THERE'S NO PLACE LIKE - HER LIFE Magazine

herlife | contentsCOVER STORYLINDY RHODESPremier Kansas City homebuilder Lindy Rhodes started at the literalbottom rung of the ladder as a child, cleaning up yards and rough-ins forher homebuilder father. Joining the family business after college set her onthe visionary path she continues today with Allure Luxury Homes.36Locally-owned Blue Moose Barand Grill is giving Kansas City afresh take on the traditional barand grill menu. Read how theyare raising the bar in the AprilCravings feature!44features28 Spotlight36 Inspirations44 CravingsApril Trendsetter:Unique and gorgeous springstyles from Lavish Boutique.88Brent and Samantha: Aplatonic relationship turned fullblownromance after a trip toYosemite National Park. Readmore about their story in thismonth's Tie the Knot!11854728488104116118SpotlightSpotlightSpotlightTrendsetterSpotlightJust Sayin'Tie the Knot14 HERLIFEMAGAZINE.COM

herlife | contentsTo attain fabulous fringe, youwant to excel in three areas:preparing the eye for mascara,applying mascara, and, mostimportantly, choosing the rightmascara.32departments18 Welcome22 Favorites24 HealthIt is not necessary to skip thewine when eating a hot, ethnicdish or spicy food. However,here are some smartstrategies when it comes tofiguring out which wine todrink with a spicy meal.50Here are some tips for findingfabulous shoes that are cuteand comfortable—brand namehigh heels, boots and wedgesthat offer support while stilllooking luxurious.82Bad experiences can easilyhappen when we take travelinto our own hands. Readhow a professional traveladvisor can help you to avoidthese types of unpleasantmishaps.1123242485058627680829698100108112114122128BeautyCulinaryRecipesWineBook ClubScene and Be SeenMother’s PerspectiveGreen LivingFine ThingsWorking WomenFinanceReal EstateHomeTravelPetsCalendarStar Journeys16 HERLIFEMAGAZINE.COM

herlife | welcomeSPRING FLOWERSIpersonally love the four seasons. Of course I wish the coldest part of winter and the hottest part ofsummer weren’t so long, but I love what each season offers. Right now, I love the newness of theflowers blooming, the grass growing, the days that we can sneak outside and enjoy an afternoonplaying and running in the sun!My husband’s favorite part of any year is the lake season, and with that so close he cansmell it he is itching to fire up the boat and spend lazy weekends hanging out with the family andfriends. We go to a smaller lake that is about two hours away. I know he is excited to finally get inthe water and honestly, we all are! I just enjoy my family time when the phones don’t work; we areoutside so there are no video games or TV to compete for my kids’ attention!I wish I truly had a favorite time of the year, but I like what each of them has to offer and I lovethe fact that they are continually changing and moving into the next season. So as I am gettingbored with one, I see the light at the end of the tunnel to thenext one. I do wish that life would slow down a bit; it seemsto only go by quicker and quicker!My favorite time of the day is when life does slowdown, right after bath time and we are getting the kids calmand quiet and we all read books. I love that Griffin picks thesame books over and over again and laughs at the samelines over and over! One of the books we read is about howdifferent animals show love, the cats nuzzle, the butterflieskiss, the crabs pinch and of course, I always have to softlypinch him and he thinks it’s as funny today as he did thefirst time we read it to him years ago.Enjoy all the blooming that is going on in KC!Lindsay Aydelottephoto by heather morrow ofhocus focus18 HERLIFEMAGAZINE.COM

®STAFF AND CONTACTSPublisherLindsay Aydelottelindsay@herlifemagazine.com913-402-6994Associate PublisherKellie Paxton913-402-6994EditorMarilyn Isaminger913-402-6994Executive Account ManagerMichelle Cardermichelle@herlifemagazine.com816-516-9888Executive Account ManagerAnn Kohlsaatann@herlifemagazine.com913-638-8507Creative DirectorAshleigh Thomsonashleigh@herlifemagazine.comArt DirectorElana Bellelana@herlifemagazine.comDesign and ProductionTodd Granthamtodd@herlifemagazine.comContributing AuthorsChandra Blackwell, Ann E. Butenas, Lisa Taranto Butler, Hope E. Ferguson,Vicky Gilpin, Sherry L. Granader, Kimberly Horg-Webb, Kathleen M. Krueger,Jenny Matthews, Charity Ohlund, Linda R. Price, Bre Roach, John Sandbach,Hallie Sawyer, Candi Smith, VeryCulinary.com, Catie WatsonContributing PhotographersEd Sandoval and Associate Presley Ann, Freeland Photography,Jenna Huffman Photography, Adrienne Maples Photostudios,Heather Morrow, NightlifeKC.com, Kellie Paxton, Ron Berg Photography andWard Parkway Center, Tracy Routh Photography,Brooke Vandever, VeryCulinary.comTo contact HERLIFE ® Magazine:7275 West 162nd Street, Suite #107Overland Park, KS 66085Phone: 913-402-6994 / Fax: 1-866-827-6851For Advertising call 913-402-6994© 2013 by HERLIFE® Magazine. All rights reserved. Although some parts of this publicationmay be reproduced and reprinted, we require that prior permission be obtained in writing.HERLIFE® Magazine is owned by HERLIFE Magazine, LLC and is a free publication distributedlocally and is supported by our advertisers. It is available in selected specialty stores,doctor and dental offices, medical spas, hair and nail salons, tanning salons, public librariesand numerous other high traffic locations. Please call for a location near you or if you wouldlike copies placed at your business.We do not necessarily endorse the views expressed in the articles and advertisements, norare we responsible for the products and services advertised. We welcome your ideas, articlesand feedback.SUBSCRIPTIONSSubscriptions are available for $20 (for 12 issues). Please go to www.herlifemagazine.com or mail acheck made out to HERLIFE ® Magazine to the above address.20 HERLIFEMAGAZINE.COM

herlife | favoritesJust one? I love all seasons, which is why I love livingin Kansas City so much!It will always be fall! Fiery leaves, caramel mochas andfuzzy scarves can't be beat.Lindsay AydelottePublisherAshleigh ThomsonCreative DirectorFall, hands down! I love theair, the smells, the colors, thefalling of the leaves, and cozyclothes.Kellie PaxtonAssistant PublisherSTAFF PICKSSeasonal changes invigorate usall, giving a new view of the worldas the year unfolds. A season mayhave special significance becauseof a memory, an activity, or thefragrance in the air. We askedHERLIFE staff to discuss theirfavorite season and why eachbrings us to life. We hope ourreaders will share their best-lovedtime of the year, as well.Everybody else loves the fall,but personally, I prefer autumn.Todd GranthamDesign and ProductionSpring! Azaleas, forsythia, wisteria, daffodils-the sightand fragrance of Southern gardens and the softness ofthe air.Marilyn IsamingerEditorDefinitely Fall. I love the the changing colors in the landscape,the crisp cool air and of course- football season!Michelle CarderExecutive Account Manager22 HERLIFEMAGAZINE.COM

