to abide in every season to create new memories. When they saw the lake house, they didn’t see the old designs, broken pieces and all the “fix-its,” they saw the promise of a home and sweet moments with family, friends and pets throughout the years.

O PE N H OU SE | HOM E SE RVI CE S

photo by Tracy Routh

Merrie turns a blank space into a living, breathing entity. She and her husband mix antiques and heirlooms, sentimental and repurposed, to design a oneof-a-kind focal point for the holiday season. These pieces and spaces make a guest feel welcome and at home. She takes personal elements and interweaves seasonal inspiration to share her family stories while ARTICLE BY JESSICA GRACE PHOTOGRAPHY BY JANIE JONES

having a beautifully decorated house and teaching you how to do the same on her blog. In addition to her love of decor and creating a beautiful space, Merrie loves to host and share the space with those she loves, including their family pet, Lucy. Lucy loves to take part in all the seasonal celebrations, and her adventures can be seen on her own Instagram account. The first memory they CONTINUED >

S E A S O N S shared in their home was Christmas morning in 2016. They knew

more than items—it is an art, and Merrie creates beautiful art for

all the hard work of renovating was worth it when they spent that

all who enter her home to enjoy.

first Christmas morning in their newly finished and decorated home.

In addition to being a home decor blogger, she is also a children’s

That was the beginning of the moments of joy and fun they would

book author, with the 2022 release of her first book, “Lucy the Lake

experience in their lake house. It was the beginning of a new season.

Dog,” with illustrations by local artist, Jaqueline Kerr, and published

When you look at Merrie’s Christmas mantel, it immediately

by Fulton Books. Join Lucy, @lucythelakedog, as she spends the day

evokes an emotion of sweetness and an expertly designed focal

having adventures on the lake with her family.

point which was created in collaboration with Zakk Hoyt, visual

If you want to see how you can create something similar in your

merchandising designer at Hallmark, Inc. She hopes it evokes a

home, you can follow her on Instagram @seasonsofthelake, or find

feeling of how important, special and unique you are. Décor is

her on her home decor blog seasonsofthelake.com.

O PE N H OU SE | HOM E SE RVI CE S

BRING ABANDONED CHILDREN FROM THE SLUM TO SAFETY AND INTO THE LOVING ARMS OF CARETAKERS THAT WILL EDUCATE, LOVE AND RAISE THEM TO BECOME FUTURE LEADERS IN THEIR GENERATION.