Health + Wellness

Forever Smiles

A foundation that helps children with cleft palate and craniofacial issues here and abroad Article by Linda Ditch | Photography by Provided A child born with a cleft palate or other craniofacial difference faces a tough road forward. Correcting the problem typically requires five to seven surgeries, as well as oral dental treatments for years to repair the condition. Add in the stigma that follows anyone who looks "different," and it is easy to see how hard life can be, both for the kids and...

Food + Beverage

Easy Homemade Pizza Rolls

Grab the kids to help prepare this fun snack Article and Photography by Bev Weidner Ingredients: • 2 large tortillas • 1/2 cup of favorite pizza sauce • Cheese of choice • Dried thyme Directions:  Slice the tortillas into even strips. Evenly and lightly spread some pizza sauce along each strip. Top with cheese of choice and sprinkle with thyme. Roll up! Pop in the toaster oven, seam-side down for about 5 minutes. Maybe 7. Just keep an eye on them until they’re browned on top and...

Health + Wellness

Arosa Care

Article and Photography by Life has a way of throwing curveballs. The mental stress and physical toll of a health diagnosis or the emotional road to recovery can leave individuals and families with burdens too heavy to carry alone.  Arosa Kansas City recognizes the impact these changes can have on a household, especially when they come out of left field. From patients to their pets, Arosa’s team of caregivers meets clients in their circumstances and are happy to share the load.  “In any life...

Life + Culture

Canines and Couture

Bejeweled pups modeling Vinca Jewelry collections Article by Victoria Moore | Photography by Emmalee Rathsam Poodle in Pearls, Standard Poodle Dasher is wearing Vinca's White Baroque Pearl Necklace, Tahitian Circle Pearl Strand and Peach Baroque Pearl Strand. Muffin , Long-haired Chihuahua Muffin is wearing Vinca's 27.5 Carat Trillion Cut Morganite Necklace in 18 Karat Rose Gold Beside her are Jade and Moonstone rings and Jade Bangles in velvet boxes Lola , French Bulldog Lola is...

Life + Culture

A Special Ingredient

PawAabilities teaches life and job skills to adults with developmental disabilties Article by Victoria Moore | Photography by Demdaco and Inclusion Connections Delicious dog treats, infectious smiles and a joyous atmosphere–this is what every customer can expect when visiting PawsAbilties in Olathe, Kansas. This specialty pet store sells handmade dog treats, toys and apparel, but one special ingredient sets it apart–its people. PawsAbilities intentionally employs adults with developmental...

Event Planning + Services

Creating Magical Moments

Travel agent Kristin Smith plans family vacations that turn into lifelong memories Article by Victoria Moore | Photography by Emmalee Rathsam and provided Watching your kids grow up is a magical thing. From first steps and first words to graduations and weddings, a lifetime of memories can add up quickly. Moments of Magic Travel agent Kristin Smith believes unforgettable moments can exist between the milestones, too. As a mom of two, she has experienced the incredible bonds and lifelong...

Travel

The Ultimate Kansas City Staycation

Locals rave about the luxurious experiences they receive at Sojourn Spa Article by Victoria Moore and others | Photography by Becca Spears Planning a getaway does not always mean leaving town. Sometimes, life does not allow for the luxury of a week-long vacation. When a few hours or a couple of days is all you have, Sojourn Spa is there to provide a luxurious, local escape.  With easily accessible accommodations and dining options, the enjoyment does not have to end after a day of wellness...

Travel

The Travel Dreammaker

Barb Wright curates unforgettable, luxury travel experiences for individuals, families and groups Article by Victoria Moore | Photography by Helen Ransom Barb Wright is the founder and luxury destination advisor of Travel Wright with Barb, and for the last three years, she has been making luxury travel dreams, no matter how big, come true.  “You can Google anything, but how do you Google the unGoogleable? That's where that's where I come in,” she said. “It's the most wonderful experience to...

Food + Beverage

Simple Blueberry Galette

Make a show-stopping summer dessert with just six ingredients Article and Photography by Bev Weidner Just six ingredients for an exquisite but simple summer dessert. It's tang meets sweet.  Tart meets depth. Texture meets... well, other texture. It’s got this vibrancy both in the berries  and  the simple layer of cream cheese underneath it. That, paired with the rustic homey flavors of a good ol’ pie crust? Stawpit. 1 pint blueberries 1 frozen pie crust, thawed 1 lemon, zested and...

Travel

Summer-Ready Confidence

Dr. Spencer Eagan of Ascentist Plastic Surgery specializes in natural-looking results Article by Victoria Moore | Photography by Janie Jones and Drake Sweet With summer comes longer days, warmer weather, and lots of time spent outdoors. But for some, it can also bring a renewed awareness of body image and feelings of insecurity. Dr. Spencer Eagan of Ascentist Plastic Surgery understands the value of being confident in your own skin. “One of the common things that we hear is ‘Oh, I'll never...