Food + Beverage

From Our Kitchen to Yours

Four family-favorite recipes to bring warmth, flavor, and tradition to your kitchen Article by Amanda Knowland | Photography by Create Uplift In this special feature, we are bringing you an exclusive look into the kitchens of four of our magazine's advertisers. Beyond their business acumen, these entrepreneurs know how to whip up crowd-pleasing dishes that have become family treasures. From cozy comfort foods to delectable desserts, these recipes have been passed down through generations or...

Home + Design

Decorating Tips to Spark Joy

Porterfield's Designer Shows How to Utilize Your Everyday Decor for the Holidays Article by Linda Ditch | Photography by Eagle Aerial Solutions Patrick Wages has assisted customers at Porterfield's Flowers and Gifts for almost three decades in decorating their homes for the holidays. When it comes to his own abode, he enjoys enhancing his beautiful decor instead of packing it all away for the season. This allows him to enjoy the pieces he loves while making them festive for himself and his...

Life + Culture

No Grown-Ups Allowed

Make the Kids' Table the Star of Thanksgiving! Article by Kathy Graham | Photography by Lindsey Wagers/Wagers Photography Remember sitting at the kids' table every Thanksgiving? It always felt like a punishment for being one of the youngest in the family. Well, not this year! Check out these fun ideas to make the kids’ table the best seat in the house! Boredom is a buzzkill, so keep the little peeps busy with a fun activity. First, get a roll of craft paper at any local craft store. Cover...

Life + Culture

Deploying Faith and Healing

Helping Veterans and Their Families Deal with Trauma Article by Sue Baldani | Photography by Create Uplift In the 1960s, Steve Williams was a carefree kid enjoying life and spending time with his high school sweetheart, Rosie. In 1969, the 20 year old was drafted and was soon fighting a war in the jungles of Vietnam. “I was assigned to the 101st Airborne, 3rd of the 506, which was the Band of Brothers made famous in World War II,” he says. Steve had many positions during his year in combat...

Life + Culture

Rooted in Topeka

Meet a Topeka Dentist Who’s Put Down Roots in More Ways Than One Article by Kelsey Huber | Photography by Kristol Kumar/Kristol Kumar Photography Whether he's behind the dental chair or hosting family dinners with his homemade pasta, Dr. Andrew Lewis has a smile that makes people feel at ease. As the friendly face of his Topeka dental practice, Jowett & Lewis Family Dentistry, he’s all about making patients feel welcome and cared for. Dr. Lewis has been a dentist for 13 years, spending time...

Shopping

Saved Soles

The Dream, The Purpose, and The Pair Behind Topeka's Hottest New Sneaker Shop Article by Amanda Knowland | Photography by Lindsey Wagers/Wagers Photography When you step into Saved Soles, Topeka’s premier new shoe store, you’re not just walking into a shop—you’re stepping into a dream long in the making. Owned by Eric Patterson, Jr., and managed by his longtime friend, JB Beard, Saved Soles opened in July 2024. It’s more than a place to buy the latest Yeezys or Jordans; it’s a space born from...

Home + Design

Honoring the Past Building the Future

Crafting a Heritage Home for Washburn University's President Article by Kelsey Huber | Photography by Emma Highfill Photography It all started in early 2023 when Washburn University received a private donation to build a president’s home. “Our motto is ‘From Concept to Completion’ so when we learned that they needed someone who could not only draw up architectural plans, but then design the home, build it, and fully furnish it, we knew this job was a perfect fit for us,” said Tammy Thiessen...

Local Services

Enriching Young Lives

Programs that Support and Encourage Lifelong Success Article by Sue Baldani | Photography by Provided When Dawn McWilliams became the CEO of Boys & Girls Clubs of Topeka 13 years ago, she was thrilled. “I was a reserve officer for the Topeka Police Department, and I connected with some amazing families and young people,” she says. “I wanted to get more involved in helping them be successful.” The Clubs provide everything from before-and-after-school care, sports, and healthy meals to literacy...

Food + Beverage

Recipe for Success

Chef’s Culinary Journey from Grandma’s Kitchen to The Weather Room Article by Amanda Knowland | Photography by Kristol Kumar/Kristol Kumar Photography An exceptional meal is defined by a harmonious fusion of meticulously crafted flavors, artful presentation, and a dining experience that leaves a lasting impression on both the palate and the memory. For The Weather Room’s Chef Nubian Shell, his journey to one of the most beautiful restaurants in America began with humble kitchen duties...

Food + Beverage

Apple Inspirations

Delicious Recipes to Welcome the Flavors of Fall Article by Angela Broockerd | Photography by Janie Jones Apples are the trademark fruit of fall, and with the many varieties to choose from, there is an apple that is sure to please any palate. They can be included in both sweet and savory dishes and are delicious and incredibly healthful. We all have heard the saying, “An apple a day keeps the doctor away.” While they aren’t a cure-all, apples are packed full of polyphenols, antioxidants...