Local Services

Ethical Dog Breeders Do Exist

I recently read a post written by a dog rescue group. They had just acquired a "purebred" dog who was surrendered by its guardian. The guardian got this dog as a puppy from a breeder with the expectation that it would have a good disposition, a friendly demeanor and would not be aggressive.However, as the dog grew, it began displaying unpredictable behavior - attacks that were unprovoked which led to serious bites to humans and other dogs. The guardian could no longer care for it.The rescue...

Fitness

Sleigh Your Workout

Chiefs Fit crafted a simple workout routine designed to compliment your holiday festivities Article by Nick Deason | Photography by Becca Spears Santa's Squats Starting Position: Hold the weight against your chest, elbows tucked, and look straight ahead. Brace your core. Descent: Push your hips back and bend your knees as if sitting down. Keep your chest up and back straight, ensuring knees track over toes. Depth: Lower as far as possible while keeping heels on the floor and maintaining a...

Arts + Culture

Intentional Generosity

Financial advisor Barbara Gulin prioritizes generosity in her personal life and helps clients who desire to do the same Article by Barbara Gulin and Victoria Moore | Photography by Emmalee Rathsam and provided With Christmas quickly approaching, many could be tempted to believe it is too late to give this year. Barbara Gulin, president and owner of BG Wealth Advisory in Mission, Kansas, wants to encourage others that while the window is closing, the opportunity still exists to be generous in...

Beauty

Confidently Face the Harsh Winter

Local esthetician Leyla Sufi offers practical steps to keep your skin thriving through the dry, winter months Article by Victoria Moore and Leyla Sufi | Photography by Parker Hamrick Your skin tells a story.  As the colder months begin to settle in, your outer layer of protection is the first to feel the effects.  When the temperatures drop and the air gets crisp, it is easy to notice increased dryness, tightness, and flakiness. Leyla Sufi, owner of Leyla Sufi Skin in Kansas City, says...

Style + Beauty

Wrapping Paper Styles

Local blogger Bev Weidner gets festive with her holiday wrapping presentations Article and Photography by Bev Weidner Monochromatic flare: I was feeling darker tones, more patterns, more drama. The paper is from Amazon and the gauze and silk from Hobby Lobby. I like a good monochromatic flavor to life, so I applied it heavily this year. Citrus forever: I found this pale blue striped wallpaper and decided to make my entire life about it. I love this uniform look. Dried citrus  always...

Life + Culture

Blessed To Be a Blessing

John and Kristin Goodwin share how generosity has shaped their family and offers incomparable joy Article by Victoria Moore | Photography by Becca Spears John and Kristin Goodwin are no strangers to the topic of generosity. A quick Google search would reveal quite a resume for how they have given back and served the Kansas City community over the years. However, “what” they have done is not what makes the Goodwin family special. It is their “why.” The joyful spirit and the humility they...

Food + Beverage

Creamy Beef Ravioli Soup

A delicious way to keep warm this winter Article and Photography by Bev Weidner Ingredients: 1/2 medium red onion, diced 3 carrots, diced 5 cloves garlic, minced 3 Tbs. extra virgin olive oil 2 (15 oz) cans fire-roasted diced tomatoes 4 cups chicken stock 2 cups cream 1.25 pound frozen beef ravioli 4 cups chopped kale 1/2 lemon for the juice Parmesan cheese, for garnish Crushed red pepper, for garnish (optional) Coarse salt Instructions: In a large soup pot...

Food + Beverage

Coconut Pumpkin Ricotta Cake

Pizazz your pumpkin dessert in the Thanksgiving lineup Article and Photography by Bev Weidner It’s something else, this little cake. Not a dense bite in sight. We’re talking light and fluffy but with sass. Ingredients:  1 cup all purpose flour 1/2 cup sugar 1 Tbs. baking powder 1 Tbs. pumpkin spice 1/2 cup unsweetened shredded coconut Pinch of salt 1 cup ricotta cheese 2 eggs 1 Tbs. pumpkin extract 1 Tbs. coconut oil (olive oil or butter) Instructions:  Preheat your...

Life + Culture

Thelma’s Kitchen

A Table of Dignity and Connection Article by Jodi Mathews | Photography by Anna Petrow and Mike Sinclair On Troost Avenue—long recognized as Kansas City’s dividing line—Thelma’s Kitchen is working to flip the narrative. Rooted in the legacy of Thelma and her husband, Father Alexii, the café carries forward a spirit of radical hospitality that began over 30 years ago when their table was always open to hungry neighbors. What started as simple acts of mercy has grown into a social enterprise...

Life + Culture

A People-First Mentality

Genesis of Kansas City finds success in its first year of business by serving its employees, customers and community Article by Victoria Moore | Photography by Tate Cardinal and Becca Spears The sleek look, the textured interior, the luxury built into everyday life–a Genesis’s job is to empower and elevate its driver and the standard of what a vehicle should be.  Even with an incredible product, a Genesis dealership had never quite established a footing in the Kansas City Metro until last...