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Washburn’s commitment to Shawnee County is to provide an excellent education at a manageable cost, including the Promise and Thrives scholarships. Eligible Shawnee County students receive $1,000 per year in the Thrives program, and you could receive a full-tuition award on the Promise scholarship.
April 2026
PUBLISHER
Blake Foster | blake.foster@citylifestyle.com
Investment. By definition, it’s the act of dedicating time, energy, or resources toward something with the hope of a worthwhile return. But in practice, it’s so much more. Whether it’s our community, relationships, finances, or personal growth, the things we invest in shape our futures and the lives of those around us.
We can invest in our community by supporting local businesses, schools, and organizations. Volunteering and mentoring are powerful ways to contribute to future generations. On a broader scale, participating in public surveys and staying informed about city planning are investments in the places we call home.
Financial investments help us build security and achieve long-term goals, while personal investments—spending quality time with loved ones or fostering deeper connections—bring immeasurable rewards to both ourselves and the people we care about.
While the ways we choose to invest may look different for everyone, the common thread is the hope of making a positive impact. This month’s issue explores various ways we can invest in our lives—whether by nurturing our community, planning for our financial future, or prioritizing the relationships that matter most.
Every investment we make is an act of hope and commitment. As you read this issue, we hope you’ll feel inspired to invest in the people, places, and dreams that matter most to you.
Here’s to a month full of growth, connection, and meaningful returns.
Happy April!
BLAKE FOSTER, PUBLISHER @TOPEKALIFESTYLE
CEO Steven Schowengerdt
President Matthew Perry
COO David Stetler
CRO Jamie Pentz
CoS Janeane Thompson
AD DESIGNER Andrew Sapad
LAYOUT DESIGNER Liz Nixon
SPECIALIST Anna Minnick
Our adoption professionals work together to ensure your voice is heard, your right are protected, and your heart is supported. Free consultation. Discreet and judgment-free. (785) 217-4603 call or text 24/7.
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An exclusive Q&A with City Lifestyle
ARTICLE BY ANGELA BROOCKERD
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.
A quick guide for simple ideas to start off your backyard kitchen garden. With endless health and medicinal benefits, combined with the beauty and enjoyment to be found, gardening is endlessly rewarding.
• Plant your vegetable options right into your beds with flowers, the pollinators (bees, butterflies and more) are attracted to the beautiful flowers and your veggies will easily and abundantly go-to-fruit, living harmoniously in one bed.
• Every garden needs a rain gauge - you’ll be surprised at how fun it is to check. There is nothing like rain water for your garden. (This is optional, but definitely fun).
• Get your family involved. It’s never too late!
• Just go for it, our local climate can be weird and often extreme but don’t let it stop you- the most success and fun I’ve had was just going for it. Experiment and see what you love and what works best for you!
• In most cases, when watering, don’t water the petals and leaves, (especially when they’re in direct sunlight) try to water straight to the soil. All they need is water, nutrients and light to thrive! (and maybe a little love helps too!)
• Don’t forget herbs: Lavender, Mint, Lemon Verbena, Oregano, Basil, Cilantro, Parsley and more. Don’t be afraid to skip the spice rack and grab your seasoning from the garden.
ARTICLE BY LAURA SANCHEZQUAN
Whether starting from seed or seedlings, you can’t go wrong with these options. Start with foods you know you like to eat.
They’re delicious, money-saving, good for eating fresh and for preserving. Tomatoes come in endless colors, shapes and sizes. Plant them in a sunny location with well-drained soil, ideally in full sun, and ensure they receive consistent moisture, supporting them with cages or stakes as they grow.
EGGPLANT:
Eggplant is a short season vegetable and a relative of peppers, potatoes, tomatoes and tobacco. It thrives in heat and full sun and can be deliciously made into baba ganoush and many other delicious dishes.
Okra loves our hot summers and full sun. Don’t wait too long to pick your okra, ideally harvesting them when they are 2 to 4 inches long. Can be eaten raw on a salad or best served deep fried. (The flower that turns into the okra itself is uniquely beautiful as well!)
