Mission Hills, KS March 2024

The Home Issue

"Home Sweet Home!" "Home is where you make it!"

"Home is where the heart is!" "There's no place like home!" "Close to home!" "Home Free!"

There are so many cliches that include home. Have you ever thought about why that is? When the population comes up with a cliche, it stems from something many of us relate to and desire. They don't become cliches because no one ever feels or experiences them.

Home is a place we all have made throughout the years. Whether it was our first ever solo apartment or our dream house, we all turned our place of residence into a home. Hopefully for many of us, home is the place where we can truly let our hair down and be our authentic selves.

We are excited to share this issue all about how houses have been turned into homes! We pray that our small publication is a part of your home, whether it is on a side table, a coffee table or on the back of a porcelain seat (you know what I mean). No matter where it lands, we are hopeful you will continue to enjoy our little slice of art for your home!

Enjoy reading this issue as much as we enjoyed putting it together for you!

city scene

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Local photographer awarded platinum in international photography competition

Lenexa-based portrait, fine art and architectural photographer, Emmalee Rathsam received a platinum award and two bronze awards for her fine art photography at the International Photographic Cup in Louisville, Kentucky in February. Rathsam traveled to watch live judging of her images to see how they stood against the best in the world. She is also a finalist in the Icon International Photography Awards, which will be held in Las Vegas, Nevada this month.

Natalie M. Foundation raises thousands of dollars in scholarships

The Natalie M. Foundation gave away five college scholarships and two community grants, totaling close to $4,000 during its annual Benefit Fashion Show in February. Over 200 people gathered at the Johnson County Arts and Heritage Center to enjoy an evening of fashion and service, as young role models graced the runway in the latest formal fashions from Natalie M. You can learn more about the Natalie M. Foundation by visiting thenataliemfoundation.com/

BG Wealth Management offers retirement strategies in weekly podcast

On the brink of retirement or just want to plan strategically for your future? Barbara Gulin of BG Wealth Management is passionate about setting you up for success through her new weekly podcast  Anchor Your Retirement. With topics ranging from women and finances to smart decision-making in your 30s, there is an episode for everyone. Tune in on YouTube  @bgwealthmanagement or online through anchoryourretirement. com. Schedule a consultation by calling 913-596-8857.

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local experiences

GUIDE TO KANSAS CITY’S VINTAGE FINDS

Gwen’s Picks

Hillcrest Thrift Stores - The stores in Lenexa and Lees Summit are run by mostly volunteers who take pride in putting out items that people would love to have.

Frugal’s Family Thrift Store - They truly care about providing for people in their community.

Revival Home Furnishings - When it comes to furniture, they have a wide selection, easy to shop, friendly service, and fair pricing.

Anne’s Picks

Hosting events using thrifted items can be thrilling. Mixing styles, eras, prices and looks makes for a table to be enjoyed differently each time you host.

Blessings Abound - My favorite place for tableware. They always have an abundant selection.

Glenwood Antique Mall - The kinds of things that make for good conversation starters!

Gwen Hefner is The Makerista. She shares her love of traditional design and style, including the new/ old country home she and her husband built outside of Kansas City last year. Gwen also runs Thrift Club (@thriftwiththemakerista) a community of thousands of thrifters all over the world who believe that secondhand shopping helps you build personal style, saves you money, and is the most fun way to shop!

TAX SEASON IS HERE!

Though tax season happens every year, have you thought about what taxes may look like for you in retirement?

In retirement, your cash flow may be more than your working years, but your tax reduction opportunities are less. Failing to plan and account for taxes can significantly impact your retirement assets.

Wondering if you are on the right path to minimizing your tax burden in retirement?

SCHEDULE A COMPLIMENTARY CONSULTATION WITH ONE OF OUR FIDUCIARIES CALL (913) 553-6222 OR EMAIL INFO@BGWEALTHMANAGEMENT.COM

THE

THE HOME heart of

KARIN ROSS DESIGNS CULTIVATES INSPIRATION USING EUROPEAN FLARE AND TIMELESS TASTE

A home is more than just a means to start your day or a generic place to rest your head at night; it’s a haven where life is meant to find its anchor. At the center of every home, is the heart. This concept is so often lost in the hustle and bustle of today’s American lifestyle. While some hearts are hidden beneath the stereotypical paint colors and cookie-cutter cabinetry of new constructions or years of wear and tear on old masterpieces, they are still beating, waiting to be repurposed.

