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Mission Hills, KS April 2026

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ASCENTIST PRIMARY CARE

From preventive screenings and annual wellness visits to chronic condition management and acute care needs, our team is committed to caring for the whole person, not just symptoms.

We offer same-day appointments to ensure timely access to care when you need it most. Our experienced providers take the time to listen, explain, and collaborate with you. Ascentist Primary Care providers are here to provide prompt, compassionate care you can trust.

OUR PROVIDERS:

Jason Bessey, DO

Amit Mohan, MD

Neil Erikson, MD

Skylar Devins, MD

James D’Angelo, DO

Annie Gorham, NP

Ally McGill, NP

Find your primary care partner at Ascentist. Call us at (816) 941-9030.

ascentist.com/services/primary-care | (816) 941-9030

SCAN TO SCHEDULE

The Greatest Investment

One of the most common phrases we hear in today’s fast-paced world is: “I don’t have time.”

I used to be, and still am, one of the biggest culprits of thinking this way. While saying “no” to certain things is necessary and even beneficial, I found myself claiming there was not enough time each day to do even the things I needed and wanted.

It wasn’t until I made the conscious decision to evaluate what was actually important in life that I began to shift some things around. For me, that looks a lot like weighing what is temporary and what is eternal. I believe people, for instance, are eternal. How am I pouring into the people that have been placed in my life? My husband and daughter are at the top of this list. Do I get it perfect every day? Absolutely not. However, I have learned that when I spend time doing what matters most, the smaller things in life have a way of falling into place.

Time is a resource we all have. How we choose to invest it lies in a simple question: What do you value most? Take a look at your time each day, and perhaps, rearrange some things. The workout can wait until the kids go to bed. The laundry will still be there tomorrow. Social media never cared about you anyway (ouch, I know, but so true). You might surprise yourself with how your time can multiply when you have things in the right order.

In this April Investment edition, we are proud to highlight some outstanding businesses that take this concept to heart. J. Rieger & Co. invests heavily into Kansas City through quality and opportunity, which was recognized and rewarded on an international platform. Addington Place of Prairie Village honors the time it takes to decide where to enjoy the later years of your life and strives to make your investment worthwhile. With their grand opening this month, the new gallery Marble & Canvas makes it easy for you to invest in the careers of local artists from the Kansas City Art Institute.

Thank you for investing your time in supporting what we do here at Mission Hills City Lifestyle. We value you, our readers, in a tremendous way!

April 2026

PUBLISHER

Sarah Johns | sarah.johns@citylifestyle.com

EDITOR

Victoria Moore | victoria.moore@citylifestyle.com

SOCIAL MEDIA COORDINATOR

Rebecca Spears | rebecca.spears@citylifestyle.com

PUBLICATION DIRECTOR

Katie Bode | katie.bode@citylifestyle.com

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

Monica Griffin, Travis Stewart, Bev Weidner

CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS

Parker Anderson, Emmalee Rathsam, Ash Parsons Story | Courtesy of KCAI, Bev Weidner, Hometrack Real Estate Marketing

Corporate Team

CEO Steven Schowengerdt

President Matthew Perry

COO David Stetler

CRO Jamie Pentz

CoS Janeane Thompson

AD DESIGNER Rachel Kolich

LAYOUT DESIGNER Adam Finley

QUALITY CONTROL SPECIALIST Anna Minnick

Photo by: Emmalee Rathsam

AUTHOR BRIAN FREEMAN CAPTURES THE EXPERIENCE OF J. RIEGER & CO. IN LATEST BOURNE NOVEL

BELOVED DISTILLERY DRAWS

GLOBAL ATTENTION

Kansas City’s J. Rieger & Co. is a popular destination for locals and out-of-towners alike. Its historical roots, high quality finishes and top tier whiskey certainly make it a memorable location for date nights, celebrations or hangouts with the friend group.

A setting in a psychological thriller novel, though, was certainly never on the Bingo card until Brian Freeman, author of the highly acclaimed Bourne series, stepped inside for a tour in 2024.

Photo by: Parker Anderson

After spending hours on site with owner Andy Rieger, Freeman was convinced the distillery would appear in a scene of his latest release The Bourne Revenge.

“He was so blown away when I was showing him around our campus that he didn’t want to leave,” Rieger said. “I think they ended up skipping their dinner reservation that night because he just wanted to stay there, drink and absorb it all.”