herlife | healthnationalfoothealthmonthby linda r. priceDo Alexander McQueen’s 10-inch Armadillo shoes turn youon? Do you need Blahniks, Pradas, or Christian Louboutinsto feel gorgeous? Are you into ballet slippers and flipflops?Throbbing feet are a small price to pay for glamorousfootwear, you say. Not so fast!The American Podiatric Medical Association (APMA) estimates thatthe average person will walk nearly 100,000 miles in a lifetime and manyof our problems are caused by poorly fitting shoes. Long-term wearingof stiletto heels can cause permanent damage to tendons, shorten calfmuscles, throw the back out of alignment, and produce ankle injuries,joint damage, osteoarthritis as well as hip and back pain. But it’s notjust stilettos that cause problems. Wearing thin-soled, unsupportive flatscan cause shin splints, stress fractures and plantar fasciitis. Narrow toeboxes can cause ingrown toenails, neuromas, bunions and hammertoes.24 HERLIFEMAGAZINE.COMCommon Foot Ailments And How To PreventAnd Cure ThemAbout 25,000 ankle sprains occur daily, many from tripping or fallingwhile using high heels. The ligaments that hold the ankle bones inposition become stretched or torn, causing the victim pain when tryingto use the joint. Remember RICE for immediate relief: rest, ice (20 minutes,four times a day), compression (ACE wraps), and elevation (ankleabove heart level as much as possible). Severe sprains are treated withsplints, crutches and physical therapy.Plantar fasciitis is caused by stretching the ligament that connectsthe front of the foot to the heel. Improperly fitted shoes, weight gainand increased activity can cause the ligament to swell and becomepainfully inflamed. Treatment consists of stretching exercises, custommadeorthotics, a shot of cortisone, and even surgery, depending onthe severity of the problem.Neuromas are nerve tissues between the toes that becomethickened. A common cause is using shoes with a narrow, tight toebox. Using roomier and flatter shoes, cortisone injections and antiinflammatoriesrelieve the condition in most people. Others may needsurgical correction.Bunions and hammertoes are typically caused by shoes that aretoo wide in the heel and too tight in the toe box. Have both your feetmeasured and buy shoes that fit the larger foot. Minor surgery may benecessary to correct the problem if over-the-counter pads or cushionsdo not work.Achilles tendons become permanently shortened from excessiveuse of stilettos. Athletes who increase their jog or run too quickly areother victims of Achilles tendonitis. To relieve the discomfort: rest, useice for 20 minutes four times a day, and take anti-inflammatories. Physicaltherapy and custom-made orthotics may be recommended if thepain has not lessened in about two weeks.Comfortable ShoesProper shoes are shoes that have arch support and cushioningto absorb shock with a heel lower than 2 inches high. The numberof consultations caused by use of fashionable stilettos increased 75percent between 2005 and 2009, according to the American Academyof Orthopaedic Surgeons (AAOS). Even worse, some women aredemanding procedures (such as the Stiletto Prescription, or “Pillowsfor Feet,” toe tucks and trimming of the little toe) to help their shoesfit better.In a strongly worded statement, the American Orthopaedic Footand Ankle Society’s (AOFAS) position statement on cosmetic footsurgery condemned the procedures. “Cosmetic foot surgery shouldnot be considered in any circumstances and the Society does notcondone its practice.”Women are on their feet all day and need comfortable shoes. It’sa small wonder that doctors are being hired as consultants by shoedesigners and are creating their own shoe lines. Dr. Lisa Masterson’sTherafit Shoe is designed for women on the go. The shoes have differentlayers and densities that cushion and support the shock deliv-Continued on page 26

Getting you back todoing what you love.Celebrating Occupational Therapy MonthGladstone, Kansas City, Lansing, Lenexa, Lee’s Summit*Occupational Therapy offered in Kansas City, Lansing and Lenexa clinicswww.preferredptkc.comered by your foot on impact. Orthopedic surgeon Taryn Rose createdthe Eponymous line of ergonomically designed footwear made of fineItalian leather and Poron® memory foam.Diabetic Foot CareDiabetes is one disease in which the patient must pay closeattention to her legs and feet. Nerve damage and decreased bloodflow to the feet leading to necrosis may necessitate amputation ifnot carefully monitored. The American Diabetes Association estimatesthat 20 percent of diabetics who seek hospital care do so forfoot problems.Diabetics must wash and carefully pat their feet dry each day.Feet should be examined daily for dry, cracked skin, blisters, warmthor tenderness when the feet are touched, and ingrown toenails, cornsand calluses. Diabetics need to refrain from exercising when open ulcersare present on the feet. Good shoes for diabetics are those withno inside seams, closed toes and heels, at least ½ inch extra spaceat the end of the longest toe, firm outer soles and shoes at least aswide as your feet. Never wait to seek medical attention for a minorfoot problem. Foot problems are much easier to treat when attendedto early. ■Sources: health.com, magazine.foxnews.com, webmd.com,and aofas.org.26 HERLIFEMAGAZINE.COM

herlife | healthBREAD & ROLLSCOLD CUTS &CURED MEATS2One 2 oz. serving, or 6 thinslices, of deli meat can contain as muchas half of your daily recommendeddietary sodium. Look for lower sodiumvarieties of your favorite lunch meats.1Some foods that you eat several timesa day, such as bread, add up to a lot of sodiumeven though each serving may not seem high insodium. Check the labels to find lower sodiumvarieties.PIZZA3A slice of pizza with several toppings cancontain more than half of your daily recommendeddietary sodium. Limit the cheese and add moreveggies to your next slice.4Sodium levels inpoultry can varybased on preparationmethods. Youwill find a widerange of sodium inpoultry products,so it is importantto choose wisely.5SOUPPOULTRYTHE6 SALTYThe American Heart Associationrecommends that you aim to eat less than 1,500mg of sodium per day. As you gear up for yournext grocery store run or order from the menu,keep the Salty Six in mind.Sodium in one cupof canned soup canrange from 100 toas much as 940milligrams-morethan half of yourdaily recommendedintake. Check thelabels to find lowersodium varieties.SANDWICHES6A sandwich or burger from a fastfood restaurant can contain more than 100percent of your daily suggested dietarysodium. Try half a sandwich with a sidesalad instead.PROVIDED BY:

herlife | spotlightWeston Family Clinic and Med Spaby ann e. butenas | photography by ed sandoval photographed by associate presley annYou deserve total wellness. You deserve to find that wellness in a warm,inviting and friendly atmosphere where you are treated with compassionand respect and in a place that leaves you feeling fully rejuvenated fromhead to toe.Welcome to Weston Family Clinic and Medical Spa. Overseen byDr. Debra Keith, this one-of-a-kind retreat for the mind, body and spirit is yourpersonal oasis of health and well-being. With its main location in Weston and asatellite location on North Oak in the Creekwood Medical Plaza in North KansasCity, the caring and professional medical staff at each location ensures the resultsyou desire to achieve.Dr. Keith began her career in the medical field as a registered nurse, graduatingwith a BSN from Truman State University in 1978. After working as an RN for fouryears, she began medical school at the University of Health Sciences, now knownas Kansas City University of Medicine & Bioscience.After an internship at Lakeside Hospital, she completed a residency in familypractice at Trinity Lutheran Hospital. Board-certified in Family Practice, Dr. Keithprovides care for all ages.After moving to Weston from Kansas City 13 years ago, Dr. Keith continuedworking for St. Luke’s at the Weston Family Clinic and ultimately purchased theclinic from them six years later. Since that time she has not only maintained herfinger on the pulse of her thriving medical practice, she also incorporated the spaservices to complement that end. While her comprehensive medical services arethe backbone of her practice, Dr. Keith equally enjoys tending to the spa side ofher business.28 HERLIFEMAGAZINE.COM