Here to reclaim them is Karin Ross of Karin Ross Designs. Helping homeowners experience inspired life in their homes is what she does best.

“They come to me grasping for a new beginning, a kick to feel alive again. We not only fix the functionality, but most of all, the look is an inspiration to get up tomorrow, to start dreaming again,” she said.

Growing up immersed in European fashion and design culture, Ross has spent most of her life developing paradigms influenced by the glamour and gentility found across the pond. Incorporating those high-end tastes into her designs is something she does not shy away from, even in the comfort of the Midwest.

“That is where I think I excel,” Ross said. “People have established a comfort. Let’s mix it with elements people are not used to. No matter what, we can’t leave people here in 1990, while people in Europe are in 2050. The gap needs to be closed.”

That blend of European in the Midwest has served Ross well in her almost 20 years of business, making bold moves while staying true to the classic, timeless pieces. She understands that following trends cannot sustain a design for the long haul.

“I find the heart, claim it, build it and put it where it belongs.” CONTINUED

“I look at what is coming, but I’m not necessarily influenced by the trends. My projects are expensive, so when you’re doing expensive projects, trends have to be limited,” she said. “We are doing timeless pieces, this is art. It keeps us grounded and keeps the design timeless. If I can do one or two classic pieces, the rest we can do more because we have our callback pieces.”

When clients say “yes” to a Karin Ross project, Ross emphasizes two clear goals as they start their journey a passion to fix the need and an attempt to stretch their minds with different design ideas. Determining that comfort level is where Ross likes to start. She schedules thorough visits in every home and will create time to understand exactly what the client wants. Especially in today’s design culture, Karin says taking the easy way out is too common. In her designs, corners are not made to be cut, they are made to be highlighted. The cost of doing things the right way always brings satisfaction.

“We spend an enormous amount of time with people here,” she said. “If we’re going to do it, it’s gotta be done right. I get to know what you need. Things that you don’t even know you need.”

Communication is paramount to the process. Dialogue going both ways helps not only the clients, but Ross’ understanding of what is important in the vision for the home.

“If it’s only in your head, it does nobody any good,” she said “I have years of experience, you must hear me out. I’m not

the company that will tell you whatever you want, but I’m also not the company that will tell you my way or the highway.”

With almost 20 years of business behind her, Ross still operates with the same passion she has from the beginning, the very thing that will keep her relevant for the next 20 years.

“If you look at the span of life, adults will do two kitchen remodels. A kitchen usually lasts 25 to 30 years. Two times in life, I give you a booster and a direction to go. That’s amazing!” she said. “When the heart is not in the design, you don’t get the 30-year kitchen you get the 5-year kitchen.”

After years of designing and creating lasting spaces, Ross has come to realize that surroundings have an incredible influence on a person, good or bad. With her help, a homeowner can inject life back into their unhappy home.

“A couple of weeks ago, I had a couple tell me that after six years they still treasure their space,” she said. “My clients are here for a need. I want to find the heart, claim it, build it and put it where it belongs.”

Scratch Gourmet Express & Catering Serves Up Culinary Genius

A Prairie Village dining hot spot excels in the catering world

In the vibrant culinary landscape of Prairie Village, one restaurant stands out, offering a delectable fusion of elevated cuisine, exceptional service, and a passion for creating unforgettable dining experiences. Meet Tyler Morrison, the owner and operator of Scratch Gourmet Kitchen.

Before the inception of Scratch, both Tyler and his wife, Monica, had carved successful careers within the hospitality and restaurant industry. Monica’s expertise led her to Wingstop Headquarters in Dallas, where she played a pivotal role in over 350 store openings. Meanwhile, Tyler’s journey took him to the headquarters of Topgolf in Dallas,

where he dabbled in corporate finance, golf operations, and experiential hospitality. Tyler’s career highlights included overseeing the operations of Topgolf Stadium tours, orchestrating mobile golf activations at PGA tour events, and curating sponsorship activations at prestigious events like the Masters.

