This Giving Tuesday, you can light the way for kids’ mental health - and double your impact.
“Coordination of care is so critical for mental health patients – typically you aren’t being seen for just one thing and you need your healthcare team connecting the dots. You have you be an advocate for yourself and your kid.”
Dear Readers,
As 2025 draws to a close and the festive season fills our homes and hearts, I find myself reflecting on the year that has passed. For me, it was a year of transitions, new beginnings and growth. Of recognizing that seasons come and go, that endings are also beginnings and growth happens when we learn in towards that which seems impossible.
As I look back, I’m filled with gratitude — for the people, businesses, and stories that make our Northland community so special. Each month, through the pages of The Northland City Lifestyle, I’ve had the privilege of sharing inspiring journeys, local successes, and the spirit of generosity that defines this area we call home.
This month’s issue is filled with the warmth and wonder that define this time of year. In our pages this month, we have local holiday events and gift guides featuring our town’s small businesses, a holiday DIY craft project from the new ADHDIY Craft Café perfect to do with your children or grandchildren and strategies from The Exercise Coach for staying strong, energized, and on track through the holiday season. We hope it inspires you to embrace the spirit of the season.
We are deeply grateful to our readers, advertisers, contributors, and community partners. Your support has made it possible for us to continue sharing the voices, events, and highlights that make our community unique. You are the heartbeat of this magazine, and your belief in our mission means the world.
As we look ahead to 2026, my hope is to continue growing together — celebrating the beauty, talent, and kindness that make Kansas City’s Northland so vibrant. May the year ahead bring you new opportunities, renewed joy, and moments that remind you just how connected we all are.
Wishing you and your loved ones a wonderful holiday season and a bright, hopeful New Year.
With gratitude,
Photo by Hannah Schreiner Photography
December 2025
PUBLISHER
Natalia Kreinbring
Natalia.Kreinbring@citylifestyle.com
EDITORIAL COORDINATOR
Katie Currid | katie.currid@citylifestyle.com
CONTRIBUTING WRITER
Katie Currid
CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS
Katie Currid, Hannah Schreiner
CEO Steven Schowengerdt
President Matthew Perry
COO David Stetler
CRO Jamie Pentz
CoS Janeane Thompson
AD DESIGNER Mary Albers
LAYOUT DESIGNER Emily Lisenbee
QUALITY CONTROL SPECIALIST Anna Minnick Learn
As the Northland’s premier destination for health, our specialized orthopedic team helps you enjoy active, pain-free living at every stage of life. With advanced treatment options in joint care and sports medicine –including surgery, non-surgical care and specialized rehabilitation – we keep life in motion.
From winning championships to staying fit and dancing the night away, choose Liberty Hospital Orthopedics when you need care that always keeps you moving forward.
1-7: Solar Shield Blinds hosted their first annual Elevate by Solar Shield – An Evening of Impact to celebrate Kansas City’s top interior designers and give back to the community by donating meals to Thelma’s Kitchen. Designers rolled up their sleeves at the cheese-making station led by Mozzarella Madame, enjoyed delicious bites by Chef Natasha Bailey, and shared an evening of laughter and friendship.
Photography by Moira Hope Photography
Tea & Grace is a charming afternoon tea and etiquette experience designed for parents and children to share together. Guests enjoy a traditional tea service while learning timeless lessons in manners, poise, and gracious conversation— all in a warm, festive setting that celebrates connection and courtesy. Tickets are $89. Reserve your place at kccotillion.com. Scan to read more
Santa’s mailbox and a North Pole photo op will be set up next to the giant tree at Liberty City Hall starting Dec. 1 through the 19th. Be sure to include a return address on your letter! Santa and his elves have been known to send a reply. Find a letter template and more information at visitlibertymo.com.
Our evidence-informed protocols align body and brain. At KCNPI, we combine EEG neurofeedback with the Shiftwave pulsed pressure waves to help sharpen attention, speed physical recovery and regulate stress. EEG neurofeedback builds clarity and focus; Shiftwave sessions promote circulation, relaxation and resilience. KCNPI pairs these with personalized therapy in a private setting for sustainable well-being in work, school, sport and life.