“I was joking with Andy and told him, ‘This would be a great place to kill somebody’,” Freeman recalled. “I loved the drama of the setting, and when I’m scoping out sites for books, that’s exactly the kind of place I look for. It’s got really interesting, creative and unique dynamics to it.”

As Freeman’s eighth Bourne novel, he was keen on bringing Jason Bourne back to the United States after using international settings in his previous novels. Kansas City makes several appearances in The Bourne Revenge with J. Rieger as the main setting in chapter 16. As he read the manuscript, Rieger’s jaw hit the floor. The chapter includes specific, recognizable details of the distillery including the 1887 hat, Monogram whiskey and the crowd favorite slide.

“This is the first time in the Bourne novel series that Brian Freeman has used real places, not

“THIS IS WHAT [FREEMAN] FELT WAS WORTHY OF THE FIRST REAL PLACE, NOT SOMETHING FICTITIOUS.”
Photo by: Parker Anderson
Photo by: Parker Anderson

something fictitious,” Rieger said. “Without owing Kansas City anything, someone on an international pop culture pedestal wants to show you something of really high quality here.”

Freeman’s second visit to Kansas City was also a memorable occasion–this time to promote the book’s official release. Rieger hosted an event at the distillery in January to give the city a chance to celebrate alongside Freeman, a different environment than the typical bookstore or library book event that he is accustomed to.

“If I can do an event with a glass of whiskey in my hand, this is a good thing,” Freeman added. “I loved the enthusiasm that so many people had for the book, for the event and for having the city at the heart of the key scenes in the book.”

The esteem Rieger has for Freeman is returned with great respect and admiration. After only one visit, Freeman was

Photo by: Emmalee Rathsam
Photo by: Emmalee Rathsam
Photo by: Emmalee Rathsam

moved enough by what he experienced to put his pen to paper. After two, he was convinced of the culture J. Rieger & Co. sets for Kansas City as a whole.

“I love Andy. He’s looking at every opportunity through the lens of ‘How can I do something fun and creative with this? How can I bring something back to the distillery and to the city’?” Freeman said. “I think that’s exactly the kind of attitude that is at the core of making a city great–when you have people like that who are so committed to the individual quality of what they’re doing, but also how that fits into the bigger picture of how the city thrives.”

Regardless of who you are or where you come from, Freeman’s guest experience is the kind anyone can expect. Rieger’s commitment to excellence–from the time he bought the building to how he has built a brand–is what keeps J. Rieger & Co. a top shelf example for distilleries around the country, including those out of Kentucky.

“It has to truly just be about doing what is right at all times,” he said. “The head of city planning told me that I needed to stop being an owner and become a steward. The mentality of a steward will finish the building. That’s the element of what Kansas City needs more than anything–to push businesses to be high quality.”

A high-quality mentality even led the way in Rieger’s selection of which bookseller would help to launch and carry The Bourne Revenge. He called on Rainy Day

Photo by: Parker Anderson
Photo by: Parker Anderson
“I LOVED THE ENTHUSIASM THAT SO MANY PEOPLE HAD FOR THE BOOK, FOR THE EVENT AND FOR HAVING THE CITY AT THE HEART OF THE KEY SCENES IN THE BOOK.”

Books in Fairway, Kansas, because of their shared commitment to a high-quality experience after 50 years of serving Kansas City.

General Manager Annie Krieg says it is a natural partnership.

“Both Rainy Day Books and J. Rieger & Co. are experienced in hosting people from outside of our city and showing them what makes Kansas City special,” she said. “We’re both proud to bring unique and exciting experiences to this community.

“We incorporated Rainy Day Books, because they are a good quality, locally owned bookstore,” Rieger said. “It is a high quality, well-perceived brand throughout Kansas City, and they also happen to be local–in that order. That’s what keeps our community best.”

Signed copies of The Bourne Revenge are available in the gift shop at J. Rieger & Co. and at Rainy Day Books in Fairway, Kansas.

Photo by: Emmalee Rathsam

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KANSAS CITY ART INSTITUTE OPENS

MARBLE & CANVAS

New retail store features curated artwork by KCAI artists and alumni

Marble & Canvas is a curated retail gallery located within historic Vanderslice Hall at the Kansas City Art Institute. Opening Saturday April 4, 2026, it presents museum-quality ceramics, fine art, prints, textiles, jewelry, and design-forward objects created by KCAI alumni, faculty, and students.