The couple’s shared passion for food and culinary adventures was evident as they explored the diverse flavors across the country during their years of dating.

“My wife and I are foodies and spent our years dating, traveling the country for work and eating as adventurously as we could,” Morrison said. “In 2019 we moved

to Kansas City to get married and start a family. We started Scratch in May 2020 as a catering company and have transformed it over time into a premium catering business, adding a casual fine dining and wine bar restaurant.”

For first-time visitors, Scratch promises an exceptional dining experience. Over the past few months, the restaurant has evolved into a casual fine dining destination with a cozy atmosphere that can accommodate 22 guests indoors and an additional 30 on the patio. The focus is on elevated comfort food, carefully curated by Executive Chef and Partner, Grant Ramirez.

Morrison and his team take immense pride in crafting dishes that are not only flavor-packed but also a visual delight. Presentation is key, and every plate that leaves the kitchen is a work of art. The restaurant’s extensive wine menu offers over 50 wines by the glass and a cellar list featuring 165 unique selections. Reservations can now be made through the app, OpenTable.

Scratch boasts a range of signature dishes that have captured the hearts and palates of patrons. Among these, the Pan Seared Chilean Sea Bass, a specialty of Chef Grant, is a standout. However, it’s the Brownie Sundae that has gained notoriety on social media. Served theatrically under a solid chocolate dome, the dish includes a fresh brownie, salted caramel gelato, and is unveiled at the table as hot chocolate hazelnut sauce melts the dome away, garnished with crushed hazelnuts. It’s a showstopper that leaves diners reaching for their phones to capture the moment.

The talent doesn’t stop with Chef Grant. Scratch Gourmet Kitchen recently brought on Kenzie Kinney, a talented mixologist from the West Coast. Within a week of joining the team, she has quickly launched a flavor-infused cocktail program, the first such program at Scratch, featuring her signature “Team Espresso Martini” and a spicy and citrusy tequila/mezcal cocktail named “Hugging You Loudly”. Kenzie will be focused on creating a unique happy hour for local residents to enjoy from 4pm to 6pm, Monday through Friday.

“This has been a great way to show off the unique and creative culinary experiences our extremely talented chefs have.”

For wine enthusiasts, the wine flight program offers unique and high-end wines, allowing guests to sample premium selections that they might not otherwise experience due to the cost of a full bottle. The use of a Coravin system ensures that each pour is as fresh and delightful as the next.

As the seasons change and the culinary calendar evolves, Scratch has exciting events lined up. Starting in September, the restaurant began offering a weekly changing Chef’s special, exclusively available Monday through Saturday. It’s a showcase of the creative culinary talents of the restaurant’s chefs, paired with carefully selected wines to elevate the dining experience.

“This has been a great way to show off the unique and creative culinary experiences our extremely talented chefs have. We have a ton of fun pairing these menus up and highlighting different wines in our books with them as well.”

Scratch’s catering business has seen remarkable growth, nearly tripling in the last year. This underscores the demand for the exceptional culinary offerings that Morrison and his team bring to the table.

HAPPY HABITAT

Functional art for your home

“Art is for the walls and the table,” they say. However, you will not find one “no touching” sign anywhere near this local artist’s work. In fact, she wants her creations to be touched and enjoyed, whether on, under or inside.

“My throws are meant to be used, not just a decorative item,” Karrie Dean, owner of Happy Habitat said. “I want them grabbed for warmth and security, to make people feel more comfortable whether it’s watching a movie, napping or chatting with a friend.”

Visit any home where Happy Habitat has made its mark, and you will surely not miss Dean’s work. Inspired by bold prints and colors, Dean’s throw blankets are sure to start a conversation or two.

CONTINUED >

“I never run out of new design ideas for throws,” she said. “It’s a blank 50 x 60 canvas that I can fill over and over. I hope my throws add some personality to people’s homes!”

