Lacerations, Biopsies, Excisions, Treadmills, X-Rays, Office Visits, DOT and Ordinary Physicals
Great primary care from an experienced physician for a low monthly fee, based on age. Appointments for Direct Primary Care patients. Walk-ins for anybody. 9a-8p weekdays & 9a-3p Saturdays
There's something quietly powerful about coming home. In the Golden City, where history and modern living intertwine so effortlessly, our homes tell stories of who we are, where we've been, and how we want to live next. This Home Issue is a love letter to those spaces that ground us, inspire us, and evolve alongside us.
Inside these pages, we step behind Old Walls, New Tricks , exploring how thoughtful renovations can honor a home's past while embracing the way we live today. We're proud to feature Thiessen Design + Construction, a visionary home builder, remodeler, and decorator whose work proves that luxury isn't just about finishes, it's about intention, craftsmanship, and creating spaces that feel deeply personal.
We also lean into the lighter side of home with The Joy of Tidying, a gentle reminder that clarity often begins with what we choose to keep, and what we let go. From beautifully organized rooms to streamlined routines, there's an undeniable calm that comes from living with purpose. And for those looking to bring life indoors, our hydroponics feature shows how innovation and sustainability can thrive right on your countertop, turning everyday living into something greener and smarter.
Of course, no home is complete without the rituals that bring people together. You'll find recipes designed to be savored, meant for lingering conversations, shared tables, and the simple pleasure of cooking in a space you love. As you turn these pages, we hope you feel inspired to reimagine your surroundings, celebrate the character of your unique home, and find beauty in both the old and the new.
Welcome home,
KATHY GRAHAM, EDITOR @TOPEKALIFESTYLE
PUBLISHER
Brian Rodehorst | brian.rodehorst@citylifestyle.com
EDITOR
Kathy Graham | kathy.graham@citylifestyle.com
STAFF WRITERS
Kelsey Huber | khuber2@gmail.com
Linda Ditch | lindaaditch@gmail.com
STAFF PHOTOGRAPHERS
Kristol Kumar | kristol@kristolkumar.com
Lindsey Wagers | info@wagersphotography.com
CONTRIBUTING WRITERS
Pam Reid, Kimber Patterson
CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS
Emma Tuttle, Janie Jones
CEO Steven Schowengerdt
President Matthew Perry
COO David Stetler
CRO Jamie Pentz
CoS Janeane Thompson
AD DESIGNER Andrew Sapad
LAYOUT DESIGNER Jamie Housh
QUALITY CONTROL SPECIALIST Anna Minnick
Proverbs 3:5-6
I have lived in Topeka my whole life and I have had the privilege of growing up with a Catholic education. I have had strong Catholic role models throughout my life who have shaped me into the person I am today. I spend my summers volunteering at Meals on Wheels preparing hundreds of meals for those who need it most. I plan to attend college and earn my diagnostic medical sonographer degree through the Kansas University Medical Center.
1. I LOVE to cheer!
2. I went parasailing in Gulf Shores, Alabama. 3 I have a twelve year age gap with my youngest sister but we are best friends.
Linked Planning Partners brings together trusted financial and tax professionals to create a more connected planning experience. Anchored by Link Wealth Strategies and joined in-office by Harmon Financial & Tax and Navigator CPA, this collaborative model allows independent firms to work closely while maintaining their own identities. Link Wealth Strategies also partners with additional CPAs and tax professionals beyond the office, ensuring clients benefit from coordinated, tax-smart planning built on communication, care, and long-term perspective.
Bolz Chiropractic is excited to welcome Dr. Michael Pearl, DC.
Dr. Michael Pearl is originally from Parkville, Missouri, he earned his B.S. in Kinesiology at Washburn University while competing as a decathlete. He earned his Doctor of Chiropractic degree from Cleveland University-Kansas City. Dr. Pearl treats patients of all ages and walks of life. He’s certified in the Functional Movement Screen and Selective Functional Movement Assessment to personalize treatment, improve mobility, reduce injury risk and help patients move with confidence. Visit bolzchiropractic.com.