The initiative was created to elevate alumni on a public stage, expand KCAI’s collector base, strengthen professional pathways for students, and convert creative momentum into campus support.

Marble & Canvas will be open Tuesday through Friday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Private shopping appointments will be available upon request.

PHOTOGRAPHY BY ASH PARSONS STORY & COURTESY OF KCAI
1: Dean Kube (1993 Design) 2: Select works by Lester Goldman, Bernadette Esperanza Torres (1991 Ceramics), Joshua Reiman (1995 Sculpture), and Jennifer Walker (1983 Sculpture) 3: Friend of KCAI 4: Bernadette Esperanza Torres (1991 Ceramics) 5: Rita Blitt (1953 Painting) 6: Ellen Carey (1974 Printmaking) 7: Bernadette Esperanza Torres (1991 Ceramics)
Kansas City Art Institute alumni artist Anjelica Sandoval (2001 Design) completes installation of her dramatic light sculpture in Marble & Canvas.

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to call home A PLACE

Addington Place of Prairie Village blends senior living care with an abundant lifestyle

ARTICLE BY VICTORIA MOORE AND MONICA GRIFFIN

Searching for the next place to call home as a senior adult can be the start of a great adventure, not a surrender to age.

Nestled in a quaint neighborhood off Somerset Drive, senior living community Addington Place of Prairie Village believes as someone ages, the focus finally turns from managing a household to truly living.

“Later years should be lived fully with companionship, enrichment, and peace of mind,” sales manager Monica Griffin said. “It’s not about giving something up; it’s about gaining lifestyle, support and freedom.”

Addington Place of Prairie Village has always been committed to blending personalized care with a lifestyle that keeps residents engaged, comfortable, and connected to the community around them. Today, it continues to grow under new leadership, pursuing the best for its residents and always seeking to improve their experiences and connection.

“We are intentional about creating a family-like atmosphere where residents are known by name, stories are celebrated, and relationships matter,” Griffin said. “Our team doesn’t just provide care, they build trust. We take time to understand each resident’s preferences, routines, and passions. There is a sense of belonging here and that is something families feel the moment they walk through the doors.”

The location is key for both residents and families. Prairie Village is known for its charm, established neighborhoods and closeknit feel–making a transition into an assisted living facility not as jolting for someone who has experienced life in the surrounding areas.  CONTINUED >

“Our community reflects that same warmth. Families love that we are centrally located, making visits easy and convenient. Residents appreciate being near the places that have shaped their lives–local shops, churches, parks and familiar streets. There’s something incredibly comforting about remaining connected to the community you’ve always known,” Griffin said.

As difficult as the conversation may be, Griffin reinforces that the best time to explore senior living is before it becomes urgent. She says that planning ahead allows families and seniors to make thoughtful, confident decisions rather than reactive ones.

“We encourage families to start conversations early, even if the need feels like a year or two away,” she said “Touring, asking questions and understanding options can bring clarity and relief, knowing your loved one is supported, socially engaged and cared for by a dedicated team.”

Investing in a high quality community means investing in safety, wellness and meaningful experiences. Opportunity, new friendships and stimulating activities give residents the ingredients they need to live each day to their fullest.

“It’s not about giving something up; it’s about gaining lifestyle, support and freedom.”

young at heart forever

An ageless spirit lives within all of us. Addington Place of Prairie Village is the perfect place to discover youthful energy and forge meaningful connections with kindred souls. Our vibrant Assisted Living and GLOWSM Memory Care community offers chef-prepared, homestyle dining, personalized care, and a myriad of engaging activities such as weekly book club and morning yoga, ensuring hearts stay forever young and days brim with excitement. Join Addington Place of Prairie Village, where life becomes a celebration of the young at heart.

STAY CONNECTED TO YOUR COMMUNITY

Ask the Expert

Many people assume that having “enough money” automatically leads to financial wellness. Yet in my work, I’ve met clients with several million in assets, weighed down by anxiety and strained relationships. I’ve also worked with people living on modest incomes who feel grounded, secure, and fulfilled. Money, on its own, doesn’t create peace. True wellness comes from clarity, intention, and aligning your financial decisions with the life you want to live.