“It is such a fun thing to do,” she said. “I enjoy recreating people’s beauty, notchanging them, but giving them confidence and more self-esteem. For the mostpart, people don’t mind getting older. They just don’t want to look older.”Among the spa services offered are laser vein therapy, laser hair removaland the popular injectable products, such as Botox® and Dysport, through whichclients can enjoy a younger, softer, less tired, and less angry look to their countenance.“I use Botox® and Dysport for the upper face, targeting such things ascrow’s feet, the brow and the forehead,” noted Dr. Keith.For treating issues below the eyes, Dr. Keith relies upon Juvéderm. “It’s amazingthe difference this product makes in reducing those fine lines and wrinkles,”she noted.In addition to the spa services, Dr. Keith is excited about the HCG WeightLoss Program she offers. “I have struggled with weight issues my entire life, and Iam passionate about helping people lose weight,” she said.The HCG protocol Dr. Keith uses is pure, safe and highly effective. Supervisedby a doctor, clients can be confident not only in its quality, but also in its safety andeffectiveness.“You can find similar products over-the-counter, but you don’t know what youare getting with those. The drops we get come from a reputable prescription compoundingpharmacy that has been doing this for 40 years,” emphasized Dr. Keith.“Before I offered this product, I did the research and tried it myself first. It workedfor me and is a fabulous program with extremely high success rates.”The HCG Weight Loss Program has been in existence in Europe for over 60years. Through this physician-supervised program, clients stick to a 500 calorieHERLIFEMAGAZINE.COM 29

per day diet, along with the HCG drops, which serve to boost the metabolismwhile keeping hunger and cravings at bay. It forces the bodyto use stored fat for fuel and helps women burn 2,000 calories a dayand men 3,500 calories a day. Therefore it is not a starvation diet.“This is an amazing program that allows people to not only loseweight but to get healthy in the process,” noted Dr. Keith. “I have hadpatients who have been able to quit taking medication for high bloodpressure and who have been able to quit taking insulin. HCG breaksdown food for fuel, not for storage, as it sensitizes a person's insulin."While results may vary, on average, women can lose from 18-22pounds in 40 days and men will typically shed a pound a day. Anotherdistinct advantage is that patients will not have to deal with loose skinafter significant weight loss, as the HCG destroys the fat cells.Before clients begin the program, Dr. Keith will take a completemedical history to make sure it is safe for them to do this. Thepatients will then come to the office on a weekly basis for measurements,weigh-in, and blood pressure and pulse checks. “We monitoreach person very carefully to ensure his or her complete health andsafety, as well as the success of that patient,” said Dr. Keith. Thebest part? Patients typically tend to keep the weight off. ■30 HERLIFEMAGAZINE.COM

HERLIFEMAGAZINE.COM 31

herlife | beautytop mascaras& applicationby vicky gilpinExceptional eyelashes emphasize this season’s bold, dramaticeye trends, whether metallic shadows, intense liquid liner orthe continued dominance of the smoky eye. To attain fabulousfringe, you want to excel in three areas: preparing theeye for mascara, applying mascara and, most importantly,choosing the right mascara.Pre-mascara PreparationHow you prepare your eyes before mascara application can preventproblems such as smudges later in the day.This is important for two reasons: most womenare too busy to check a mirror every fiveminutes to see if their makeup has gone onvacation, and smudged mascara is oneof the top beauty blunders that cangive others in the workplace a negativeimpression when it counts,such as in an interview or when meeting new clients.First, make sure your face and eyes are clean and dry, as youdo not want to layer new makeup on top of old makeup whose timehas passed. Using one of the many high-quality primers availablewill keep your eye shadow from smudging and reduce oil. You wantto apply your primer, eye shadow and liner first, and then set withpowder, before applying mascara. Trying to do a quick fix up withliner after applying mascara can cause falling makeup specks. Beforebeginning mascara application, add a layer of loose powder underneathyour eye, and have a tissue available to hold under your bottomlashes to catch clumps before they hit your face.You might also use an eyelash curler to get the most fromyour lashes; but never use a curler while wearing mascara, as thatincreases the tendency of breakage or snapping. A tool many peoplefind useful is a heated eyelash curler that will neaten and curl youreyelashes prior to mascara application, often a necessity for peoplewho wear glasses but also love the modern extending mascaras and32 HERLIFEMAGAZINE.COM

don’t want makeup on their glasses.To reduce clumping,squeeze the brush in apaper towel to removeexcess product, asopposed to scrapingthe brush against thelip of the container,which creates unevendeposits that mayrequire repetitiveapplications thatincrease the likelihoodof falling flecks.Mascara ApplicationThe application procedure may differ dependingon what type of mascara is beingused. Read the back of every product, assome may require multiple swipes, specifyingwhether or not to let the lashes drybetween passes, while others emphasizea single swipe to avoid spidery or clumpylashes. The tried-and-true method of wigglingthe mascara brush at the base or rootsof the eyelashes before drawing the brushalong to the tips of the lash is still an effectivestrategy, but some mascaras, particularlythe extenders that contain fibers, can shedcolor deposits during this procedure.Some people move the mascarawand to deposit color, but others move theeyelashes themselves in a winking motion.Another suggestion is to look in the oppositedirection; for example, if you are applyingon your top lashes, look down. Whetheryou have your mouth open or closed duringthe process is up to you; no research hasindicated benefits of either method over theother, but proponents swear by their preference!Continued on page 34HERLIFEMAGAZINE.COM 33

Looking at official product sitescan help you narrow down yourselection by learning what thecompanies indicate about theirproducts.After applying the mascara, remove the tissue from underneaththe bottom lashes and carefully brush or wipe away the excess powderused before the application. You should be gratified not to seeany flecks or smudges on your face.So Many Choices!Right now is the best time to buy mascara because there areso many choices available! However, be aware of what you want in amascara, or you are likely to end up with a lot of products in the bottomof your makeup drawer before you find the perfect one for you.A little research goes a long way toward an educated purchase thatwill satisfy your needs. Looking at official product sites can help younarrow down your selection by learning what the companies indicateabout their products. Reading reviews is also beneficial, but not allreview sites are created equal. A combination of sources with professionalmakeup experts as well as woman-on-the-street experiencescan help you discover what is right for you. For example, perusing theGood Housekeeping and Allure sites can help you narrow your searchor throw some contenders out of the running. In addition, if you see awoman with fantastic lashes, ask her what she uses! Even in the professionalworld, people like to know they look good, and most womenare thrilled to enthuse over their favorite products.Maybelline’s Great Lash ® ’s familiar green and pink containercontinues to lead the pack in popularity, as does Lancôme®’s originalDefinicils, but Benefit’s They’re Real! ® is a new favorite. In addition,L’Oreal’s Voluminous False Fiber ® lashes combine intense black,extreme lengthening, and long wear for an excellent combination thatcan keep you looking your best throughout the day! ■34 HERLIFEMAGAZINE.COM

HERLIFEMAGAZINE.COM 35

herlife | inspirationsLINDYRHODESImproving Lives OneHome At A Time36 HERLIFEMAGAZINE.COM

Sometimes it takes more thanan amazing pair of sparklyred shoes to get to a placeyou can comfortably layyour head. In fact, it maybe a better idea to find yourself an amazinghomebuilder—and as far as homebuildersgo, it doesn’t get much better than someonewho has both a pioneer spirit and a deepunderstanding of everything it means to comehome.Lindy Rhodes was born in California(Pioneer roots? Check!), raised in KansasCity and strives to make life better forKansas Citians—by paying close attentionto how they live. That’s where her Heartlandupbringing comes in, and where her innerWest Coast pioneer meets typical Midwestchildhood sensibilities:“When I was a kid, I preferred to be outside.I grew up in a neighborhood with lotsof kids my age, and we were outside all thetime—playing sports, games, riding bikes,by chandra blackwell| photography by tracy routhphotography | hair styling by allison cunningham ofdouble take salon and day spa | makeup by samanthalevi with pinkie coutureHERLIFEMAGAZINE.COM 37