Tae Kwon Do is an ancient Asian art form of unarmed combat designed for the purpose of conditioning ones Mind, Body, and Soul. It develops one’s health by increasing cardiovascular ability, strength, balance and flexibility. Along with these benefits one can gain more self-confidence, self-discipline, respect, and better focus.
Sun YI’s Academy is a nationally recognized and internationally accredited School of Martial arts. It is dedicated to the teaching of Traditional Tae Kwon Do. Currently, over 3000 black belts have been trained throughout the United States. Locations in KS, MN, NC, CA, TX, CO 410 SW 33rd Street, Topeka, KS 66611
ARTICLE BY KELSEY HUBER
“HYDROPONIC GARDENS ARE PRACTICAL AND EASY TO MAINTAIN ONCE THEY ARE SET UP. MOST SYSTEMS ARE SURPRISINGLY LOW-MAINTENANCE.”
Once upon a time, growing your own food meant a backyard, a shovel, and a tolerance for weeds. These days, it might just look like a sunny corner of your kitchen, a sleek little system humming quietly, and basil growing faster than you can make pesto.
Welcome to the world of home hydroponic gardening, where plants grow without soil, indoors, and often with surprisingly little effort. As homes and apartments get smaller and schedules get busier, hydroponics has become a great solution for people who want greenery, fresh food, and a little DIY joy in their living space.
Hydroponic gardening isn’t new, but it’s having a very modern glow-up. Several trends are fueling its popularity. Urban and apartment living is on the rise. Not everyone has a yard, but almost everyone has a counter, shelf, or spare wall. Homegrown food also guarantees that no preservatives or unwanted chemicals are in your food. And modern design-friendly systems look more like home décor than messy science experiments. Plus, there’s something deeply satisfying about nurturing a living
thing, even if it’s just a very enthusiastic head of lettuce. In short, hydroponics fits beautifully into the way many of us live now… compact, intentional, and health-conscious.
So what exactly is hydroponic gardening? The simplest explanation is growing plants without soil. Instead, roots sit in water enriched with nutrients, or in a neutral medium such as clay pellets or coco coir that delivers water directly to the plant. For home gardeners, that means no digging, no weeding, fewer pests, and fast growth. The plants get exactly what they need, when they need it, and they tend to thrive.
Why are so many people loving hydroponic gardening? Hydroponic gardens are practical and easy to maintain once they are set up. Most systems are surprisingly low-maintenance. Water refills every one to two weeks, occasional nutrient top-ups, and a quick check to make sure roots and pumps are happy, and you’re on your way! Many people find it easier than traditional gardening, especially if their previous plants met an untimely
demise from forgetting to water. Hydroponic systems recirculate water, using up to 90% less water than traditional gardening. And because it uses no soil, there are no muddy floors, no spilled pots, and no mystery bugs hitching a ride indoors. Plus, plants often grow faster and yield more because they are not working as hard to find nutrients. But one of the best benefits of hydroponic gardening is that it’s not reliant on Mother Nature. Snowstorm outside? No problem. Your indoor garden doesn’t even notice. You’ll get fresh produce year-round!
So, What Can You Grow at Home? While you won’t be harvesting full-size pumpkins in your living room (probably), you can grow an impressive variety of plants indoors. Start simple with lettuce and leafy greens (romaine, butterhead, arugula) and herbs like basil, mint, parsley, oregano, cilantro, and thyme. Once you’re comfortable, try your hand at cherry tomatoes, peppers, strawberries, or green onions. If it’s compact, fast-growing, and doesn’t need a deep root system, chances are it’ll be happy in a hydroponic garden.
