Life + Culture

Life’s a Marathon

…not a sprint, so enjoy the moments along the way. Article by Julie Swift Woods | Photography by Kristol Kumar Photography Who would have thought that this local periodontist would train for and enter into her first women's marathon at age 52? Well, I did! My name is Dr. Julie Swift and I own Topeka Periodontics at 3100 SW Huntoon St # 103. On November 16th of last year, I lined up with 7,000+ people at Every Woman’s Marathon in Savannah, Georgia. Excitement was in the air, and I was...

Sports + Recreation

Fun On Two Wheels

Grab Your Bicycle or E-Bike and Hit the Trails with the Kaw Valley Bicycle Club Article by Linda Ditch | Photography by Kaw Valley Bicycle Club Since 1971, the Kaw Valley Bicycle Club has welcomed people of all ages and skill levels to enjoy the benefits of cycling. They offer multiple weekly rides, mainly in spring, summer and autumn, but even in the winter, as a fun way to tour the city, socialize with fellow riders, and get or stay fit. Club president Lynn Cress says, "I like to bicycle...

Wellness

Finding Peace Through Self-Discovery

How a Local Enneagram Coach is Helping Others Thrive by Discovering Who They Truly Are Article by Amanda Knowland | Photography by Lindsey Wagers / Wagers Photography The Enneagram is a powerful personality framework that explores nine distinct types of people, each with unique motivations, fears, and behavioral patterns. Unlike other personality systems, the Enneagram focuses on the why behind actions, offering profound insights into what drives our thoughts and behaviors. Whether used for...

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...