James “SugEasy” Singleton
“God did not just create us for one thing; he created us for everything. My journey has taken me to dance.” According to James “SugEasy” Singleton, everyone is born knowing how to dance. It is an argument that he has often successfully debated, but it is also this belief that is a driving force within a profession that seems to…
Martial ‘Art’ in Motion
Troost Avenue is widely regarded as one of Kansas City’s most prominent dividing boundaries. Since the 1800s, the road has divided ethnic and racial communities between its western and eastern sides. It’s fitting, then, that an organization seeking to bring unity and community to the forefront of their cause has taken up residence along that same road.
Wild Whims
Ariel Thompson is a ceramic artist and jewelry designer based in Kansas City. Inspired by functional beauty, she creates timeless pieces to make any woman feel confident as her best self. Her small run jewelry line and hand-picked elements create unique styles for the modern woman building a whimsical life.
Lester Estelle Sr.
Many fans of music may believe that all guitar players are basically the same. Those who sit in the audience when local musician Lester Estelle Sr. plays know otherwise. With unorthodox tuning, unconventional technique and undeniable passion, it is evident to even the most casual listener that his style is one of a kind. His ability and talent transcends genre…
Floral Flourish
In 2014, Leslie Brett embarked on a path of floral creativity with longtime friend Chuck Matney and today their business, The Little Flower Shop at the Westwood Hills Shops, is in full bloom. Enter through one front door of the cozy shop, and you’ll see floral designers at work fashioning everything from single stems or a $25 grab-and-go bouquet to…
Tavern at Mission Farms
Tavern at Mission Farms is an American-style restaurant located in Mission Farms. It features a diverse menu with an elevated twist on American classics. Great salads, sandwiches and seafood including a fresh catch of the day, as well as the hand-cut steaks, pastas and brunch dishes are all prepared fresh and tweaked in such a way that makes them unique…
Staycation in KC
No need to pack a suitcase—just pack this short list. Be a fan. Be one with nature—or not. Learn the backstory of your favorite summer brew. Be transported to an ancient culture. Meet some cool cats. Indulge in amazing eats—not just barbecue. Kansas City is where it’s at for amazing summer adventures.
SoTempting
In taking a brisk walk on Grand Boulevard near downtown Kansas City, it would be easy to stroll right past this inconspicuous establishment. But, by engaging in a more leisurely pace, a glance up would reveal a golden key which seems to direct the way to a vast black door with flattering accents. The air of mystery and intrigue will…
David Beal
David Beal's contemporary and classic oil portraits not only convey a likeness of the sitter, but it’s said his work captures the spirit and character of the individual subject. Beal began his professional painting career while in his teenage years in upstate Ohio. At the age of 16, he was recognized by President Gerald Ford for his large-scale murals, depictions…
A Mother’s Love
There are stories of motherhood that sit deep in the soul, grapple with emotions and send waves of inspiration that challenge everything known about a mother’s love. For Julie Chamberlin and Jenise Miller, their story encompasses this but is also one wrapped in faith, hope and sacrifice. It is a story worthy of praise and a tale of motherhood that…
Inspirational Women of Leawood
You may know her as your sister, your mom, your friend, your daughter. She is the woman who thinks of others first and strives to make a difference in the world around them, a woman who knows her true purpose with such confidence that she will influence generations to come by the example set forth. There are many inspirational women…
Jax Fishhouse & Oyster Bar
It is no secret that geographical location affects food choices. Being in the Midwest that choice is often comfort foods, brimming with satisfying starches and savory traditions. There's nothing wrong with these treats, but what if seafood is the mission? Particularly authentic, fresh and superb seafood? This may seem like a culinary fantasy best left for a visit to a…
Farm-to-Table
Combine all ingredients except oil and blend for 10 seconds. Slowly drizzle oil into the running blender to emulsify. Season to taste with salt and pepper A couple of years ago, I found myself in an argument with my father about the local and “organic” meat I had purchased. In his defense, he uttered “but all food is organic!” Unfortunately,…
Slow Food, Unplugged
Kansas City is a thriving food scene, a culinary landscape that boasts chefs, artisans, enthusiasts, growers, producers, restaurateurs and consumers eager to embrace the region’s bounty. After all, we live in the heartland and America’s breadbasket—a rich and plentiful area that provides the rest of the nation with premium corn, grain, beef and pork.