Financial wellness starts with knowing where you stand—what you own, what you owe, where your money comes from, and where it’s going. When you understand your financial landscape, you regain control and can make informed decisions instead of reactive ones. It also requires appreciating the role money plays. Money is power—not in a forceful way, but as a tool that helps you move from where you are to where you want to be. When you harness that power, you spend more intentionally. You invest in what nourishes you, reflects your values, and supports the world you want to help build.

The opposite can also be true: staying in the dark about your finances can unintentionally hand over your power. I watched my mom remain with an abusive partner because she believed it was the only way to keep a roof over our heads. That experience shaped my belief that financial understanding isn’t optional; it’s essential for protecting your independence and options.

When I meet new clients, they often expect spreadsheets and pressure. Instead, I ask: How do you want to live? Do you want time, flexibility, peace, presence? What tradeoffs are you willing to make? What quiet drains are pulling at your money—and your power?

A few years ago, I made my own tradeoff, leaving a secure job to work more intentionally with fewer clients and care for livestock on my farm. It’s harder in many ways and financially less cushy, but it brought me something wealth alone couldn’t: peace of mind.

Financial wellness isn’t about rejecting money—it’s about putting it in its proper place. Money is not your worth. It’s a tool. And when you’re clear on the life you want, your financial decisions begin to align with purpose rather than pressure.

Senior Wealth Advisor Valerie Escobar believes that financial wellness begins with clarity, not wealth

CLEAN. COMPASSIONATE. HOLISTIC HEALING. FROM YOUR MOUTH TO

YOUR WHOLE BEING.

JOHN HUMPHREY JR DDS

JOHN HUMPHREY JR DDS

Meet Dr. Humphrey—A devoted husband and proud father of three, Dr. Humphrey brings more than 20 years of experience as a board-certified Biological Dentist. He is passionate about helping clients achieve total body wellness through a holistic and biological approach to oral health. Known for his warm, compassionate care, Dr. Humphrey and his team create an experience that is empowering for everyone who walks through his doors.

Dr. Humphrey has been caring for clients since 2003, committing himself to developing a depth of knowledge in holistic care. His passion lies is seeing how biological dentistry can contribute to optimal health and total body wellness.

Redefining MVP: TIM TEBOW’S LIFE BEYOND FOOTBALL

An exclusive Q&A with City Lifestyle

PHOTOGRAPHY PROVIDED

From championship trophies to global humanitarian impact, Tim Tebow’s journey has defied every standard playbook. In an exclusive conversation for the Share the Lifestyle podcast, Tebow pulls back the curtain on the moments that truly defined him, from a humbling middle school church retreat to the life-altering shift of fatherhood. This isn’t just a look back at a career; it’s an invitation into the heart of a man driven by purpose. Read the highlights below, then join us for the full, unfiltered experience by scanning the QR code at the end.

Q: WE ALL KNOW YOUR ACCOMPLISHMENTS ON THE FOOTBALL FIELD, BUT TELL US ABOUT THE CURL CONTEST.

A: I was competing for my future high school team (my brother’s team), and I pushed myself way past what was smart. I ended up collapsing and needing medical attention. But what stayed with me wasn’t the pain, it was the lesson. Would I be willing to do something that others aren’t? For much of my life, I strived to bring my best for a game, but I hope that I can say at the end of my life I was willing to do that for things that actually matter.

Q: YOU’VE ACHIEVED SO MUCH IN SPORTS. WHAT WOULD YOU SAY IS YOUR GREATEST ACCOMPLISHMENT NOW?

A: Becoming a dad. Nothing compares. From the moment I knew my wife was pregnant, I felt a new depth of love for our child, but when you bring your baby home, the responsibility hits you like nothing else. Suddenly, everything you see, every decision you make, you’re asking, “Is this corner too sharp? What happens if she reaches that drawer?” It changes how you see the world and how you see other people.

Q: YOU’VE SPOKEN OPENLY ABOUT DISAPPOINTMENT, ESPECIALLY AROUND FOOTBALL. HOW DID THAT SEASON OF LIFE SHAPE YOU?

A: I talked a lot about that very thing in my book Shaken . We all go through moments where our faith in our abilities and purpose feels rattled, but I believe it’s often in those storms when God can show us who we could become.

Q: YOU TALK A LOT ABOUT COMPARISON CULTURE. WHY DO YOU BELIEVE COMPARISON HAS BECOME SUCH A TRAP TODAY?