etc.,” said Lindy. “My brother is 18 months younger than I am, andmy mom often said it was like having twins. We both had high energylevels,” she continued with a chuckle, “and were 'encouraged' to gooutside and burn it off.”Lindy’s most vivid childhood memories are of family get-togethers.“I have a large extended family and we were often together,” shesaid. “Every June, we would drive to Wyoming to visit my dad's sideof the family in a small town (population approximately 350) calledTen Sleep, where we spent a lot of time hiking, fishing and horsebackriding. And every August we attended our annual family reunion—which we call ‘Big August’—at Table Rock Lake in Branson, Missouri.All of my uncles, aunts, andcousins attended. It's stillgoing strong and this yearwill be the 42nd Annual BigAugust Reunion.”A StrongFoundationBesides Big August,one unique thing aboutLindy’s childhood is that shegrew up as the daughter offamed local homebuilderDusty Rhodes, who offeredher and her brother apriceless education in theconstruction industry—andit started when they werekids.“When we were young,my dad would take mybrother and me along tocheck jobsites, so that wecould see firsthand howhouses were constructed,”Lindy recalled. “We weregiven tasks, like cleaningup yards or the insidesof rough-ins, while Dadchecked in with the subcontractorsand the progressof the homes.” Even as ayoung girl, Lindy was conscious of how her father interacted withthose involved in the building process.To echo Burt Bacharach, however, a house is not a home untilsomebody makes it one. (Well, that’s not exactly how the songgoes—but close enough.) As she grew older, Lindy’s father beganintroducing her to homeowners at site meetings. “He always emphasizedthat homebuilding was a collaborative effort,” Lindy said,adding, “I will always remember a homeowner telling me how Dadworked with him on structuring a payment plan that allowed him andhis family to build their new home. ‘Your father is a wonderful humanbeing,’ he said. I still think of that comment often, and it inspires meto have the same client experience with every home that I build.”From the Ground UpLindy grew up in the Shawnee Mission school district and attendedKU, majoring in personnel administration. From there, shejoined the family homebuildingbusiness—butshe didn’t just glide in on asilver forklift; she started atthe bottom. “After college,I began an apprenticeshipprogram in the business,starting as a laborer andeventually working my wayup to a construction superintendentposition,” sherecalled, adding that joiningthe family business was, inmany ways, more challengingfor her than taking ajob in another field. “Somepeople might assume thatit’s easy to be involved in afamily business,” she saidthoughtfully, “but I felt drivento work harder, to have moreattention to detail. If youthink about it,” she continued,“your family is the firstteam that you’re ever on,and everyone wants you tosucceed. I was motivatedto do well, because I didn’twant to let them down.”After many years of superintending,Lindy obtainedher real estate license,which allowed her to seeyet another side of the building business. “I continue to take onlineclasses in both homebuilding and remodeling,” she said, “in order tostay current.”Well, okay, “current” may be a bit of an understatement. Let’snot forget the entrepreneurial California part of Lindy’s personality—thesame part that led Lindy and her brother, along with another38 HERLIFEMAGAZINE.COM

HERLIFEMAGAZINE.COM 39

partner, to start a new homebuilding business in the midst of a recession—whichperhaps makes “visionary” a better term. “We reinventedourselves and adapted to the market,” she said of Allure LuxuryHomes, her new venture. “My family has a 50-year legacy of buildingthousands of homes in Kansas City and that matters to me. However,I’m reminded it is meaningless to dwell on past successes. We’vecreated a company that’s questioned everything and scrapped anyshred of ‘that’s the way we’ve always done it’ thinking.”Building the DreamAnticipating the next question, Lindy made it clear that she andher partners began their new endeavor with their eyes wide open.“We even asked ourselves if we were crazy. Who starts a new homebuildingcompany in this crazy market, when over 300 of our fellowbuilders in the Kansas City metro were getting out of the business?”Crazy? Maybe. But sometimes all it takes to turn a crazy ideainto a brilliant one is the knowledge and determination to make itwork—and a keen sense of what people want to come home to.“Our culture gravitates to sameness,” Lindy asserted. “We tendto shop in the same big box stores, wear the same fashions, etc., soone of the biggest rewards in what I do comes from creating livingspaces that reflect each buyer’s individuality. It’s fun to watch howempowering it becomes for clients to be involved in the process ofbuilding a home that’s made to order just for them.”Allure Luxury Homes builds homes unique to the buyer, Lindysaid—“no cookie cutter homes allowed!” But in order to do that,Lindy goes back to the lessons she learned from her father aboutinteracting with clients. “We ask what matters most to the buyers andhelp them define what they want, even when they can’t quite articulateit,” she said, adding, “Our real distinction is designing the homearound their unique ‘fingerprints’ through consultative meetings.”Though she doesn’t say it in so many words, it seems like thesemeetings are just as much of a benefit to her and her partners asthey are to Allure Luxury Homes’ clients. “As a builder, you gain realinsights into people’s everyday lives,” she said. “Life is hectic, and it’srewarding to know we’re making people’s lives easier.” In addition,she said, “Buyers are more specific now about what they want in their‘dream home’ than they were 10 or 20 years ago. They don’t want tosettle for someone else’s dream, but demand a home that’s uniquelytheirs.”Home is Where the Flow IsIn an industry that has seen its share of challenges over the pastfew years, Lindy keeps business strong with a laser-sharp consumerfocus, and a penchant for pairing beauty and practicality. “Thefeatures I find most important in a home,” she said, “combine bothfunctionality and design. No industry has been spared from a slowingeconomy—and there’s pressure to do more with less—but that’s ourworld and we’ve accepted it for what it is. We insist on a clearly definedmessage that appeals to the lifestyle of today’s buyer: homesthat are functional, but with a definite ‘WOW’ factor—or, as we like tosay, ‘where WOW meets function.’“For example,” she continued, “whose vacuum cleaner doesn’tget entangled with coats in the coat closet? While it seems obvious,we realized an appealing cabinet for storing a vacuum cleanerand long-handled brooms was all but nonexistent in homes. So weintroduced a ‘command center post’ off the garage entry that’s nowthe heartbeat of everyday living: seven-foot alder cabinetry for storage,a compartment for keys, drop zone and charging station forphones, built-in cubbies, lockers, desk and upper cabinets. And ourclients are finding new ways to make this ‘second foyer’ even morefunctional, with washer and dryer or utility sink located in the garage.No more dragging gym bags, dirty cleats and uniforms through thehouse!”So what does an innovative master builder like Lindy considerthe crucial elements of her own home? “A great kitchen is key,” sheinsists, letting her heartland upbringing show. “Let’s face it—it’swhere our family and friends tend to gather. I’m a fan of an open layoutthat flows into other areas such as a hearth room or screened-inporch. Again, while the kitchen needs to be functional, it should alsohave enough ‘WOW’ factor to create a space that you love.”Overall, though, Lindy insists that it’s all about the flow: “A keycomponent to great design is flow, and it’s often the one that is missing.Regardless of the specific architectural style, if a home has goodflow, the rest tends to fall into place.”Sounds very California, doesn’t it? Nonetheless, Kansas City iswhere this homebuilding legacy’s heart is. “I love this city, and whatI’m doing! I plan on staying here, and intend to continue buildingour business into one of the most recognized quality homebuildingbrands in Kansas City.”To find out more about Allure Luxury Homes,visit allureluxuryhomes.com, or call 913-851-4444. ■40 HERLIFEMAGAZINE.COM

