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...

Shopping

Gifting with VanBrock

Photography by Janie Jones

Arts + Culture

Festive Pomanders

Article by LeAnn Parker | Photography by Janie Jones What you will need Fresh oranges Toothpick or cocktail pick Whole cloves Citrus zester or lino cutting tool Twine or ribbon (optional) How to Assemble With a citrus zester cut decorative lines and patterns into the orange peel. Tip: Save orange ribbons as garnishes for cocktails, holiday charcuterie trays or stovetop potpourri. Use a toothpick to make a hole into the peel. This will help insert the...

Life + Culture

Aristocrat Motors: Driving Community Impact and Expansion

Article by Lauren Powers | Photography by Janie Jones As a staple in the Kansas City automotive landscape, Aristocrat Motors is known for more than its luxury cars; it’s a dealership with a heart for giving back to the community. With an impressive array of charitable partnerships and a commitment to supporting local causes, Aristocrat Motors continues to prove that community and commerce can thrive together. Aristocrat Motors has woven charitable giving into its business ethos, supporting...

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...

Fitness

Building Relationships for Wellness

Optimal Health and Wellness Goes Above and Beyond the Conventional Medical Model Article by Linda Ditch The difference between the Optimal Health and Wellness experience and a conventional doctor's office is evident the moment you enter. The reception area is a calm, welcoming space. The facility features soothing colors, beautiful lighting, and a cascading waterfall wall. The treatment rooms are more serene than the traditional cold, sterile space. Perhaps most telling is the time spent...

Local Services

Keep a good relationship with your insurance agent!

This is the best way to keep an eye on your insurance rates Article by Judy Goppert | Photography by Bonnie Mitchell Darien Lame, Farmers Insurance, understands the ups and downs and roller coaster that the insurance industry has become ever since covid hit in 2020.   “Corporations within the industry are still trying to make adjustments needed in order to be profitable again. Natural disasters such as wildfires, hurricanes, tornados, hail storms and earthquakes have all had large negative...