Structured Packages for Sustainable Change.
www.kcnpi.com | 816-407-7706 x208 10 Westowne St, Liberty, Missouri 64068
This holiday season, your generosity can go twice as far to bring comfort, hope and lifesaving care to children and families facing their most critical moments at Children’s Mercy. Every gift — up to $150,000 — will be doubled, dollar-for-dollar, thanks to the Emilie Rosebud Diabetes Research Foundation, the Linda Watson Family Foundation and a generous community of champions. Thank you for helping children receive the care and compassion they deserve when it matters most.
816-599-3610
At Tiger Pool and Patio, we’re dedicated to turning your everyday spaces into extraordinary retreats. Our mission is to offer a VIP customer experience that makes your journey with us exceptional from start to finish. We recognize that your outdoor area is an extension of your lifestyle, and we’re here to help you craft a personalized oasis that mirrors your distinctive style and preferences. Partner with us to create a space that truly reflects your dream backyard oasis.
How Liberty’s Exercise Coach keeps fitness personal — and doable
ARTICLE BY KATIE CURRID PHOTOGRAPHY BY HANNAH SCHREINER
At The Exercise Coach in Liberty, fitness is personal, precise, and efficient. The studio is a one-on-one training space that uses smart, adaptive equipment to tailor every workout to the individual — adjusting resistance in real time to protect joints and maximize results. In just two 20-minute sessions a week, clients gain strength, mobility, and confidence under the careful eye of a coach.
For owner and coach Sabrina Denny, the real results go far beyond numbers. “We have so many good stories of just being able to see how it truly changes their day-to-day life,” she says. One client, who once struggled to keep up with her grandkids, told Sabrina she now feels like “she’s not missing out on life with them. Anything that they want to do, she can be right there with them.”
For another woman, recently widowed, independence was the goal. “Her primary goal when she came to us was just to be strong enough to lift her own walker into her car so she can still get out and about,” says Sabrina.
It’s that kind of meaningful progress that drives Sabrina’s mission at The Exercise Coach. During the busy holiday season, that same mindset can help anyone maintain balance amid the swirl of parties, travel, and sugar-laden temptations. Sabrina shares her best strategies with us for staying strong, energized, and on track through the holidays.
Prioritize lean protein at meals. Instead of loading up on mashed potatoes that can trigger sugar cravings, start with the centerpiece, like ham or turkey, to help satiate. Protein steadies blood sugar and curbs cravings.
Make 80% of each day or meal nutrient-dense with veggies, proteins, smart carbs and healthy fats and save the remaining 20% for holiday fun. Instead of having a “good all week/go wild on the weekend” mentality, or having a “cheat day,” aim for intention throughout each meal.
Build a single plate with small servings of dessert favorites, eat slowly and enjoy it. If you’re still hungry, go back for protein and produce, not another dessert plate.
Headed to a potluck? Bring something you genuinely love that’s lighter, like a crispy veggie tray with hummus, salad with nuts and berries, or roasted green beans with lemon. That way, there’s always at least one easy win on the table for you.
ALCOHOL AWARENESS
If you partake, alternate each drink with water and skip sugary mixers. You’ll stay hydrated, avoid big blood-sugar swings, and cut the empty calories that add up fast.
Pair festivities with movement: a neighborhood holiday lights walk, a post-dinner stroll, or a Turkey Trot. Sabrina’s family tradition? “We tend to start Thanksgiving morning with the turkey trot.” Put it on the calendar like any party.
STRENGTH TRAIN 2X PER WEEK
Fifteen to twenty focused minutes, twice weekly, is plenty to maintain muscle, boost metabolism, and even help your mood and mental health during those dark winter months.
GET COACHED (AND ACCOUNTABLE)
A coach removes guesswork, keeps form safe, and helps keep you accountable when schedules get messy. It’s extra helpful during a busy holiday season filled with travel, guests, and cookies.