There are many systems to choose from, so you can tailor your garden to fit any space. Vertical systems, countertop units, and slim wall setups make it easy to grow a lot in a little space. Which system is right for you? If you’re just starting out, countertop gardens are a perfect place to dip your toes in the water, so to speak. These gateway systems are compact, often self-contained, and great for kitchens where herbs and greens are at your fingertips. Want a little more room to grow? Shelf or
bookcase setups work well in apartments with limited natural light. Simply add grow lights to a standard shelving unit, and suddenly it’s a vertical garden. Go a little bigger with a full wall garden. These systems double as living art. Hydroponic wall systems are ideal for dining rooms, home offices, or anywhere you want a statement piece. Mixing the different colors and textures of the plants creates a living tapestry. If you’re more the hands-on type, building your own system using storage bins, pumps, and tubing can be a fun weekend project. It’s customizable, budget-friendly, and deeply satisfying.
Because hydroponic gardens are often visible, they become part of your home’s personality. Here are some tips for blending your gardens into your decor. Choose neutral or matte finishes for a modern look. Use warm grow lights to avoid the “science lab” glow. Pair your garden with wood, ceramics, or woven textures to soften the vibe. Treat it like a houseplant…just one that feeds you back. Done right, a hydroponic garden doesn’t just fit into your home; it elevates it.
There’s something quietly magical about snipping fresh herbs while dinner simmers, or watching new leaves appear overnight. Hydroponic gardening brings that joy indoors with no yard required. It’s practical, sustainable, and healthy. But it’s also unexpected, playful, and fresh. And in a home, that combination feels just right. So whether you’re in a studio apartment or a four-bedroom home, hydroponics offers a way to grow something green, fresh, and entirely your own, right where you live.
ARTICLE BY LINDA DITCH
WHY A FULLY INTEGRATED DESIGN-BUILD PROCESS MATTERS IN HIGH-END REMODELING AND HOMEBUILDING
Since its inception eight years ago, Thiessen Design + Construction has grown from a design-focused company into a fully integrated design-build firm offering homeowners a smarter, more precise way to bring their dream homes to life. Today, the company provides architectural design, interior design, and construction all under one roof, along with Home at Last, its custom furniture and curated décor store.
As today’s homeowners draw online inspiration from increasingly detailed, design-forward homes, the process of building and remodeling has become far more complex. Achieving that level of design requires early coordination, clear leadership, and a fully integrated team—without which uncertainty and costly surprises are almost inevitable.
Topeka City Lifestyle spoke with Founder and Creative Director Tammy Thiessen about the company’s vision, its approach to protecting homeowners’ investments, and what’s trending in the world of design.
TCL: In January, you posted on Facebook, “What guides us is a simple but meaningful purpose: supporting homeowners through the stress and overwhelm that can often come with building or remodeling.” Can you expand on that?
Thiessen: I started this company because I love design—that’s always been in our DNA. But as we continued to serve people, I saw that the real value we offer homeowners is leadership—taking an overwhelming, high-investment process and replacing stress with clarity.
We do that by assuming responsibility for leading the project from start to finish. By bringing
“WE INCORPORATE HEATING ELEMENTS SO PEOPLE CAN TRULY USE THESE SPACES FOR NEARLY THREE SEASONS.”
architectural design, interior design, and construction under one roof, we’re able to direct the project intentionally from the very beginning.
The level of homes people are seeing on Instagram today requires a completely different level of coordination. Those spaces aren’t just beautiful— they’re highly detailed, architecturally thoughtful, and technically complex. You simply can’t execute that level of design without the right structure behind it. Our integrated model exists because today’s homes demand more than a traditional, piecemeal approach.
When a client comes in and says, “These are my goals,” we translate those goals into a realistic plan—both creatively and financially. We design within real space and budget parameters from day one, always keeping the long-term vision for the entire home in mind.
That’s critical, because most homeowners only build or remodel once in their lifetime. They don’t know what they don’t know. We have a proven, systematic process that anticipates decisions and design desires before they become costly.
We ask how our clients live, design to support that lifestyle, and then execute that plan with precision. Our clients can be as involved—or as hands-off—as they choose, knowing the project is being thoughtfully managed.
TCL: And now you’re also doing architectural design?