Kansas City local Karrie Dean started her business 12 years ago after being let go from her advertising corporate job. With small business owners as parents, she decided it was time to tap into that less traditional way of life, using her love for art as a stepping stone.

“I knew it was an opportunity to do something special with my life,” Dean said. “I was born with a need to create. As far as I can remember, doodling and making things gave me joy and was always there for me.”

Dean has certainly made the most of this opportunity, not only in Kansas City, but across the globe. Her products have caught the eye of some larger businesses, including West Elm and Room & Board. A true believer in small, independent businesses, she was skeptical of a collaboration, but has since seen the benefit of working together.

“Big business and small business can come together in unison— there is a place for both to work together and both be successful,” she said.

Designing throws for Happy Habitat is a far cry from doodling for a living, but the sentiment of joy is there. Made from recycled

“My throws are meant to be used, not just a decorative item. I want them grabbed for warmth and security, to make people feel more comfortable watching a movie, napping or chatting with a friend.”

cotton, Dean’s throws certainly fit the category of eco-friendly, functional art. This year, high-end woven throws will be added to the mix.

“The vision has always been to put something out in the world that would make people’s homes a happier place, while also being healthy for the planet,” she said. “I hope to continue making knitted throws for at least another dozen years.”

3DHQ uses 3-D scanning technology to bring even the wildest of imaginations to life

Making Memories Last

Family photo albums might have met their match. A new kind of preservation is making its way onto the scene, freezing family memories and bringing cherished moments to life. Except, these memories fit into the palm of a hand. One Kansas City business is doing this very well.

It all started in 2017 when Nick Nikkhah, owner of 3DHQ KC, stumbled across 3-D scanning technology that was taking the medical field by storm.

At the time, the cutting-edge technology was being used for prosthetics, but Nikkhah had a vision. Once he discovered the technology

could be utilized outside the health industry, he saw his opportunity.

Using this technology, he set out to capture timeless memories in Kansas City, where family is woven into the fabric of the city.

“I just knew I had to be a part of it. That’s what led me to bring this tech to Kansas City,” said Nikkhah. “We’re freezing a moment in time and capturing a special moment, whether it’s graduation, wedding cake toppers or before and after a pregnancy, we create products and merchandise that capture a particular moment.”

At 3DHQ, customers are given the platform to let their imaginations run wild. Anyone can bring pictures or sketches to Nikkhah’s team which are then scanned, digitized and transformed into 3D print life-like miniature statues.

The technology allows 3DHQ to capture important details from facial expressions, wrinkles, and clothing that go into developing tiny replicas, making every creation a unique one.

From ornaments, furry friends, and pictures of loved ones who are no longer alive, 3DHQ does it all and gives customers the ability to hold that special memory in the palm of their hands.

CONTINUED >

TIME. W E CREATEPRODUCTS THAT

“WE’RE FREEZINGAMOMENT IN CAPTU RE A PARTICULAR MOMENT.”

Nikkhah says demand for his services continues to grow and stems from the pent-up desire people have to recreate experiences that come once in a lifetime.

“This is just part of our DNA. Our entire lives are built on history and experiences, that’s how

we learn,” explained Nikkhah. “Some of these key moments are moments people like to relive over again and just look back on certain things or certain people, where those memories are no longer there.”

A variety of organizations have also turned to 3DHQ to make their dreams a reality while using the visuals to spread a message. Over the years, Nikkhah has collaborated with KC’s Parade of Hearts and done rapid prototyping for companies across the globe, but Nikkhah has also used this technology to pay it forward. He says the push to expand his services came during the height of COVID-19. Due to stay-athome orders, Nikkhah and his team shifted gears and began creating mementos for medical staff and first responders, thanking them for their services.

“Our motto? We 3-D print you and your imagination. It’s not just a tagline; it’s what we live by,” said Nikkhah. “Whether it’s helping someone turn a sketch into a tangible prototype, recreating a part for a vintage car, or taking an appliance apart that is no longer made and redesigning it and recreating it, the possibilities are endless.”