PROTECT YOUR SLEEP
Aim for 7–8 hours and create a sleep-nurturing environment: cool room, dark shades, no TV, and park the phone outside the bedroom.
DESTRESS ON PURPOSE
Micro-breaks beat mega-meltdowns: five-minute walks, a few rounds of deep breathing, or a quick stretch sequence can dial down stress eating and lift energy.
If you’re looking for help staying on track during the holidays or want assistance with your health goals, reach out to personal-training studio The Exercise Coach in Liberty. Start with their two complimentary intro sessions, which include a movement assessment, balance and cognitive baselines, strength testing, and a customized plan.
The Exercise Coach (816) 792-5800
6 Westowne Dr Suite #602, Liberty exercisecoach.com/liberty/
ADHDIY™ serves up a creative menu of DIY projects and bites in their new restaurant-style studio
ARTICLE BY KATIE CURRID PHOTOGRAPHY COURTESY OF ADHDIY
When you step into ADHDIY™ Craft Cafe, you’ll see both craft supplies and menus. Co-owners Austin Mosier and Tristan Carlson have reinvented the craft studio by giving it a restaurant-style twist: guests “order” crafts the same way they’d order lunch.
“We actually have a first-to-market trademark with ‘Restaurant Style Crafting™,’” says Austin. The concept was born from their other business, The West Bottoms Plant Company, where they started hosting craft sessions inside their plant store. It was so popular there, they needed a second store just for crafting! Now in their new Northland location, it’s a full café experience: reserve a table online or walk in, sit down with friends, and choose from a “menu” of about 15 projects — ten adult crafts, six for kids, plus rotating seasonal specials.
Each kit comes with video instructions, tools, and all the materials you need, while the back of the menu lists light snacks and drinks — mocktails, kombucha, lemonade, even chips and salsa from Yoli Tortilleria and Pop Daddy pretzels. Guests can sip, snack, and stitch their way through an afternoon of creativity. An added bonus? It’s BYOB, so you can pair your paintbrush or needle-felting project with your favorite bottle of wine.
Like a restaurant’s daily specials, ADHDIY™ rotates a seasonal craft menu so there’s always something new to make. “If you went
to a restaurant and they had a specials menu, we make a specials menu every season and we give that [along with] with our normal menu,” says Austin. “People can decide to do a normal craft or a seasonal craft.”
Whether you’re meeting friends for a creative night out or bringing the kids for a Saturday morning project, ADHDIY™ Craft Cafe invites everyone to sit, sip, and make something beautiful.
As a little “appetizer,” get a taste of one of ADHDIY™’s crafts for the holiday season on the next page!
Looking for a cute, handmade addition to your tree or holiday decor? Look no further than this sweet felt peppermint ornament! Follow along with this tutorial courtesy of the new ADHDIY™
Craft Cafe at Zona Rosa. If you don’t have the supplies at home and don’t want to go grab them, you can stop by their studio to make this craft there this winter.
ARTICLE AND PHOTOGRAPHY COURTESY OF ADHDIY CRAFT CAFE
You’ll need:
• Felting wool (white)
• Felting pad
• Felting needle
• Sewing needle
• Needle threader
• Red or green embroidery thread
• White embroidery thread
• Scissors
Directions:
1. Create the Core of the Mint
Take the white wool and roll it gently between your palms, compressing it into a thick, flat circle—roughly the shape of a peppermint. Place the circle on the felting pad.
2. Start Felting
Using the felting needle (the larger one with a barbed tip), begin tangling and condensing the wool fibers by repeatedly stabbing them with the needle. Sculpt the wool into a peppermint shape as you go. Periodically lift and flip the piece to prevent it from sticking to the pad.
To flatten, stab straight up and down from the center outward. To round and define the edges, angle the needle slightly as you stab, pushing the wool toward the center.
3. Add Stripes
Cut a piece of red or green embroidery thread and thread the smaller sewing needle, pulling 1–2 inches through the eye. Tie a double knot on the long end to prevent slipping through the wool.