herlife | culinaryHOMEMADEPASTAby sherry l. granaderWe can thank southern Italy for a wheat-flour dough thatcomes in a myriad of shapes and sizes equally, toppedwith varied sauces and ingredients. It is actually quiteeasy to make pasta at home as mixing and kneadingthe dough takes about ten minutes before letting it restfor 30 minutes. Rolling and cutting the dough takes another 10-15 minutesdepending on how fast you go and if you have any helpers. Treatyourself to this amazing delight and break out the pasta maker that youhave stored on the shelf and get rolling.Once the pasta is made, you can cook it right away and toss itwith some delicious ingredients like grilled shrimp or chicken, broccolior asparagus, olive oil, garlic and sun-dried tomatoes. Other optionsinclude drying it and freezing it for later use. When it comes tocooking fresh pasta, it only takes about four minutes in boiling, saltedwater for al dente pasta (with a little firmness).Here is a basic recipe for egg pasta that can be rolled out andcut into any shape you desire. A pasta maker makes this processmuch easier, especially when it comes to making spaghetti, flat orangel hair noodles.Measure the flour into the bowl; make a well in the center of theflour and add the yolks, egg and salt. Whisk the eggs with a fork tocombine and gradually pull in the flour from the bottom and sides ofthe bowl. Do not rush this process—it will eventually form into very softdough. Don’t worry if you have not used all the flour.Turn the dough out onto a clean surface and begin to gently foldYou will need:• 2 cups all-purpose flour (if you use self-rising flour, omitthe salt in this recipe)• 3 egg yolks• 1 whole egg• 2 teaspoons sea salt• ¼ - ½ cup waterthe dough onto itself, flatten it out and fold again.The dough will be very soft at first but will graduallyfirm up enough to knead it. As you knead the dough,add more flour to prevent it from sticking to your fingers or thecounter surface. The goal is to create a dough ball with very few airbubbles. If you cut into the dough and see a lot of air bubbles, keepkneading until a smooth ball is formed.Place the ball of dough inside a clean bowl, cover with plasticwrap or a plate and let it rest for 30 minutes. Please note: the doughcan be placed in the refrigerator for 24 hours; however, make sureyou bring the dough up to room temperature before rolling it out. Dividethe dough into four equal portions, dust with flour and cover witha clean dish towel. Keep all the dough well floured to prevent it fromsticking to the roller or itself.If you have a pasta machine, set it to the thickest setting, usuallyone inch. If not, you can roll each section out into a paper-thinrectangle and cut dough crosswise into 1/8-inch strips for narrownoodles or ¼-inch strips for wide noodles. Shake out the strips andlet them dry on a towel for about two hours. A pasta machine allowsyou to feed the pasta crosswise between the rollers, once or twicemore until smooth. If you like a chewier texture, fold the pasta againbefore putting it through the roller as this strengthens the gluten inthe flour.Switch from the pasta roller to the noodle cutter and run thesheet of pasta through the cutter and place in a bowl. Toss thenoodles with a little flour to prevent them from sticking as you gatherthem together into a loose basket. Cover with a towel while you finishrolling out the rest of the dough. Please note: It is actually easier toroll all the pasta at once before getting into the cutting process.Bring a large pot of water to a boil, add about a teaspoon of saltand cook about 4-5 minutes until al dente. If you choose to store yourhomemade noodles, it is important to dry the pasta before storing solay it out to dry over the back of chairs, use coat hangers or a dryingrack. Let it dry completely before storing it in airtight containers. Itwill last for several weeks. You can also freeze the pasta for up tothree months, keeping in mind it may take a minute or two longer to42 HERLIFEMAGAZINE.COM

cook from the frozen state.You can add anything to pasta for a delicious meal: almonds,herbs, chicken or shrimp, vegetables, olive oil, parmesan cheese,even toasted bread crumbs. The satisfaction experienced from makingsomething so wonderful out of simply eggs and flour is amazing,and there is no comparison to ‘fresh’ homemade pasta. ■Source: Culinary School, University of MontanaIt’s going to be warmer sooner than you think.Get ready for everything summer has to offerwith an Optimal Meal Plan from Healthy Meals,Inc. Look great. Feel great. Jump into summerwith fresh, chef-prepared meals delivered rightto your door each morning.It’s not just nutrition…it’s life.Special Offer: Sign up for 12 weeks and get anadditional 4 weeks of meals for FREE!Call 816.587.6325herlife.healthymealsinc.comHERLIFEMAGAZINE.COM 43

herlife | cravings44 HERLIFEMAGAZINE.COM

luemoosebar & grillby charity ohlund | photography bybrooke vandever - brookevandever.comIsn’t it great to be an American?This thought comes to me during all of the expected moments(playing of the National Anthem, fireworks on July 4th), but the sentimentis equally strong when I walk into a grocery store and see aisleafter aisle of food neatly lined up to the edge of the shelves as if I amthe only shopper on earth and when I walk into a bar and grill.The bar and grill concept is quintessentially American. And it is awesome.When someone invites you to join them at a bar and grill, you neverask, “What’s on the menu?” or “What should I wear?” because you knowthat it will likely satisfy any possible craving from deep-fried cheese andjuicy burgers to seafood, pizza and steak and you can wear exactly whatyou are wearing right now.And when you are lucky enough to have a neighborhood bar and grillthat you absolutely love–as I do with the Blue Moose Bar & Grill in PrairieVillage–well, then you are living the American dream, my friend.The Blue Moose is locally owned as part of the KC Hopps family ofrestaurants, and corporate chef Ryan Sneed has somehow managed tokeep all of the cravability of a traditional bar & grill menu while simultaneouslyinjecting new and fresh options that constantly have me saying tomy dining mates, “No, go ahead and order...I can’t decide!”Yes, there is warm spinach artichoke dip, but there is also bakedbrie en croute. Yes, there is classic style pizza, but there is also fig andprosciutto pizza topped with caramelized onions, baby arugula and abalsamic reduction, which I often cannot live without. While my boys eatkids’ meals of mac and cheese, I can actually build my own grown-up macand cheese with toppings like butter-poached lobster, white truffle oil andgrilled asparagus. The grill itself is unique in that it is hickory-wood-firedinstead of being a simple gas or flat top grill. In short, everything I loveabout a bar & grill is just that much better at The Blue Moose.HERLIFEMAGAZINE.COM 45

The dining room is cozy and comfortable with a huge fireplace onone wall, while the spacious patios are perfect for welcoming springwith a margarita or for hosting your own private event.The bar is a regular meeting place among my girlfriends,although we often try to jog a few miles through the neighborhoodbefore hydrating with a Boulevard Tank 7 beer. If I promise myselfan order of smoked salmon rillette, which is house-smoked Atlanticsalmon preserved in butter with a lemon-chive créme fraîche andcrispy crostinis, I can even push through a punishing uphill grind.I’m tempted to not even share my thoughts on the Blue MooseSunday Brunch because it is so incredible and affordable that I’d liketo keep the secret to myself. But in the spirit of American generosity,I will share a few numbers with you. Eleven: the number of cheeseoptions on the omelet bar. Twenty-two: the number of dishes on thebuffet. Ninety-five plus the child’s age: the number of cents it will costyou to feed your 4-to-11-year-old kid. If you get there before me onSunday, you totally owe me your seating beeper for telling you aboutthis brunch, so be prepared to hand it over.Starting this spring, the Blue Moose is going mobile with theaddition of the Moose Truck, a fully functioning food truck that isavailable for private events. From employee appreciation parties andgolf tournaments to wedding receptions and block parties, the MooseTruck would add that elusive “it” factor to your next event. In fact, I’mhiding this issue from my husband because I’m considering hosting asurprise birthday party with the Moose Truck parked right in front ofour house. If you see him before this summer, shhhhhhh…I concluded my recent visit with dessert, which is a bit of a rarityfor me at the Blue Moose (I consider Tank 7 my dessert). And thereis was again…a twist on a tried and true classic. It was the mostadorable line of chocolate mini bundt cakes sitting on rich chocolatesauce and served with fresh raspberries. As I popped each warmcake into my mouth, I had a singular thought…God bless America. ■The Blue Moose Bar & Grill is located at 4160 W. 71st Street inPrairie Village, KS; call 913-722-9463 or visitthebluemoosebarandgrill.com to review the menus.Hours are Monday through Wednesday, 11am to 12:30am.;Thursday through Saturday, 11am to2am.; Sunday, 10am to 12am. Additionallocations of the Blue MooseBar & Grill are in Overland Park, 9100W. 135th Street, 913-825-1777, andthe newly-opened Lenexa location at10064 Woodland Road, 913-213-6950.A self-professed foodie whose kitchen essentials include bacon, blue cheese, a French press and Sriracha, CharityOhlund can be found eating her way through Kansas City's culinary scene with her chef husband. Her food andrestaurant writing has been published in Reader's Digest and KC Magazine, and on FrothyGirlz.com and Yahoo.com. After graduating from the University of Kansas with a journalism degree, Charity worked for Fairmont Hotels& Resorts in Scottsdale and Chicago before moving to Kansas City in 2006. When she isn't cooking, eating orchasing after her two young sons, Charity is busy running Maddy Nash, the personalized clutch purse company shefounded. Maddy Nash handbags can be found at Clique Boutique, HOOPLA Studio and at MaddyNash.com.photo provided by heather morrow of hocus focus photography46 HERLIFEMAGAZINE.COM

