Life + Culture

The Kansas City Ballet

bringing live theater shows this winter and thoughout the year Article by Allison Swan | Photography by Provided The Kansas City Ballet’s The Nutcracker is a beloved holiday tradition, captivating audiences with its enchanting story, stunning choreography and vibrant costumes and sets. From December 6th through the 24th, the Muriel Kauffman Theatre at the Kauffman Center for the Performing Arts will once again host this magical production. Kansas City Ballet Artistic Director Devon Carney...

Food + Beverage

Holiday Cheesecake

Article by Angela Broockerd | Photography by Janie Jones Graham cracker crust: 1 1/4 cups graham cracker crumbled 4 tablespoons sugar 5 tablespoons butter, melted Cheesecake filling: 38 ounces cream cheese at room temperature 1 1/4 cups sugar 1/2 cup sour cream at room temperature 2 teaspoons vanilla extract 4 large eggs at room temperature Preheat oven to 350° F.  Mix graham cracker crumbs together with sugar and melted butter until well incorporated. Press crust into the...

Food + Beverage

Bizz and Weezy Confections

Article by Judy Goppert | Photography by Bonnie Mitchell Jonathan and Amy Pitcher are the makers and mixers of these dreamy, unique, one-of-a-kind masterpieces. Their confectionary story began over 15 years ago when they both tired of their current jobs.    “We like to make truffles, fudge and cookies and give them out as Christmas presents to family and friends. That year, a friend approached us and asked for a custom order and offered to pay for it!” he noted. “We looked at each other and...

Food + Beverage

Gratitude in a cup

Explore the Offerings at Maps Coffee and Chocolate Article by Linda Ditch | Photography by Janie Jones If your day can't begin without a satisfying cup of coffee, be thankful Kansas City is a hot spot for craft coffee roasters. It's true! Many importers store their green coffee beans in local caves. This makes it easy for area roasters to get the product since they don't need to ship from across the country.  Maps Coffee and Chocolate has been one of those craft roasters for the past ten...

Home + Design

Barnhouse Custom Homes

Article by Allison Swan When it comes to creating a dream home, the team at Barnhouse Custom Homes know it’s about telling a story of the family who will live there, the memories that will be made, and the unique style that reflect each client’s personality. With their personalized approach and a passion for creativity, Barnhouse offers a seamless, full-service experience from start to finish. Over the past few years, Barnhouse has grown significantly. They expanded their team to include...

Food + Beverage

Aurora Café & Bakery 

A Taste of Tradition in Overland Park Article by Jenny Vergara | Photography by Bonnie Mitchell Growing up in Orange County, California, Javier Nuñez fondly remembers the comforting, regional Mexican dishes prepared by his grandmother, Aurora Meneses Arriaga, who learned to cook on the family ranch in Michoacán, Mexico. A beloved figure in their family, Aurora predicted—accurately—that Javier would marry Kerianne, his then-girlfriend, and after her passing in 2020, Javier and Kerianne, now...

Education

Unlocking the Future

Students are grateful for The Blue Valley CAPS Experience Article by Jamie Segall | Photography by Janie Jones As the first Center for Advanced Professional Studies (CAPS) program, Blue Valley School Districts' CAPS is going strong in its 15th year, and for good reason. This program benefits the community by providing opportunities for students, parents, professionals, and businesses. CAPS offers a real-world, immersive learning environment that prepares students for future jobs through...

Life + Culture

Thankful for the Journey

Article by Allison Swan | Photography by Janie Jones Billy Brimblecom Jr. is the CEO of Steps of Faith Foundation. Having lost his left leg to cancer in 2005, he reflects on his journey with thankfulness, often saying he wouldn’t change a thing about his experience. His trials have paved the way for him to help others facing similar challenges. With that spirit of gratitude, he has turned personal adversity into a mission of hope and mobility for others, especially through his foundation and...

Entertainment

Luminary Walk Celebrates 25 Years

Experience Holiday Magic at the Overland Park Arboretum & Botanical Gardens Photography by Andrew Rossi For 25 years, the Luminary Walk has continued to glow, not only as a symbol of holiday wonder but as a cherished community tradition.  Over the years, nearly 300,000 guests have embraced this event, building memories that span generations. Over the most recent decade, Luminary Walk has raised over $2.2 million to support the growth and preservation of the Overland Park Arboretum & Botanical...

Food + Beverage

Vita's Place

Article by Jenny Vergara | Photography by Janie Jones When Ryan and Jenny Sciara, the owners of the retail wine shop, Underdog Wine Co., travel finding great wine is always on the itinerary, one of their favorite things to do is seek out wine bars in the area, and sample a variety of wines while they soak in the local culture. They found the wine bars they loved the most, had a curated wine list, some wine-related cocktails and inspired small plates in a dark and cozy, intimate spot with old...