ZONE BLUE

What’s the secret to a happy, healthy, and long life? Believe it or not, it’s actually quite simple: There are no secret ingredients, no sizable expenditures, and absolutely zero manufactured elements of any kind. Dive in with us as we share insights from our interview with the internationally renowned Blue Zones Founder, National Geographic Explorer, and award-winning journalist who is revolutionizing the way Americans make choices that can lead to living your best life.

For over twenty years, Dan Buettner has been fully committed to studying the health and longevity of Americans as well as influencing the proper and attainable health-centric environments our communities should embody. What started with identifying five “blue zones” around the world where people are both living longer as well as enjoying a higher quality of life in their elder years has now also evolved into proactively creating eco-systems where our communities engage in setting the standard for clean health.

If you haven’t subscribed to watching “Live to 100: Secrets of the Blue Zones” streaming on Netflix, do yourself a favor and soak up the well-documented views into how Ikaria, Greece, Loma Linda, California, Sardinia, Italy, Okinawa, Japan, and Nicoya, Costa Rica exemplify the basis behind the Blue Zones truth and have since inspired Dan and his team to further extrapolate how we can manufacture healthy blue zone lifestyles in virtually any city and within our homes by way of intentional adaptation.

Most of us are well aware of the “American way of life” we reside in, that being one of convenience in all shapes and forms. We excel in offering the most fast food options in any country. We rank at the top of the most cars per household. We embrace a sedentary at-home lifestyle. And, for many of us, it stems from our childhood to no-fault of our own; comfort foods and Friday night pizza deliveries, complacent recliners and cushy car commutes. In short, however, now more than ever we categorically live in a country where processed foods and ultra-convenience, unfortunately, translate to life-threatening health diseases and a lack of organic joy.

What is the best news of all? All of these characteristics are wildly easy to overcome with effortless, yet conscious pivots to making better decisions with our time, our food, and our focus. Ask yourself: Are you driving or walking? Are you connecting socially? Set your sights on avoiding the majority of processed foods and start eating a largely whole-food and plant-based diet that will (statistically) give you another 10-12 years on your life.

In place of your toaster, keep a fruit bowl on the counter. Create a low-level junk food drawer. Stop buying processed meat, potato chips, sweetened snacks like cookies and candies, and worst of all, sugar-sweet beverages, and start buying more beans, nuts, grains, and tea.

“Am I going to tell you to never have these? No, people deserve to treat themselves. But you’ll do yourself an enormous favor if you just don’t bring those into your home. If you want to go out for those treats, go ahead,” Dan says.

“Simply just don’t bring them home, and you’ll cut out 70-80% of consumption right there.”

Buettner’s first cookbook, The Blue Zones Kitchen, is a fantastic resource featuring ingredients and cooking methods that can increase longevity, wellness, and mental health. The recipes also include lifestyle tips such as proper portion sizes and the best times to eat dinner. Plus, check out his additional seven books that dig deep into the exact foods you should eat to how your circle of friends and family can influence your quality of life.

Who do you hang out with? Happiness is contagious. “The Blue Zone approach is to go through your contact base and think of some friends whose recreation is pickleball, biking, or gardening. Who will care about you on a bad day and have a meaningful conversation? Identify one or two friends who are vegan or vegetarian and show you how and where to eat whole foods. Actively invite them out for lunch, and bring them into your social circle: this will have a bigger, long-term impact on your behavior than any new diet or exercise, and it costs you zero. Plus, there is a ton of data that shows it works, and it’s long-term.”

“We are marketed the idea that if we change our behavior by exercising more, taking the right supplements, trying this longevity or that anti-aging hack, that we will

Follow

lose weight and get healthy, yet it never works for the longterm,” says Dan. The Blue Zones approach is not trying to change your behaviors, it is asking you to change your surroundings…your eco-system.

Every time you go out to eat, you will consume an extra 300 calories that are laden with more sodium, sugar, and oil than eating at home. “Get your hands on a plant-based cookbook, pick a dozen recipes, and cook those with your family on Sundays. If you make the effort to cook it with your family, you will gain the skills and learn to make some good and whole food plant-based recipes.”