herlife | recipesOpen-Faced Roasted Asparagus with Fresh Ricotta and Pestorecipes and photography by veryculinary.comMakes 4 servingsPrep time: 10 minutesCook time: 15 minutesIngredients:½ pound asparagus, rinsed and toughends removed2 Tablespoons extra virgin olive oil, plusmore for drizzlingsalt and pepper1 to 2 teaspoons lemon juice4 slices rustic bread¼ cup pesto½ cup fresh ricotta1 scallion, choppedDirections:1. Preheat oven to 450 degrees.2. Lay the asparagus spears out in a single layer on a nonstick baking sheet.Drizzle the olive oil over the spears, and sprinkle with a little salt and pepper. Rollthe asparagus back and forth until they are fully coated. Bake for approximately10-12 minutes, depending on how thick your asparagus is, until lightly brownedand tender when pierced with a fork. Drizzle with the lemon juice.3. In the meantime, drizzle a little more olive oil over the bread slices and toastlightly. Spread about a tablespoon of pesto onto each slice, and spoon a fewtablespoons of warm ricotta on top, followed by a couple of asparagus spears anda sprinkle of chopped scallions. Finish them off by drizzling a tad more olive oil andgrinding on a little black pepper. ■48 HERLIFEMAGAZINE.COM

Apricot Curry Deviled Eggsrecipes and photography by veryculinary.comMakes 24 halvesPrep time: 10 minutes (assuming eggs are already boiled and peeled)Ingredients:12 large hard boiled eggs, peeled½ cup light mayo3 Tablespoons apricot preserves1 teaspoon curry powder½ teaspoon saltpinch of cayenne pepperDirections:1. Cut eggs in half lengthwise and gently squeeze yolks into a medium-sized bowl,reserving the white halves. With a fork, mash the yolks with the mayo, preserves,curry, salt and cayenne until smooth.2. Using a Ziploc bag (with a corner cut), pipe the mixture into the white halves.3. Serve right away or refrigerate until chilled. ■HERLIFEMAGAZINE.COM 49

herlife | winespice it up!wines that go with spicy foodsby sherry l. granaderThank goodness the rules about combining spicy foods andwine have relaxed quite a bit. It is not necessary to skip thewine when eating a hot, ethnic dish or spicy food. However,there are some smart strategies when it comes to figuring outwhich wine to drink with a spicy meal; one is to start with theheat of the dish.Lower-alcohol wines go well with high heat dishes due to their residualsugar and sweetness. Look for a German Riesling marked “QbA”or “Kabinett” on the label, which will offer a touch of freshness to themeal, or, for more sweetness, look for “Spatlese.” All will offer a melodiousflavor to any spicy entrée.Another option is from France, known as Vouvray, that offers ahigher alcohol content with a sweet, almost fruity flavor. Austrian winesThere is always room forChampagne or other sparklingwines that offer a favorablecontrast to a hot, spicy meal. Thecapsaicin spice is actually alkaline,not acidic like the wine, creating anice balance. When in doubt, headfor the bubbles. The acidity of thewine will balance the alkalinity of thecapsaicin in your dish.are also a good choice to complement the flavors and aromas and canbe mildly sweet or nearly bone dry. Rosé wines are quite popular withtheir mild flavors that go well with a hot dish. Some rosé wines offer awatermelon juiciness or ripe strawberry flavor for delicious sweetness.The white wines are also a good choice, having enough structure andbody to stand up to any spicy meal.Some wine connoisseurs prefer red wines only, no matter what themeal. A good choice is Spanish wines, based on Tempranillo grapes,offering a spicy, roasted flavor that blends well with spicy foods. An inexpensiveShiraz also works well; however, you might want to check thealcohol level for a refreshing match.Whatever the wine you choose, take the challenge and try differentcombinations at restaurants and at home. There are some amazingspices available in your local gourmet food stores, like red, green oryellow curry, that can be added to meats, vegetables, fish and pasta.Some wines may not work with some spicy dishes; however, experimentingwith different wines and spicy foods can lead to the ultimate50 HERLIFEMAGAZINE.COM

match and taste.Definitely avoid the tannic reds or dynamic whites, like a Chardonnaywith an oak finish with high alcohol content. These wines will competewith your spicy foods in a war of tastes that no one will win. Actually,spices in the food will make the tannins in red wine more prominentand distinct, and a wine with an oak finish will be too pronounced.To offset the spices in the food, choose a slightly sweet wine. Youcan’t go wrong with a Riesling, Chenin Blanc or some of the sweet rosésthat will give a nice balance with hot dishes and spicy foods. Hot peppersauces go well with spicy wines like Rhônes or Zinfandels, especiallywhen it comes to red meat entrees. Subtle wines will not do well with ahot, spicy meal, as your taste buds will be on fire, making it difficult toenjoy a wine with a mellow bouquet.There is always room for Champagne or other sparkling wines thatoffer a favorable contrast to a hot, spicy meal. The capsaicin spice isactually alkaline, not acidic like the wine, creating a nice balance. Whenin doubt, head for the bubbles. The acidity of the wine will balance thealkalinity of the capsaicin in your dish. Spicy dishes made with curry canbe difficult to find a wine complement because of the complex flavorsand pungent aromas. They may not be hot on the palate but they cancompete with the flavor of wine.Asian dishes with a heavily spiced flavor may not have intense heat.Choose a low-alcohol wine that will give some perceived sweetness.Thai cuisine is a good example of a spicy meal that needs a sweet wineContinued on page 52HERLIFEMAGAZINE.COM 51

for maximum impact. It might take some trial and error, but have fun andenjoy the process.Here are some final tips to help you find the best match of winefor spicy foods.Calm those spicy dishes down a bit with a sweet wine. Rieslings,Chenin Blanc and many of the rosé wines will help balance out the heat.The dry and off-dry wines offer some residual sugar, making them theperfect companion to a spicy meal.Stick with the fruity, low-alcohol wines like rosé and SauvignonBlanc for the super spicy foods. Super-hot foods make the tannic redstaste bitter and the whites that have been aged in oak taste like the oakbarrel they were stored in.Bubbles always work–the sparkling wines offer a bright, tangy aciditythat can stand up to the most powerful of spices. An extra-dry bubblyor a Blanc de noir works well for a bright, fruity taste.Forget the subtle wines–hot, spicy foods can numb your taste budsand diminish the taste of the wine, especially the fruity ones. It is a wasteof a good wine that is considered elegant, old or complex when servingsuper spicy foods. ■52 HERLIFEMAGAZINE.COM