Like tomatoes, peppers have many purposes and variations. Plant them in a sunny location with well-drained soil after the last frost, spacing them 18 inches apart, and provide consistent watering while ensuring the soil doesn’t become waterlogged.
Flowers bring joy to all five of our senses, but they also bring pollinators to our garden in order to ensure your backyard kitchen will produce lots of fresh fruits and vegetables. Not to mention they also contain health and even medicinal properties.
Make sure your hibiscus plants, whether tropical or hardy, get at least 6 hours of sun per day in order to achieve optimum blooming. Hibiscus flowers can be made into a delicious tea that can be served hot or ice cold (and is a good source of Vitamin C). With over 200 varieties of hibiscus world wide, their blooms only last a day or two! Stunning in all shapes, sizes and colors.
To the surprise of most people, marigold flowers are edible. Whether used fresh, dried, or infused into various beverages, Marigolds have a multitude of uses in the kitchen. An added benefit of planting these bright and low maintenance flowers next to tomatoes– they help keep pests away from devouring your tomatoes while also encouraging pollinators.
These bright, colorful garden gems have many benefits beyond their beauty and ease of care. Along with attracting pollinators, and being low maintenance they also have medicinal properties. Zinnias have antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties, they’re rich in antioxidants, and the natural compounds in zinnias can help calm irritated skin and reduce redness.
Plumbago is thought to have many health benefits, such as its anti-ulcer, anti-oxidant, and anti-cancer properties, resulting from its principal chemical components, which are concentrated in the roots, leaves, and stems of plants. This attractive light purple flowering plant thrives in the sun, and has moderate watering needs. Trim and prune to suit your own preferences of growth and it’s a welcome, abundantly beautiful member of any garden.
ARTICLE BY SOPHIE BROCK
FOUR SIMPLE WAYS TO INVEST IN YOUR MORNING AND START YOUR DAY OFF ON THE RIGHT FOOT
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
ARTICLE BY ALLISON SWAN PHOTOGRAPHY BY JANIE JONES
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 realworld 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 real-life 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
Sweet carrots and tart cranberries complement each other in every bite of this tangy couscous. It makes a light meal on its own but becomes a showstopper when spread on a platter and topped with braised meat, roasted cauliflower steaks, or seared tofu. If you want to add a little creaminess, serve the couscous with a spoonful of plain yogurt.
• 1 pound carrots
• one 15½-ounce can chickpeas
• 3 tablespoons olive oil
• 1½ teaspoons ground cumin
• ½ teaspoon ground ginger
• ½ teaspoon dried thyme
• ¾ teaspoon kosher salt, plus more for boiling
• ½ cup orange juice
• 1 cup water
• 1 cup dry regular or whole wheat couscous
• ⅓ cup sliced almonds
• 1 lemon
• ½ cup dried cranberries
• chopped fresh parsley for garnish
Directions:
Step 1. Preheat the oven to 425°F
Step 2. Peel the carrots and slice them diagonally into 1-inch ovals. Drain and rinse the chickpeas
Step 3. In a large mixing bowl, combine the carrots and chickpeas with 1 tablespoon of the olive oil, cumin, ginger, dried thyme, and ½ teaspoon of the salt, coating evenly.
Step 4. Line a rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper. Spread the seasoned veggies and chickpeas on it in an even layer.
Step 5. Bake until the carrots become tender, 25 to 30 minutes. Stir halfway through cooking.
Step 6. Meanwhile, in a medium saucepan over high heat, combine the orange juice, water, and ½ teaspoon of salt. When the mixture begins to boil, remove it from the heat, stir in the couscous, cover, and let stand for 5 minutes.
Step 7. When the carrots become tender, sprinkle the almonds on them and continue baking until the almonds lightly toast, 4 to 5 more minutes.
Step 8. Juice the lemon for 1 tablespoon fresh juice.
Step 9. In the same mixing bowl used to season the veggies, whisk together the lemon juice, 2 tablespoons of olive oil, and the cranberries.
Step 10. Fluff the couscous with a fork and add it to the carrots, chickpeas, and almonds. Stir well to combine.