A: Because we’re comparing our real, everyday lives to someone else’s highlight reel. Social media shows people’s “best day,” often filtered and staged, and then we measure our reality against that. There’s a reason filters are so popular—it’s not real. We end up scrolling through images that don’t tell the full story, and without realizing it, comparison starts to steal our joy and our gratitude.

“We’re comparing our real, everyday lives to someone else’s highlight reel... comparison starts to steal our joy.”

Q: YOUR FOUNDATION FOCUSES ON THE “MOST VULNERABLE.” WHERE DID THAT CALLING BEGIN?

A: When I was 15, I met a boy in the Philippines who was treated as a throwaway because he was born with physical differences. That moment changed me. I realized God was calling me to pursue a different kind of MVP, not “Most Valuable Player,” but “Most Vulnerable People.”

Q: FINALLY, WHAT’S ONE THING PEOPLE MIGHT BE SURPRISED TO KNOW ABOUT YOU?

A: I have some weird coffee habits, which include protein powder, collagen, and cream all mixed together. I love golf dates with my wife. And every night, I bring snacks to bed to share with our dogs. It brings me more joy than it probably should.

This conversation barely scratches the surface. Tim goes deeper into the moments that rattled him, the joys of fatherhood, and one story he has never shared publicly until now. Scan the QR code for the full, exclusive City Lifestyle interview on Share the Lifestyle Podcast.

for the exclusive reveal and more with Tim Tebow unfiltered.
the first time ever, Tim shares the inspiration behind a project he’s been holding close to his heart.
Redefining MVP
FEATURING TIM TEBOW

INGREDIENTS:

• 1 pound spaghetti

• 4 garlic cloves, minced

• 1 cup peas

• 4 Tbs. Butter

• 2 cups chicken stock

• 2 lemons

• 1 cup peas

• About a cup of freshly grated parmesan, plus more for garnish

• Pinch of crushed red pepper

• Coarse salt

• 1/2 cup loose mint leaves

Lemon Spaghetti with PEAS AND PARMESAN

ARTICLE AND PHOTOGRAPHY

This is coming together tonight for you. And I mean it. The key is, don’t overcook that spaghetti. You want it gorgeously toothy. A slight spring in it. Because when it’s draped with fresh lemon and all that parmesan and nutty garlic and earthy mint, you’ll pass away.

Classic cast of characters. Lots of garlic, lots of parm, lots of lemon, lot’s a buttah, lots of mint, a bit of peas so it’s pretty much a salad.

There’s honestly not much to this. Just cook your spagh, then transfer it into a skillet of garlic, butter, stock and lemon juice. Add the peas and plenty of parm and your mouth will host the biggest spring shindig. Add some pasta water if you need to sauce it up! Sometimes the stock is enough, sometimes you need a little. Add an obscene amount of lemon juice and parmesan. A pinch of crushed red pepper. A scattering of mint leaves. It’s all there. It’s all spring.

A little bit of flakey sea salt to finish and goooooooodness gracious.

Silky and salty, nutty and aromatic, little bursts of peas to excite the entire thing. It’s so good. It’s SO GOOD.

DIRECTIONS:

1. Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Add a good pinch of salt, along with the spaghetti. Cook until just shy of al dente, according to package directions.

2. In the meantime, melt the butter over a medium high heat in a large skillet. Once foamy, add the minced garlic and let sauté about a minute, until fragrant and a little toasty. Add the chicken stock and the juice from one lemon. Let it simmer a couple of minutes, then using tongs, transfer the cooked spaghetti into the sauce. Add the peas and parmesan and toss to coat. Let this cook a couple of minutes longer so the pasta absorbs some of the liquid. You still want it a little saucy!

3. Off the heat, garnish with a tiny pinch of crushed red pepper, the juice from the other lemon, mint leaves and extra parmesan. Go crazy.

Spring has sprung in your mouth with this earthly and easy pasta dish

Follow Bev’s food and lifestyle blog: bevcooks.com You can also find her on Instagram: @bevcooks

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EMMALEE RATHSAM is an award winning commercial, portrait and fine art photographer.

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FOUR SIMPLE WAYS TO INVEST IN YOUR MORNING AND START YOUR DAY OFF ON THE RIGHT FOOT

habits morning for success

One of the best ways to invest in yourself is by creating a consistent and intentional morning routine. No matter how unpredictable or chaotic the rest of your day may become, starting your morning with self-care and purpose sets a positive tone that stays with you throughout the day.  Once you develop a morning routine that truly resonates with you, you’ll look forward to it every night, knowing it will set the foundation for a productive and fulfilling day.