Kansas City’s Porter Teleo Has High Design Covered
Hand-painted, color-driven art free from the boundary of a canvas edge—this is Porter Teleo, a wallcovering line crafted in Kansas City and displayed in luxe locations worldwide. The wallcoverings unbound by scale are also free from geographic constraint. Porter Teleo can be found in high-end designers’ offices and showrooms from New York to LA. Designs are frequently featured in Elle…
Inside the Home of a Designer
My husband knew when I was repainting the living room of our previous home for the fourth time in four years that I needed a new challenge. He stumbled on this home, and one month later I had a new, very large project. As this is our fifth home, experience has taught us to bite the bullet and get the…
Barb Cosgrove Lamps
When visual artist and local resident Barbara Cosgrove sought to expand her audience beyond a limited number of patrons purchasing her original paintings, she decided to transition to designing lamps which she viewed as sculpture – art that could be designed, manufactured and readily accessible to anyone.
Rain Boot Media
Rain Boot Media creates interactive storybook apps for kids. Their mission is to inspire creativity and push technology to its limits on digital platforms while combining fine art, original stories and innovative games that are not only educational and wholesome, but also fun. They believe that when it's raining and pouring, a child's mind is never boring.
Welcome Home
When a condo-dwelling Chicago couple decided to build on a quiet street in Leawood Hills West, they sought green space, great schools and a firm with whom they could completely entrust the building process as they tied up loose ends in the windy city. They selected KOENIG Building + Restoration, to begin building their home in May 2015.
Wornall Home Family Memories Stirred by PBS Mini-Series
Sunday evenings this winter, when James Wornall and his family gather to watch the PBS Civil War miniseries Mercy Street, it feels as if they are watching part of their own family’s history. James is the great-grandson of John Wornall, a prosperous farmer and one of Kansas City’s earliest residents. Now in its second season, the television drama tells the…
A Healing Heart, Connected Spirit, and Strengthened Body
“There is reason why I am still alive.” Jody Matthews speaks eloquently about her life, her successes, and her challenges with a sparkle in her eye symbolizing both gaiety but also a touch of sorrow. Her enthusiasm radiates throughout the room, as she is genuinely joyful to be sharing her story with the world. It is a story that is…
Now is your time. Get healthy
January is my favorite time of year for health & fitness. This is the time of year that I most commonly get to work with clients that are fresh, raw & usually extremely nervous. These are people that have unwillingly found themselves in a place where they are simply unhealthy, out of shape & overweight. They are apprehensive, intimidated &…
A New Life For An Old Home
Arlene Ladegaard, an award-winning interior designer and her design team at Design Connection, Inc. brought this 1970s-Overland Park home up to date with an open floor plan and transitional furnishings that capitalized the existing features of the home such as large windows and the beautiful scenery of the backyard.
The Nutcracker
Jump-start your holidays with The Nutcracker, the must-see production by the American Youth Ballet. Experience the magic surrounded by snowflakes, sword fights, dancing dolls, a 40ft growing tree, and Tchaikovsky's music performed by the Overland Park Orchestra. Talented dancers, beautiful festive costumes, elaborate sets, and a live orchestra bring this iconic classic to life at the Johnson County Community College's…
The History of the Plaza Lights
For many of us, the holiday season would not be complete without a trip to the Country Club Plaza to see the lights. Rising in vertical and horizontal precision, the multi-colored lights trace the contour of the city’s Plaza shopping district in a dramatic blend of tradition, celebration and electric festivity.