Step 11. Serve warm or refrigerate for 30 minutes and serve chilled. Just before serving, stir in the parsley.
DISCOVER LUXURY AND FAMILY-FOCUSED RELAXATION AT LOEWS CORONADO BAY RESORT
ARTICLE BY ANGELA BROOCKERD
PHOTOGRAPHY PROVIDED
Perched gracefully on a private peninsula, surrounded by the waters of the San Diego Bay, Loews Coronado Bay Resort offers more than a vacation — it’s an invitation to immerse yourself in a world where coastal serenity meets refined comfort. Just minutes from the heart of downtown San Diego and the charming village of Coronado, the resort strikes a harmonious balance between easy elegance and meaningful connection.
From the moment you step into one of the resort’s 440 thoughtfully appointed guest rooms and suites, you’re welcomed by the coastal charm of soft textures, ocean-inspired palettes, and modern amenities. Spacious bathrooms—some with deep soaking bathtubs—invite you to unwind, while private balconies offer panoramic views that evolve with every visit. Whether you’re overlooking the downtown skyline, the Loews Marina, or the resort’s lush gardens and pools, each room presents a new angle of paradise.
For those seeking ultimate privacy and residential-style living, the resort’s eight exclusive Waterfront Villas are a destination unto themselves. Nestled just above the bay’s edge and set apart from the main property, these villas are
designed to feel like private sanctuaries, complete with generous living spaces and direct, unobstructed water views. Ideal for romantic escapes, special celebrations, or multi-generational stays, the Villas redefine what it means to “stay on the water.”
What truly distinguishes Loews Coronado Bay Resort is its ability to offer curated luxury alongside approachable, heartfelt hospitality. The resort’s team is known for going the extra mile—from greeting returning guests by name to remembering your favorite glass of wine at dinner. Whether celebrating a special occasion with a surprise amenity or creating custom family-friendly experiences, the personal touches here are genuine and unforgettable.
Guests enjoy in the abundance of on-site activities, including swimming, ping pong, cornhole, and a lively pool deck perfect for soaking in the Southern California sun. During the summer months, complimentary pickleball courts and the Loews at the Strand beach service—complete with lounge chairs, umbrellas, towels, and sand toys—make it easy to enjoy Coronado’s pristine shores. And for those looking to explore the island, a complimentary shuttle to Coronado Village offers a seamless way to enjoy local boutiques, restaurants, and historic sites.
CONTINUED >
At Loews Coronado Bay Resort, families aren’t just welcomed—they’re celebrated. With the Loews Loves Families program, every detail is designed to make traveling with little ones more joyful and effortless. Parents of babies and toddlers can take advantage of Hello Bello bath and bedtime kits, while Little Spoon purees are available through in-room dining and select resort restaurants.
Children will love the Loews Little Legend program, a fun and engaging activity series where kids can collect stamps while kite flying, swimming, and making s’mores under the stars. Complete the adventures over one stay or several, and young guests will be crowned a Loews Little Legend, receiving a special prize and memories to last a lifetime.
Even four-legged family members get the royal treatment. As a pet-friendly resort, Loews Coronado Bay makes sure your furry companions feel at home, with access to scenic gardens, the marina lawn, and nearby Silver Strand State Beach. Upon arrival, pets receive exclusive amenities, including gourmet treats crafted by the chef, bowls, a collar tag, and more—because pets deserve pampering, too.
No stay is complete without indulging in the flavors of Southern California, and Crown Landing, the resort’s signature restaurant. Helmed by Executive Chef Ana Rosales, the menu celebrates land and sea through sustainable partnerships with local purveyors like Catalina Offshore Products. Highlights include local catch of the day, rich seafood linguine, and a silky Coronado clam chowder spiked with jalapeño and bacon. Chef Rosales infuses the menu with the soul of her Mexican heritage, creating a culinary experience that is both comforting and elevated.