If you’re ready to elevate your mornings, here are some meaningful ways to invest in your routine and start each day on the right foot.

Be Your Own Barista:

One of life’s simplest pleasures is savoring a homemade coffee each morning. While skipping the drivethru may be tough at first, brewing your own allows you to appreciate the process—and chances are, you’ll end up preferring your own perfect cup of joe.

Get Your Steps In:

An hour-long gym session before work may not be realistic, but a quick morning walk is. Use this time to clear your mind, enjoy nature, and listen to your favorite podcast or artist—an easy way to start your day feeling relaxed.

Enjoy Some Breakfast:

Breakfast is the most important meal of the day, yet often the most overlooked. Setting your alarm just minutes earlier to prepare a fresh, nutritious meal can transform your morning, fueling your body and mind for a more energized and productive day.

Read A Book:

Starting your day with a book is far more calming than scrolling through social media. Reading in the morning helps ease you into the day, providing a peaceful and mindful escape that sets a positive, focused tone for what’s ahead.

The Canine Good Citizen certification is a title any dog can earn by succeeding at 10 realworld tasks, such as walking past an unknown dog without reacting, and staying with a stranger for 3 minutes while the dog’s human disappears. As a CGC test evaluator, I can assess your dog to determine if he can pass the test and earn the title. Your Dog Could Be a Canine Good Citizen! You don’t need a purebred for your dog to earn a title!

IF YOU WOULD LIKE YOUR DOG ASSESSED FOR THE CGC TITLE, PLEASE CONTACT ME.

pawsitivelypolite.com | 816-686-4766 debtangen62@gmail.com @dog_gone_polite

I R L S C L U B ?

you know about It's a safe gathering space for girls to...

Learn about their body, puberty, upcoming body changes, body boundaries, & safety in a way that empowers and celebrates them

Appreciate their uniqueness & practice self-love

Get curious & ask questions among their friends

More information about organizing a group for your daughter & her friends at: www.girlsclubkc.com instagram @juicy.wellness.woman

Hosted by Annie

Inquiring Chef

START WITH A VEGETABLE

Jess Smith is the founder of the popular food blog InquiringChef. com, which she started in 2010 after moving to Thailand with her husband. She explored Thai cuisine, took cooking classes, and documented her experiences on the blog. Over time, her passion for cooking grew, leading her to focus on quick, easy meals for families. Today, Inquiring Chef receives over 5 million page views annually and supports a small team. She shares new recipes weekly through email, her blog, and social media, helping home cooks simplify mealtime without sacrificing flavor.

Smith is now an author. Her debut cookbook,  Start with a Vegetable, published in 2025 reimagines meal planning by putting vegetables at the center of the plate.

“Start with a Vegetable was the result of a natural transition in the way I started thinking about preparing dinner for my family. At the end of a busy day, I often didn't have the energy to think about dinner in parts by preparing a separate protein, vegetable, and starch,” says Smith. “I realized that if I put a vegetable at the center of the dish, the rest was easy to fill in.”

The book features 100 flexible recipes proving vegetables aren’t just a side—they’re key to simple, satisfying meals.

As chief recipe developer for the Cook Smarts meal-planning app, Smith worked closely with families struggling to get dinner on the table. She noticed a common challenge: people wanted to eat more vegetables but didn’t know how to build meals around them.

“As I started planning and testing recipes for the book, I just loved how easy it made dinnertime feel. Are there carrots in the fridge? Here are a bunch of ways to turn them into dinner. Nearly all of the 100 recipes are complete meals and include easy swaps to make them vegetarian. The book is truly flexitarian, with vegetable-forward recipes for all types of eaters.”

Unlike most cookbooks,  Start with a Vegetable is organized by ingredient. Each chapter focuses on a different vegetable, offering multiple ways to turn it into a meal.

“The concept is resonating with many readers who tell me they love that the chapters are organized by vegetable, making it easy to use whatever they have on hand.”

Smith went through a rigorous testing process, starting with over 300 ideas before narrowing them down to 100.

“I always have running lists of recipe ideas. I started sorting recipes into categories, making sure there was variety for each vegetable. I wanted different cooking methods and types of dishes, so each chapter might have a soup, a salad, a roasted dish, a stove-top dish, and a sandwich or pasta.”