Starting about ½ inch from the outer edge, push the needle through the back of the mint and pull until the knot catches. Wrap the thread around the outside of the mint to form a stripe, then push back through the same hole. Repeat two or three times to thicken the stripe.
Secure with a small knot in the back and trim excess thread. Repeat for five more stripes, cutting new thread as needed.
4. Add the Hanging Loop
Cut a piece of white thread and thread the needle. Push it through one of the white sections of the mint, from back to front. Remove the needle and tie the loose ends together to form a loop of your desired length. Rotate the loop until the knot is hidden in the back.
Find this craft and more — like kokedama suspended plants, a personalized stamp, or a macrame keychain — at ADHDIY™ in Zona Rosa.
ADHDIY™ Craft Cafe
1501 W 12th St, Kansas City, MO 64101 adhdiycraftcafe.com
ARTICLE BY KATIE CURRID
LOOK NO FURTHER THAN THE NORTHLAND FOR EVERYONE ON YOUR HOLIDAY GIVING LIST
If you’re shopping for gifts for the holidays, close your laptop and put down your phone — you can get everything you need for the people in your life right here in the Northland! We’ve divided up our gift guide this year for friends, significant others and kids.
FOR YOUR BESTIE
First off — gifts for your best friends. A lot of things on this list would also make great coworker gifts or host/hostess gifts!
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If you’re looking for a gift from your significant other, we’ve got you covered, especially if they’re hard to buy for! Experience gifts are great to give to the person who has everything.
1. A nice steak and something to cook it with from Green Grass Cattle Company in Weston. | 2. Framed sports memorabilia or a custom piece from Art & Frame. | 3. See your favorite movie together — grab tickets or a gift card from Screenland or B&B! | 4. A membership to a local car wash, like the Better Wash or Go Car Wash. | 5. A date night at the Funny Bone Comedy Club. | 6. A family photo session from Hannah Schreiner Photography. | 7. A board game for a fun night in from Mission Board Games. | 8. A ceramics class together at Driftwood Ceramics or The Potter’s Cottage. | 9. Give the gift of wellness with a membership or a class pack to The Practice Yoga Studio in Liberty.
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It’s too fun to shop for kids and there’s no shortage of places to treat them all over the Northland, especially if you love to give an “experience” gift.
1 A membership or an art class at Orange Easel. | 2 Pick up your favorite children’s book from The Rabbit hOle’s book store, or get them a membership! | 3 . A bag of treats from The Candy Jar in Weston. | 4. A gift card to burn some of that pent-up winter energy at Fun Run or Above All Trampoline Park in Liberty. | 5 . A membership to one of the indoor playground/coffee shops, like the Busy Bean Play Cafe. | 6 Teens would love an outing at Rush Funplex or Main Event for a day of laser tag, bowling and arcade games. | 7. The Babe, a jewelry store at Zona, has permanent jewelry and a charm bar. | 8. A membership to the Fun Farm or Weston Orchard brings endless fun! | 9. Find littles a sweet new outfit or toy at Mama and Me Boutique in Liberty.
PHOTOGRAPHY BY JANIE
JONES
Whether you’re hosting a gathering or simply treating yourself, these holiday drinks are guaranteed to bring a little extra cheer to your cup.
HOLIDAY COCKTAILS & COZY CREATIONS
INGREDIENTS:
A bright, elegant cocktail with a foamy top and a hint of holiday spirit.
• 2 oz gin
• 1 oz cranberry juice
• 3/4 oz lemon juice
• 1/2 oz simple syrup
• 1 egg white
Optional: splash of sparkling water or club soda
Garnish: fresh rosemary or thyme sprig
In a cocktail shaker, combine gin, cranberry juice, lemon juice, simple syrup, and egg white. Shake vigorously for about 20 seconds to create the frothy top. Double strain into a chilled coupe glass to get that smooth, foamy top. Add a small splash of sparkling water if you’d like a bit of fizz. Gently place a sprig of rosemary or thyme on top of the foam.
INSTRUCTIONS: CONTINUED >
A warm, frothy, and festively spiced drink perfect for winter nights.