herlife | spotlight54 HERLIFEMAGAZINE.COM

The University of Kansas PhysiciansDepartment of Plastic SurgeryDr. Jerome LambHealthylooksMed Spaby lisa taranto butler | photography by ed sandoval photographed byassociate presley annWhen you look into the mirror,what do you see? What doyou like? What would you liketo change? Is there somethingthat bothers you? This inquirymight be typical when Dr. Jerome Lamb, plasticsurgeon at the University of Kansas Departmentof Plastic Surgery and the Center for PlasticSurgery and Aesthetics in Independence, Missouri,sits across the table from someone whosees him for a consultation. "When a patientanswers these questions, it gives me an idea ofhow insightful they are into their presence,” saidDr. Lamb.While Dr. Lamb may take the liberty ofpointing something out to see if the patientwants to address it, he has come to understandhis patients over the past 20 years ofpractice. "Most women don't have unrealisticexpectations; they just want to be their mostattractive selves."And people trust this experienced surgeonto help make that happen.A native of Independence, Dr. Lamb isan assistant professor of plastic surgery andpart of the University of Kansas PhysiciansDepartment of Plastic Surgery team. He is alsothe past president of the Kansas City PlasticSurgery Society, a distinguished member ofthe American Board of Plastic Surgery, anda member of both the American Society ofPlastic Surgery and the Society of AestheticSurgery.But while surgery may be an option forsome, many patients opt for less invasive proceduressuch as fillers, laser treatments andpermanent makeup to enhance their look.Having the Healthylooks Med Spa and thePlastic Surgery practice in the same officespace allows Dr. Lamb and other members ofthe KU Department of Plastic Surgery to offera greater breadth of products and services andto develop individual treatment plans. "Ourmission is to provide proven technologies andtreatments to help patients to look their verybest, while striving for a natural enhanced lookwhich does not appear artificial or surgical,"notes Dr. Lamb.His wife, Carri, is a licensed cosmetologist/esthetician. "We are both really visual types,"says Dr. Lamb. Before the two met, Carri wasan art major in school and owned a successfulhair salon for 15 years. "I got involved with theskincare business because I understand colortheory and really loved what I was already doing,"she said.HERLIFEMAGAZINE.COM 55

Smiling, her husbandadded, "Plus, she has verypretty skin." It may seemthat he was just paying hiswife a nice compliment,but Dr. Lamb feels beingperceptive to beauty iscrucial. "When you're in ourline of work, you must havean understanding of beauty.You can't just decide youwant to start a business and be successful. The success comes fromdoing what you are truly interested in."Carri, also a Kansas City native and considered one of the topmakeup artists in the Midwest, started attending plastic surgerymeetings with Dr. Lamb. That is when she decided to go into skincare."I was exposed to more medical-grade products and permanentmakeup, and I knew this is what I wanted to do." Soon, friends andfamily began telling the pair that that they should combine aestheticforces and work together. They heeded the advice and have beenworking together since.But can this dynamic duo get too much of each other? "No,"laughed Carri. "We are both very independent. I do my thing, he doeshis thing, and we high-five in the hallway."The pair attends national plastic surgery meetings regularly."Ongoing training has been one of the nice synergies of being associatedwith KU," says Dr. Lamb. "They really invest in our education.But Carri and I have always been in the forefront of new technologybecause our personalities just demand it."Over the years, the couple has applied the evolution of their industryto their work. "We approach skincare as an integrated medicine.We can read a patient's skin, understand and address hormonal andenvironmental situations."And just because the economy is flailing doesn’t mean people aregiving up on thorough skincare—they may just require more choices.While patients may have a wish list of several procedures or treatmentsthey might like to do, Dr. Lamb makes certain they have a specificplan and prioritize solutions based on their needs and resources.Most women look into the mirror, know what they like and whatthey might want to change. Dr. Jerome Lamb and Healthylooks MedSpa are here to take what they see in each patient and capitalize onthat person's assets. "We navigate the patient so that they can betheir absolutely most attractive self—even on a budget. Everybodywants to buy a little pretty." ■For more information about Dr. Jerome Lamb, FACS, and HealthylooksMed Spa, visit their website at healthylooks.com and kcplasticsurgery.com.To schedule a thorough and complimentaryconsultation, call 816-795-5262. Offices are located at 4820 SouthArrowhead Drive in Independence.56 HERLIFEMAGAZINE.COM

herlife | book clubtheexpatsby Chris Pavonereview by linda r. priceThe Expats explores the world of expatriates living in Luxembourg.Sounds simple, but this novel by Chris Pavoneis anything but simple. The twists and turns, the intersectionof lies and juxtaposition of times and places requiresintense concentration from the reader to make sense ofit all. It is a superb spy novel with an ex-CIA heroine. Its insightfulexploration of the lives of expatriates is set against the background oflies and misdirection.Kate Moore is a working mother married to a computer securityanalyst, Dexter. She is struggling to make ends meet, raise her boysand keep her marriage from getting boring. Dexter hacks the firewallsof banks to test their security level. When Dexter receives a lucrativejob offer from a bank in Luxembourg and wants to move the familythere, Kate agrees. She hopes the move will alleviate her growingfeeling of boredom. She must resign her job, sell the house, arrangeto have their household goods shipped, pack up their clothes andfly off to a new place where she does not know the language. Thusfar, everything seems normal, just what any family would do whenpresented with a lucrative job offer. Yet, when Kate tries to leave herjob, the reader gets the feeling that all is not as it seems.Once in Luxembourg, Kate settles into the expat life with otherwomen, but she feels so out of place and has difficulty adjusting. Intellectually,she wants to be with her kids and be a regular housewife,but taking care of two small boys, drinking coffee with other womenin a café in the morning and cooking supper at night for an increasinglyabsent husband is not the life she imagined or the carefree lifeDexter painted. Enter Julia and her husband, Bill Maclean. Kate andDexter quickly become friends with the new couple. However, Juliaseems too pushy and inquisitive, and Kate’s trained antenna beginsto tingle.Pavone spent nearly two decades learning his craft by editingand ghostwriting books. He learned his lessons well. He manages tokeep the story moving ahead while keeping the reader off balance.He mixes scenes from today with scenes from last week, last monthand years ago in an expertly crafted, highly intriguing novel. Pavonealso lived in Luxembourg with his family, making his scenes of dailyliving on the continent and the emptiness of the expatriates’ lives ringtrue.58 HERLIFEMAGAZINE.COM

Kate never told her husband that sheworked for the CIA. She never told him thatshe was a field agent who ran assets in LatinAmerica. She never told him she becamean analyst after her first son, Jake, wasthreatened by a psychopath named Torres.And yet, Dexter has never lied to her. Sheinvestigated Dexter briefly when she firstmet him and found that his life was an openbook. She is confident that he is what heseems to be. At the beginning of her marriage,she vowed to never investigate Dexteragain, but who is he working for? What is hereally doing in Luxembourg? Her resolve isKate never told herhusband that sheworked for the CIA.She never told him thatshe was a field agentwho ran assets in LatinAmerica. She nevertold him she becamean analyst after herfirst son, Jake, wasthreatened by apsychopath namedTorres.challenged because Kate is convinced thatsomething is not right.Dexter is living a lie, but Kate has builttheir entire relationship on lies of omission.Kate realizes that she doesn’t really wantto be a stay-at-home mom. She missesthe action of the field, but she knows shecan never go back to her former career. Soit begs the question—can Kate save hermarriage and does she want to? Kate lovesDexter and believes that she can. What shecannot do is decide how to tell Dexter aboutthe Macleans and that she searched theirContinued on page 60HERLIFEMAGAZINE.COM 59

home, about breaking into his office or about her previous life. Yet intheir relationship, she is the honest one.She misses the action of the field,but she knows she can never goback to her former career. So itbegs the question—can Kate saveher marriage and does she wantto?Not long after arriving in Luxembourg, Kate consults her formercolleague, Hayden, to find the answers to some of her questions. Asthe plot thickens, she enlists him to help her escape the mess she isin and keep Dexter out of jail. She is able to confront both the agencyand a diabolical and corrupt FBI agent with the ruthlessness thatmade her a successful field agent.By such intrigues, Pavone maintains the level of suspensethroughout the whole book. The Expats is a spy thriller woven into thetale of how complicated lives and marriages can be when set on abed of deceit. Long after finishing the book, the theme of lies and thehavoc they wreak will haunt you. Do not expect to sit down and readthis casually. It is a challenge and worth every minute of it! ■60 HERLIFEMAGAZINE.COM