After perfecting the recipes in her own kitchen, she passed them to a trusted friend, an everyday home cook, to ensure they worked under real-world conditions.

“I want to know how these recipes worked for a home cook who was shopping at regular grocery stores and trying to make dinner for a family on a weeknight. She sends me feedback on any ingredients that are hard to find, anything that is unclear in the recipe, and tracks how long it takes her to make it with reallife interruptions.”

To further refine the book, Smith enlisted 30 volunteer home cooks through Instagram and her email list to test the recipes.

“My goal was to ensure that the recipes in this book are reliable, easy, and adaptable. I wanted this to be a cookbook for real home cooks. I'm so grateful to that team of volunteers for helping to ensure that it is.”

To order a copy of the cookbook visit: InquiringChef.com

HAPPY HOUR

SMALL PLATES 6

HAPPY HOUR COMBO 15

Your choice of 3 items from below:

FRESH SPRING ROLLS

SALAD ROLLS

CRISPY EGG ROLLS

PENNY’S RANGOON DUMPLINGS

FEATURED BEERS 5

Ask your server about today’s favorites!

FEATURED WINES 7

Ask your server about our current offerings: Sparkling | White | Rosé | Red

HANDCRAFTED COCKTAILS 7

Enjoy our NEW Happy Hour Cocktails!

MONDAY-FRIDAY | 3 TO 6 PM

Cheers To Spring!

realty report

A SAMPLE OF RECENTLY SOLD PROPERTIES AROUND MISSION HILLS.

This data is a sampling of sold properties from March 2026. Source: Heartland MLS system.

events

A SELECTION OF UPCOMING LOCAL EVENTS

APRIL 4TH

Marble & Canvas Grand Opening

Kansas City Art Institute | 6:00 PM

Celebrate the grand opening of Marble & Canvas, the Kansas City Art Institute’s newest creative destination. For one unforgettable evening, Vanderslice Hall transforms into a French Quarter–inspired New Orleans soirée with art, music, and immersive atmosphere. Be first to explore a debut collection by KCAI alumni and discover original works, gifts, and artful goods supporting the next generation of artists.

APRIL 4TH – 5TH

Bunny Palooza

KC Pumpkin Patch | 10:00 AM

Hop into spring at the ultimate Easter celebration! Enjoy over 60 farm activities, hunt for hidden eggs, and catch candy flying from the candy cannon. Kids can channel their inner detectives while sleuthing for treats, then snap a memorable photo with the Easter Bunny himself. Fun, laughter, and sweet surprises await the whole family! Presale tickets are available online: kcpumpkinpatch.com/festivals/bunnypalooza

APRIL 15TH

Fountain Day

Loose Park | 2:00 PM

Celebrate the official start of fountain season with the Mayor, KC Parks Commissioners, and the City of Fountains Foundation as Kansas City’s beloved fountains spring back to life. This festive kickoff honors the city’s iconic nickname and welcomes spring in style while building excitement as Kansas City prepares to host the world for the FIFA World Cup 26 in 2026.

APRIL 18TH

Kansas City Native Plant Sale

Anita B Gorman Conservation Discovery Center | 10:00 AM

Support wildlife and beautify your landscape at the native plant sale hosted by The Missouri Prairie Foundation. Shop a wide selection of wildflowers, grasses, shrubs, trees, vines, and sedges from vendors including City Roots Nursery, Missouri Wildflowers Nursery, and more. Stroll vendor booths, purchase plants directly from growers, or pre-order for convenient pickup at the event.

APRIL 22ND

Happy Hour

Concerts

Kauffman Center for the Performing Arts | 5:00 PM

Add inspiring music to your week with free Happy Hour concerts from the Kansas City Symphony. Enjoy a drink after work in the stunning Kauffman Center for the Performing Arts’ Brandmeyer Great Hall starting at 5 p.m., followed by a relaxed concert at 6 p.m. Ticket reservations are available 30 days before each performance. Get yours online: kcsymphony.org/

APRIL 26TH

Wanderfest KC

Tower East KC | 10:00 AM

Join us for the 7th Annual Wanderfest KC! Explore the district with a guide map, enjoying art, crafts, music, food, and drinks. Visit participating locations to collect passport stamps, then head to Cherry Pit Collective for a raffle with prizes from local shops and vendors. A fun, interactive day for the whole family awaits!

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