INSTRUCTIONS:
For the latte:
• 1 shot of espresso (or 1/2 cup strong brewed coffee)
• 3/4 cup milk
• 2 tbsp gingerbread syrup
• Whipped cream
For the gingerbread syrup:
• 1/2 cup water
• 1/2 cup brown sugar
• 1 tbsp molasses
• 1/2 tsp ground ginger
• 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
• 1/4 tsp nutmeg
• 1/8 tsp ground cloves
• 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
Optional toppings:
• Ground cinnamon or nutmeg for dusting
• Marshmallow
• Crushed gingerbread cookie around the rim or on top
Make the gingerbread syrup:
In a small saucepan, combine water, brown sugar, molasses, and spices. Bring to a gentle boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 2–3 minutes until slightly thickened. Remove from heat, stir in vanilla extract, and let cool. Store in the fridge for up to 2 weeks. Prepare the drink:
Brew your espresso or strong coffee. Heat and froth your milk. In your glass, add 2 tablespoons of the gingerbread syrup. Pour in the espresso, then the steamed milk, stirring gently to combine. Spoon frothed milk or whipped cream on top. Dust with cinnamon or nutmeg.
Optional: Rim the glass with crushed gingerbread cookie crumbs for extra flair.
An ultra-creamy, chocolatey holiday drink with a hit of warm bourbon and a vanilla bean twist.
• 2 cups whole milk
• 1/2 cup heavy cream
INGREDIENTS:
• 1/2 cup high-quality dark chocolate (chopped or chips)
• 2 tbsp unsweetened cocoa powder
• 2 tbsp sugar or maple syrup
• 1/2 tsp pure vanilla extract
• Pinch of sea salt
• 2 oz bourbon
Topping: 4 large marshmallows
Optional garnish: grated dark chocolate, whipped cream, cinnamon
INSTRUCTIONS:
In a small saucepan over medium heat, combine milk, cream, cocoa powder, sugar, vanilla, and salt. Whisk until smooth and heated through. Add chopped dark chocolate and stir constantly until melted and silky. Lower heat if needed to avoid scorching.Remove from heat, then stir in bourbon. Taste and adjust sweetness or strength to your liking. Top with marshmallows. Add whipped cream, a sprinkle of cinnamon or nutmeg, and shaved chocolate.
Optional: Add a pinch of cinnamon and cayenne for spicy depth
Kid-friendly version: Omit bourbon and add peppermint extract or caramel syrup instead.
A luscious holiday cocktail with warming spices, rich texture, and a beautiful cinnamon garnish.
• 2 oz dark or spiced rum
• 3/4 oz cinnamon simple syrup
• 1 oz heavy cream
• 1 whole egg
• Dash of ground nutmeg
• Dash of vanilla extract
Garnish: cinnamon stick and a light dusting of nutmeg or cinnamon
Make Cinnamon Simple Syrup:
Combine 1/2 cup sugar, 1/2 cup water, and 2 cinnamon sticks in a saucepan. Simmer for 10 mins, let cool, and strain. Store in the fridge.
Add rum, cinnamon syrup, cream, egg, vanilla, and a pinch of nutmeg to a shaker. Shake vigorously for 15–20 seconds to emulsify the egg. Strain into a coupe or stemmed glass like the one in your photo. Top with a cinnamon stick across the rim and a dusting of nutmeg or cinnamon.
Optional: Add 1/2 oz chilled espresso for a coffee kick.
THROUGH DECEMBER 19TH
“What a Pretty Story” — Art Exhibit by Bryce Holt
Campanella Gallery, Norrington Center, Park University, Parkville
Park University hosts “What a Pretty Story,” an exhibit by Kansas City artist and co-founder of The Patrons, Bryce Holt. Through bold color and layered narratives, Holt invites viewers to become storytellers within each painting. Admission is free and open to the public.