Thiessen: Yes. We handled the architectural design and construction for Washburn University’s President’s home on campus—from the floor plan all the way to the furnishings. Through projects like that, we’ve found homeowners really need expert guidance when it comes to floor plans—designing spaces that truly support their family, lifestyle, and long-term needs.
Many of the homes people are inspired by online are designed holistically, with architecture, interiors, and construction working together from the very beginning. Bringing architectural design in-house allows us to align lifestyle goals and budget goals before a single line is drawn, which is essential for achieving that level of design in real life.
Today’s homes are no longer built from a simple two-dimensional floor plan. Achieving magazine-worthy results requires hundreds of detailed construction documents, elevations, and coordinated plans—which we create.
Having real cost clarity before breaking ground isn’t common, but it’s one of the most powerful protections a homeowner can have— especially in today’s market. We’re currently the only firm in our area structured to deliver that level of certainty.
TCL: What do you see trending right now in the design and remodeling space?
Thiessen: We’re seeing a return to more traditional applications—more molding and detailed woodwork. Wainscoting and picture molding are being reintroduced, and colors are warming up. There’s a lot more color coming back into homes.
Outdoor spaces continue to be huge. Here in Kansas, we’ve figured out how to incorporate heating elements so people can truly use these spaces for nearly three seasons.
Some fun things we’re building more and more of are wine rooms and golf simulator rooms. Wine rooms can often be created by repurposing underutilized square footage already in the home. One recent project tucked a wine room beneath a staircase, while another converted a lawnmower garage into a wine cellar. Golf simulator rooms are also trending, and we’re designing those as full entertainment spaces—with seating and bar areas—so they’re both functional and social.
“SO HOMEOWNERS CAN FEEL CONFIDENT IN AN INVESTMENT OF THIS SIZE, I ALWAYS WORK TOWARD DESIGN LONGEVITY—BECAUSE GOOD DESIGN SHOULDN’T NEED TO BE REDONE.”
TCL: What else would you like readers to know about Thiessen Design + Construction?
Thiessen: Our tagline is “From concept to completion,” because quality design involves every element—the layout, the design, the construction, and the furnishing of the space. For us, a project isn’t complete when construction ends. It’s complete when the home feels finished, intentional, and fully livable.
That means working with a partner who owns the entire outcome, so homeowners can feel confident in an investment of this size. I always work toward design longevity—because good design shouldn’t need to be redone. High-level design considers longevity from the start, protecting the homeowner’s investment for decades—not just trends.
To learn more about Thiessen Design + Construction, visit tdesigncompany.com.
PHOTOGRAPHY BY JANIE JONES
Setting time aside to gather as a family around the dinner table is a great way to connect without the distractions from the things that pull us away from the ones we love. Both the Maple Harvest Salad and Beignets can be prepared in advance for the busy families on the go. Enjoy!
INGREDIENTS Serves 1
• 1 portion Honey Roasted Cauliflower (3 oz.)
• 2 oz. Pomegranate seeds
• 3 oz. chopped Kale
• 2 oz. thinly sliced Brussel Sprouts
• 5 oz. Maple Molasses Dressing
DIRECTIONS
Toss all the ingredients, aside from the pomegranate seeds, into a large mixing bowl. Pour in the maple molasses dressing and lightly toss everything together, until everything has been coated in the dressing. Place on the middle of a plate, in a mound, sprinkle the pomegranate seeds over the salad.
INGREDIENTS
Honey Roasted Cauliflower (Yields 5 - 6 portions)
• 1 lb. of Cauliflower Florets
• 2 oz. Salt
• .5 oz. Black Pepper
• 8 oz. Honey
• 8 oz. Oil
DIRECTIONS
Chop cauliflower into small floret pieces. Combine everything together and toss until the cauliflower is evenly coated, roast in the oven at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for 15 mins.