Cays Lounge, with its fire pit–lined terrace overlooking the marina and downtown skyline, is a favorite for evening cocktails and relaxed bites. For casual fare, La Cantina offers fresh, south-of-the-border flavors poolside, while Silver Strand Exchange keeps guests fueled with grab-and-go options for beach days and excursions.
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“It’s an invitation to immerse yourself in a world where coastal serenity meets refined comfort.”
At Sea Spa + Fitness, guests will discover one of the premier wellness retreats in San Diego. From CBD-infused massages and rejuvenating facials to side-by-side treatments for parents and children, the spa offers something for every traveler. One of the few resort spas in the region to feature a Watsu pool, Sea Spa is designed to restore body and spirit. Complimentary yoga, stretching, sound healing, and spin classes round out a wellness-forward experience that can be tailored to any level of activity.
With its own private marina, the resort is a natural playground for water lovers. Guests can rent paddleboards, kayaks, and sailboats right from the dock—or hop on a bike and explore the scenic Silver Strand Bike Path, a coastal trail bordered by the Pacific Ocean on one side and San Diego Bay on the other.
And for those visiting for business or group retreats, Loews Coronado Bay Resort offers versatile meeting spaces and scenic venues that seamlessly transition from day to night. From sunset sails off the marina to group pickleball tournaments and al fresco cocktail receptions, the resort offers countless ways to connect.
What makes Loews Coronado Bay Resort truly unforgettable is its one-of-a-kind location. Nestled on a secluded stretch of coastline with panoramic views of the bay, city, and Coronado Bridge, the resort feels worlds away from everyday life—yet it’s just minutes from the vibrant energy of downtown San Diego. Whether you’re watching the sun rise over the water from your balcony, dining under the stars with the skyline as your backdrop, or simply breathing in the salty breeze, every moment here is filled with possibility.
At Loews Coronado Bay Resort, luxury isn’t just about what you see—it’s about how you feel. And from the first welcome to the last look back at the bay, that feeling is unforgettable.
ARTICLE BY LEANN PARKER | PHOTOGRAPHY BY JANIE JONES
BRING THE BRIGHTNESS AND FRESHNESS OF SPRING INDOORS BY CREATING YOUR OWN FLORAL BOWL ARRANGEMENT.
Spring, come quickly! And if not, bring spring indoors anyway. Flowers brighten any room, any day of the year. No need to wait for a special occasion or holiday – give yourself permission to brighten everyday life with a bowl full of flowers. Place florals in an entryway, kitchen, living room space or even bathroom. Florals make any room come alive with pops of color and the smells of spring that’s just about ready to burst outside.
Consider this your personal invitation to play with flowers by creating your very own Floral Bowl Arrangement. Use any cereal bowl in the kitchen and a bundle of store bought flowers. For extra texture and depth, look for small spring branches and ornamental grasses found in your yard to pop into the arrangement, like I did here. Then, place your floral bowl in a place where you need that burst of joy most. Enjoy!
• 1 bundle of flowers (about 24 stems) + floral food packet
• spring branches & ornamental grasses found in your yard (optional)
• 6” bowl (cereal bowl size)
• floral shears (or garden clippers, kitchen shears, even craft scissors in a pinch)
• 12” square cut chicken wire
• wire cutters
• garden gloves to protect your hands when forming chicken wire
• clear floral tape (scotch tape will also do)
• lazy susan to easily move your arrangement and work from all sides (optional)
• First prepare the mechanics. The mechanics are the non-floral elements used to assemble a floral arrangement. These materials will act as a grid in which the flowers are built into to hold each stem in its place.
• Wearing garden gloves, cut chicken wire roughly into a 12” square. Loosely form the chicken wire into a ball and place inside the bowl.
• Use clear floral tape to make an X shape over the top of the bowl to hold the chicken wire securely into place. This will also give extra support when adding the floral elements later.
• Fill the bowl with water and mix in a flower food packet, if your flowers came with one.
• Begin to arrange floral elements into the bowl. As a general rule, you will want to start with the strongest, thickest stems and end with the most delicate stems. Here, I began with branches, then the largest base flowers followed by taller focal flowers, and finally delicate stems, grasses and wispy greens.