DECEMBER 5TH
Christmas on the River
Downtown Parkville | 6:00 PM
Celebrate the holidays Parkville-style at Christmas on the River! Enjoy a festive evening filled with live music, a Christmas market, kids crafts, photo ops, and delicious treats like hot chocolate and kettle corn. Visit Santa, shop local vendors, and don’t miss the spectacular fireworks show along the Missouri River at 8:45 p.m.
DECEMBER 6TH-7TH
Weston’s Historic Holiday Homes Tour
Throughout Weston | 12:00 PM
Step into the spirit of the season during Weston’s beloved Historic Holiday Homes Tour. Explore beautifully decorated historic homes, enjoy shuttle service between locations, and soak up the small-town charm that makes the holidays magical in Weston. Tickets are valid both days, rain or shine.
DECEMBER 6TH
Liberty Hometown Holidays & Mayor’s Annual Tree Lighting
Downtown Liberty | 2:00 PM
Celebrate the season in Liberty at Hometown Holidays! Enjoy an afternoon of festive fun with photos with Santa, kids’ crafts, live music, a holiday market, petting zoo, games, caricature artists, s’mores, and refreshments. Cap off the day with the Mayor’s Annual Tree Lighting Ceremony at 5:10 p.m. This is a free event.
DECEMBER 6TH
PJ Party Crawl
Zona Rosa | 3:00 PM
Wear your jammies and hop between stores for free holiday activities! Get a stamp at each stop; visit all 11 and finish at The Rink for a special treat, a free children’s holiday book (1 per family), and a discounted offer to see Santa in his Winter Wonderland.
DECEMBER 7TH
Pet Photos with Santa Pete and Mac's | 5860 NW Prairie View Road, Kansas City | 12:30 PM
Bring your pets (and kids!) for professional holiday photos with Santa—all to support a great cause. This annual fundraiser benefits the Friends of Parkville Animal Shelter and welcomes every furry, feathered, and festive friend. Find more information at parkvilleshelter.com
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DECEMBER 13TH
Orange Easel in Platte Woods | 7617 NW Prairie View Road, Kansas City | 10:00 AM
Artists can explore five festive ornament stations using polymer clay, fibers, metal, and more—creating handmade treasures perfect for gifting or the tree! Register at orangeeaselart.com
DECEMBER 13TH
Orange Easel in Liberty | 249 W Mill Street, Ste 107, Liberty | 10:00 AM
Artists will decorate gingerbread houses using colorful craft supplies—no baking required! A fun, festive keepsake to display year after year. Register at orangeeaselart.com
DECEMBER 20TH
Zona Rosa | 11:00 AM
Indoorsy: A Weekend Market at Zona Rosa brings together Kansas City’s best small businesses in a cozy indoor space. Held one weekend a month, it’s a chance to shop, explore local vendors and activations, and enjoy samples, promos, and a coupon map highlighting Zona Rosa storefronts.
DECEMBER 20TH
Both Orange Easel locations — Platte Woods and Liberty | 10:00 AM
Preschoolers will celebrate the season with fizzy snowman science, a storytime reading of Snowmen at Night, mixed media snowman art, and winter-themed play stations! Register at orangeeaselart.com
At Oakhill, we guide tomorrow’s leaders through creativity, character, and community.
A Place Where Your Child Is Seen & Known
At Oakhill, small class sizes and caring teachers ensure your child isn’t a number — but a valued, unique learner in a supportive community.
Challenge, Enrichment & Experiential Learning
At Oakhill, learning goes beyond the classroom — students explore nature, tackle hands-on projects, try new ideas, and learn about the world around them.
Helping Every Child Grow and Thrive
We emphasize not just what students learn, but who they become — nurturing character, problemsolving, and 21st-century readiness in a missiondriven independent school setting.
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DECEMBER 20TH
Nailed It or Failed It
North Kansas City Public Library's meeting room | 10:00 AM
Test your creativity—and your sense of humor! Inspired by the hit show, participants in this fun library program for tweens and teens will attempt to recreate a themed project with hilarious, unpredictable results. Whether you “nail it” or “fail it,” everyone wins with laughter and creativity. Please register online at nkcpl.org