And, we would be remiss not to attend to the travelers at heart who would love to indulge in a luxurious resort paired with the facets of an actual Blue Zones destination. Dan highly recommends seeking out Silvestre in Nosara, Costa Rica where the experience offers wellness programming, fully-equipped kitchens, and outdoor activities that will fuel your inspiration for a healthier life.

Tap into Dan’s wisdom that is creating a new category of places that are not merely the legacy of a healthy culture, but more consciously created by enlightened individuals that are intent on supercharging healthier communities!

Style Is Our Passion, Hair Is Our Expertise

events

St. Patrick's Day Parade in Downtown Overland Park

Downtown Overland Park | 10:00 AM

Join the Downtown Overland Park partnership in celebrating St. Patrick's Day weekend with a parade that passes through the heart of the beloved downtown on Saturday, March 16. Stay in the atmosphere to feast on some local grub and toast the holiday with a pint, even squeeze in some shopping at the many locally owned businesses. visitoverlandpark.com

KC St. Patrick’s Day Parade

Westport District | 11:00 AM

With one of the richest Irish heritages in the country, Kansas City is celebrating big for the 50th annual iteration of the St. Patrick’s Day Parade. This massive event is free to attend and family-friendly, with many vendors and over 100 floats. Starting at Linwood & Broadway and ending at 43rd, more details can be www.kcirishparade.com

Wine Tasting on the Terrace

Overland Park Arboretum & Botanical Gardens | 6:00 PM

Ready for a refined evening on one of the most serene lawns in the area for a good cause? Enjoy exquisite wines and perfect paired accouterments in this regal setting amongst wonderful company. All proceeds raise funds for the Arboretum, and seats are by reservation only. Reservations can be made artsandrec-op.org

MARCH 21ST-24TH

New Moves Kansas City Ballet

Todd Bolender Center for Dance & Creativity | 2:00 PM

The future of ballet has arrived! A new generation of choreographers has been pushing the boundaries of contemporary ballet, and their revolutionary masterpiece will be on display for a limited time run. Combining music, passion, and grace, this show has guests absorbing 500 years of tradition in one future-forward night. Find tickets at kcballet.org/events

MARCH 22ND

On The Rocks & Rolled

The Intercontinental KC | 6:00 PM

Does your idea of a worthwhile evening involve top-shelf bourbon, hand-rolled cigars, and live jazz in an upscale atmosphere? Soak in rooftop views of Kansas City while the evening’s hosts, West Bottoms Whiskey and La Cultura Cigars, pair whiskey flights with meticulously selected cigars. Attire is Cocktail and tickets start at $75. Reserve your space at www.eventbrite.com

MARCH 30TH

Easter Egg Hunt

Meadowbrook Park | 8:00 AM

Celebrate Easter festivities with your children and grandchildren at the 2024 Easter Egg hunt! Broken down by age groups, children will roam throughout the beautiful Meadowbrook Park in Prairie Village hunting for eggs, beginning at 8:00am out of Shelter 2. Expect a surprise visit from the Easter Bunny himself for photo opportunities with the children! Get your tickets online allevents.in/overland

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Handmade Soap

Add a spa-like feel to your home with this refreshing soap recipe that's simple to make at home.

lavender honey lemon soap

ingredients

• 2 lb. goat’s milk melt-and-pour soap

• 1 lemon rind, zested

• 3 tablespoons of dried lavender buds

• 2 tablespoons of honey

• 15 drops of lavender essential oil

• 6 drops of lemon essential oil

• jar or bowl for melting soap base

• Silicone mold

directions

Chop soap into smaller pieces. It will melt faster this way. Place in bowl and microwave (or double boil). Be careful to watch soap and not let it burn.  If you are using microwave, heat in 30 second increments, stirring frequently. Once soap is melted add your essential oils first. Once essential oils have been added and mixed thoroughly, add the lavender buds, lemon zest and honey. Have your mold ready to go, on a flat, even surface. You’ll want to move quickly before the soap cools too much. Mix everything thoroughly again, and pour mixture into mold. Let the soap cool for 2-3 hours until bars are completely solid. Wrap or package however you like.

Recipe from Sisoo.com

DUCHESSA