A Lifetime of Gramercy
Darol Rodrock is a great autobiography in the making. In hearing his story, one would experience all the sentiments expected from an extraordinarily written, emotionally charged novel doused with deep feelings of love and compassion. It would speak of a troubled past and moments of disappointment, but it would also illustrate remarkable people and rewarding capstones. But Darol Rodrock is…
A Trip to Ecuador with Children International Changes Two Lives
Matt Staub, founder of marketing agency Proxima, snapped hundreds of photographs and recorded video once he and members of Children International set foot in Ecuador. Staub and the Children International (CI) team made their way to the nonprofit’s community center in Guayquil, Quito, as part of a nine-day trip. Located high in the foothills of the Andean mountains, the center…
Alex Talbott’s Journey
A popular question asked to young college graduates is, “Where do you see yourself in five years?” For Alex Talbott this question seemed simple enough: happily married, studying dentistry, and a continued life of physical health and wellness, and for the most part all of these aspirations rang true. But along the way a pretty significant obstruction halted Talbott and…
Costumes by Sarah Lodge
Many of my favorite childhood memories revolve around Halloween. Not so much the candy (I was a saver, not a binger) but the costumes. If we ever had a store bought costume, it was not one I remember. Growing up, my parents encouraged creativity in all things, and Halloween was no exception. There were wigs, face paint, paper mache heads…
Meet the Maker: Chad Hickman
Chad Hickman grew up right here in the Heartland, in Olathe to be exact. As a kid, he dreamed of Royals baseball and one day hitting the ball over the wall in the bottom of the ninth to win the World Series. Baseball was one of his greatest passions. That is why he, like so many other kids growing up…
Where the Wild Things Are Romp
The enjoyment of dressing up in a costume goes beyond just Halloween. They can turn parties in to a magical experience of fantasy and make-believe. Themed Parties, such as this literature-based “Wild Things” celebration can easily create a charming atmosphere for guests with just a few simple props, costumes and a creative food spread.
Bella Patina
Itâs 8:00am on a First Friday Weekend in the West Bottoms and a crowd gathers in front of a hundred year old building. What are they doing here? Why get up early on a Friday morning to drive down to this area of the city? They are committed to be the first people through three floors of vintage, antique and…
Local film-maker showcases KC on the big screen
In their first feature film, Trust Fund, co-producers and husband and wife team, Sandra Martin and Isaac Alongi, felt passionate about filming most of the movie right here in KC. Sandra, a Lee’s Summit native, and Isaac, who grew up in Prairie Village, both believed that KC was perfect for showcasing their first film. In the movie, Kansas City successfully…
More Starts Here
One hundred and fifty years ago, St. Teresa’s Academy (STA) was founded at 11th and Washington in Kansas City, Missouri. Since 1866, STA has educated young women as the first school in KC. What makes this all-girls Catholic high school so special is that they “educate the whole woman.” In addition to basic core curriculum, STA helps students grow in…
Big Slick
Once in a great while, maybe even once in a lifetime, we can have the sense that we are touching something truly remarkable and truly good. Many in the Metro Area know that Big Slick is a fundraiser for Children’s Mercy Hospital and that celebrities, David Koechner, Rob Riggle, Paul Rudd, Eric Stonestreet and Jason Sudeikis who call KC home,…
PATIO EATS & TREATS
In conjunction with a newly redone patio seating area and recently revamped menu, Red Door Woodfired Grill -- the Leawood restaurant that opened in 2013 and is described by General Manager Neal Edwards as upscale-casual with a comfortable, welcoming, cool, fun environment -- offers a variety of “comfort food done really, really well,” says Edwards.
Interior Transformations BEFORE AND AFTER
As is often the case in remodeling and updating a home, this Leawood homeowner thought the kitchen was the only part of the home that needed to be addressed. However, this one area was just the beginning of a complete makeover of the kitchen and master bathroom.
Exploring Costa Rica: A Kansas City Family’s Relocation
Lindsey Wade, part owner of RW2 Productions and The Guild in the Crossroads, and his wife, Jennifer, a 25-year apparel industry veteran, did what many of us only dream of doing and moved to their favorite vacation destination—Costa Rica. They have always had a passion for travel and adventure, and their love of surfing is what originally drew them to…
Cori Jo Hawkins
Between the sounds of the fiddle and the amazing stacking layers of four part harmonies, bluegrass music has been winning hearts around the world since the 1940’s. The sound of bluegrass music has been growing exponentially over the past 25 years, and there is a whole generation of young musicians coming up because of this musical movement. Bluegrass music is…
Pendergast’s Spirits Live on at Tom’s Town
Good friends don’t always make great business partners. But Steve Revare and David Epstein have broken that code. The owners of Tom’s Town, a craft distillery in the Crossroads District, grew up in Prairie Village, met in kindergarten and remained friends through high school at Shawnee Mission East and beyond. Early in their careers, they built a successful media company…