INGREDIENTS
Maple Molasses Dressing (Yields 1 quart, 8 servings)
• 4.5 oz. Apple Cider Vinegar
• 3 oz. Maple Syrup
• 3 oz. Molasses
• 0.5 oz. Mustard
• 11.5 oz. Soy Milk
• 10.5 oz. Olive Oil
INGREDIENTS
• Chicken Breast
• Spaghetti
• Marinara Sauce
• Fresh Mozzarella slices
• Panko Breading
DIRECTIONS
Bread the chicken breast in the panko breading, then fry at 350 degrees F, until the internal temperature reaches about 170 Degrees F. In the meantime, slowly reheat the cooked spaghetti in the marinara sauce, once hot, set aside. After the chicken breast reaches the 170 degrees internal temp, spread the mozzarella onto the chicken breast and melt in the oven for about 3-5 mins. Twist the spaghetti into a nest, and place onto the plate. and place the chicken breast over the top of the pasta.
INGREDIENTS
Marinara Sauce (yields 8 - 10 servings)
• 1 #10 Can Crushed Tomatoes
• 1 lb. Onions, Diced
• 1/2 lb. Carrots, Diced
• 1/2 lb. Celery, Diced
• 1 oz. Garlic Cloves
• 1/2 oz. Dried Basil
• 2 Bay Leafs
• 500 ml Red Wine
• 4 oz. Water
• 2 oz. Sugar
• 4 oz. Oil
• 1/2 oz. Dried Oregano
• 2 grams Crushed Red Pepper
• 1/2 lb. Parm Cheese
• 1/2 oz. Black Pepper
• 8 oz. Tomato Paste
DIRECTIONS
In a large stock pot, preheat the oil until it reaches the smoking point. Add the diced vegetables and begin to sweat on high heat, once translucent, add the sugar and allow vegetables to brown and caramelize. Once Caramelized, add tomato paste and allow to brown. Deglaze with the red wine and reduce by half. Add canned tomatoes, spices and herbs, and the water. Allow to simmer over medium heat for about 1-2 hours. Transfer to a blender and blend on high speed until fully mixed, manually whisk in the parm cheese.
• 16 oz. Butter
• 32 oz. Water
• 32 oz. Flour
• 16 Eggs
• pinch Salt
• pinch Sugar
Bring the butter and water to a boil, incorporate the flour, salt, and sugar and fold over until the batter forms into a cohesive ball, with no patches of dry flour. Allow to cool for about 10 mins before throwing the batter into a stand mixer. With the paddle attachment slowly incorporate the eggs, one at a time, until the batter has absorbed all the eggs. Scoop into one ounce balls and fry in preheated oil at 325 degrees F, rotating the beignets for about 15 mins. Allow to cool and let the steam hollow out the inside of the beignets. Stuff with your choice of filling and sprinkle with powdered sugar and place on to a plate.
Chocolate MousseYields 5 - 6 servings
• 1-8 oz. Vanilla Pudding Mix
• 8 oz. Heavy Cream
• 32 oz. Milk
• 12 oz. Dark Chocolate
• 1/2 oz. Vanilla Extract
• 8 oz. Cool Whip
• 16 oz. Dark Cocoa Powder
1. Melt the dark chocolate into the heavy cream over a double boiler on the stovetop over medium high heat. Once mixed, allow 10 minutes to cool.
2. Meanwhile, mix all other ingredients together using a stand mixer until well combined. Slowly incorporate the melted dark chocolate/heavy cream mixture until well combined. Using a spatula, place chocolate mousse into a piping bag.
ARTICLE BY KIMBER PATTERSON
HOW TO GET STARTED AND STAY MOTIVATED
Call it spring cleaning or IG envy, but this is the time of year I want everything – and I mean EVERYTHING –organized in my kitchen and closets. While I’m pretty good at maintaining an already-tidied space, tackling the not-so-tidy closet is where I need help. Heather Bifulco of TidyHomes came to the rescue with some great advice on getting started.
“My biggest suggestion is that you start small,” said Heather. “Don’t aim to tackle your pantry or closet in one organizing session. Our clients really struggle with the edit phase of the organization, but by the end they completely loosen up and start to have fun. For example, start under the kitchen sink. Lots of wins to be had there!”
Great tip. Now I had a plan of attack.
Next up? Creating categories. Organizing a space means taking out EVERYTHING and categorizing. Once that’s done, Heather always thoroughly cleans to inspire the flow of great ideas and have a fresh slate. Consider everything from dusting the baseboards to replacing light fixtures to adding a coat of paint to change up and freshen the new look.
rid your home of things that don’t work, things you have a better version of, things you never use and things that no longer make you happy,” says Heather. The key word here is ‘things.’ “Whether it’s an old umbrella or a new pair of rain boots,” she said, “the ask is the same.” Deep breath. That green hat I’ve loved forever? Keep. Three versions of the same jacket? Donate. The pile of single gloves? Toss. Once I got going, it became easier and faster to make those decisions.
Once you can actually see everything you’re keeping, you want what you use most often within arm’s reach. Seasonal items can go on higher or lower shelves. The sweet spot of shelving is dedicated to what I need to grab daily. Heather found beautiful baskets and bins that make me happy just to look at them. “Finding containers you love will provide so much motivation toward completing an organization project,” she said.
Now for the fun (and sometimes hard) part: touching every item in the category piles and asking myself whether something actually serves a purpose. “This is the time to
The whole goal at the end of organizing is to have no clutter. That’s right, this isn’t an attempt to harness clutter, but to eliminate it entirely. That being said, some of us live with little people who contribute to clutter every day. Heather’s advice on that subject turned out to be life-changing. She suggests creating ONE drop zone, not several.
“My biggest suggestion is that you start small. Don’t aim to tackle your pantry or closet in one organizing session.”
Finally she revealed her most important tip.
“There are no exceptions to this,” she admits. “Labeling is the key to maintenance and to eliminating the pain of not being able to find something. We have so many beautiful options for labeling now that it shouldn’t even be a question. Label. Always label.”
Great advice from the top of my closet to the bottom. This is why I’ve already scheduled Heather to help me organize the entryway and kitchen! @tidystylehome
ARTICLE BY PAM REID
HANG UP THE OLD WAY AND TRY A GALLERY WALL HANGING SYSTEM IN YOUR HOME.
One of my happy places is sitting in front of a museum wall gallery. I can admire art for hours, and if I’m with a friend, there’s no telling how long we’ll sit, reflect, and share our individual perspectives. If you’ve admired gallery wall displays in magazines, catalogs, or on social media and would like to create one in your home, it’s much easier than you might think.
The first step in creating a gallery wall is planning. Start by selecting a theme or color scheme that complements your space. Themes can be as varied as black-and-white photographs, abstract paintings, or a mix of personal and artistic prints.
• A gallery wall hanging system, which typically includes mounting rails, cables or rods, and hooks. You can find them pretty much anywhere, online or at your local home improvement store.
• A collection of frames and artwork.
• A level, measuring tape, and perhaps a laser pointer for precision.
The arrangement of your gallery wall can follow several patterns, depending on your taste:
• Linear: Artworks are hung in a straight line at eye level, creating a clean and orderly appearance.
• Grid: Perfect for a collection of similarly sized frames, this layout emphasizes structure and uniformity.
• Salon Style: This more traditional arrangement involves layering pieces closely together, often extending across the wall. It’s ideal for creating a rich, filled look.
Carefully measure the wall space where you want to install the gallery. Consider the height and width available, keeping in mind furniture and other room features.
Arrange your artwork on the floor to finalize your layout. This “dry run” is crucial to get a feel for how the pieces will interact with one another. I like to use painter’s tape to create a visual of what my display will look like on the walls.
Following the manufacturer’s instructions, mount the rails at the top of your wall. Ensure they are level and securely attached. Attach cables or rods to the rails, then use hooks to hang your frames. The beauty of the system is that you can adjust the height and position easily.
Step back to view your layout from different angles. Adjust the spacing and alignment as needed to achieve visual balance.