HERLIFEMAGAZINE.COM 61

herlife | scene and be seenBUNGALOW BOUTIQUE GRAND OPENINGphotography by kellie paxtonThe Bungalow Boutique kicked off the opening of its second location on Saturday,February 9! A well-established boutique, with its first location in Louisburg,Kansas opened in November 2009, Bungalow Boutique saw manynew faces for the event as well as many faithful existing customers! Theirfocus is juniors and misses, with trendy and unique yet affordable clothingand accessories. Open 7 days a week, the new location of Bungalow Boutique is 8360West 151st Street in the Trailwinds Shopping Center, 2 blocks west of 69 Highway.62 HERLIFEMAGAZINE.COM

HERLIFEMAGAZINE.COM 63

herlife | scene and be seenBLISS BRIDAL EVENTphotography by freeland photographyThe Bliss Bridal Event that took place on Sunday, March 3 in Downtown LeesSummit was a blast for all of the guests! After checking in, the brides madetheir way around The Stanley Historical Event Space to visit with representativesfrom all of the participating vendors. There were signature cocktailsand amazing samples from local caterers and bakers. Carriage rides wereavailable and a big hit with the crowd! The great thing about an event like The BlissBridal Event is that you get a chance to meet with amazing wedding professionals inan intimate setting. We loved chatting with couples and families planning a weddingand offering our advice and information. For more information please visitwww.facebook.com/blissbridalevent.64 HERLIFEMAGAZINE.COM

HERLIFEMAGAZINE.COM 65

herlife | scene and be seenRENEE KELLY’S HARVEST RESTAURANT CELEBRATES VALENTINE’S DAYphotography by nightlifekc.com100 years ago, Paris was bitten by the tango. Romantic, sultry and completelyforbidden by every priest and lawmaker, the tango went from beinga lower-class dance to a high-class expression of self. It originated as anunspoken language between couples, courting each other for a lifetimeof treasured moments. This Valentine's Day, Renee Kelly's Harvest paidhomage to the fabulous tango with an Argentinian-inspired five-course menu usinglocal ingredients, paired with French and Argentinian wines.66 HERLIFEMAGAZINE.COM

GRAND OPENING PARTY - APRIL 27Bring your highest pair of high heels and celebrate!www.purebarre.comoverlandpark@purebarre.comw r4945 w. 119th street suite 24overland park, kansas 66209913.954.7954HERLIFEMAGAZINE.COM 67

herlife | scene and be seenWESTPORT ALLEY ST. PATRICKS DAY PARTYphotography by nightlifekc.comThe Westport Alley bars (Ernie Biggs, Buzzard Beach, Harry's Bar & Tables,Dark Horse Tavern, and Gambal's) put on another great St.Patrick's Day party this year. It may have been rainy and cool, but it didnot keep party-goers spirits down. Crowds of green filled the bars toenjoy live music and great drinks. Special thanks to the sponsors whohelped make this event possible: MAC Property Management, The One-Stop-Shop for Apartments in KC, Alice 102, Guinness, Pabst Blue Ribbon, Jameson andNightlifeKC.68 HERLIFEMAGAZINE.COM

HERLIFEMAGAZINE.COM 69

herlife | scene and be seenDJ ASHTON MARTIN AT O'DOWDSphotography by nightlifekc.comO'Dowd's brought in one of the busiest and best DJ's in KC Friday night!DJ Ashton Martin never disappoints with his party-rock style. Check outO'Dowds Whiskey Wednesday's with live music by Eddie Delahunt andtheir music Line-up every week.70 HERLIFEMAGAZINE.COM

HERLIFEMAGAZINE.COM 71

herlife | spotlightadrienne maplesphotostudiosby bre roach | photography by adrienne maples photostudiosAdrienne Maples starts her day with the samequestion: What story am I telling today? As aten-year veteran photographer and businessowner, it's important for her to see her subjectsas more than just people but as relationships.The photography industry has become vast. Everyoneknows a photographer with a fancy camera. But Adriennedoesn't just hide behind a $1,000 lens hoping that thecamera does the work for her. She has the education andpersonality that has made her successful since she startedtelling the stories of people through photos.From childhood, Adrienne always had an eye for thearts. Her mother bought a first camera for her as a childin the hope that she would stop drawing on the walls, andit worked. After she discovered her love for photographyand her incredible eye for taking pictures, Adrienne headedsouth, where she received her Bachelor of Fine Artsfrom the Savannah College of Art and Design in Georgia,where she was taught on film, a process that has becomea dying art form. She would take her film into a darkroomand process it. Her professors in college hammered it intoher head that you get your shot with your camera andthen refine and print the image in the darkroom, in the wayit was first seen through the photographer's eye. "I don'tthink Photoshop is an excuse to take a mediocre picture,"Adrienne said. "That's where my fine art degree comes inhandy."In this day and age, all photographers fight to havethe best equipment to help them capture the perfectphotograph, but if you're Adrienne, you've been educatedabout specifics that don't require expensive, high-endcamera equipment to get the job done. Adrienne hascome from a place where you crop the picture in the frameof the camera from the first moment you shoot it, not gointo a program later knowing you can cut out certain partsof the photo. This education has helped her build herfoundation. She has been taught old school and incorporatednew school as she created her business. "You mustknow the rules before you break them," Adrienne said.Aside from her formal art degree, Adrienne has foundthat her outgoing personality has been a huge factor inthe growth of her business and expanding her clientele.Her clients would tell you that she's tiny but bold, full ofspunk and pizzazz. Experience has helped her discoverwhat to bring to the table depending on the image she'sabout to create. "Making people feel comfortable is thebottom line," Adrienne said. "If you're trying to capturereality, people must be comfortable with you." Adrienne isparticularly fond of shooting families because that's whereshe can build her relationships. She asks her subjectsquestions to help them feel relaxed, and she knows thatone day, when these kids get a little bit older, they willunderstand and appreciate the moment she was able toarchive with her lens. "I take pride in showing someone72 HERLIFEMAGAZINE.COM

they can be beautiful. I think every singleperson I photograph is a beautiful, interestingperson," Adrienne said.But it hasn't been all butterflies andrainbows for Adrienne since she started herbusiness a decade ago. Now that there areso many people in the business, it's hard forher to get the respect that she has workedso hard for. Often people buy a big, expensivecamera and hope that will do the workfor them, but Adrienne knows that it's aboutfinding the right light and developing thoserelationships with the individuals that makethe pictures something special. It's not abouttaking 1,000 pictures on a brand new cameraand hoping that 10 will turn out. It's aboutfinding emotion and bringing the person tolife- that will give you 1,000 great photos.It hasn't been hard for her to build herclientele with that mindset, and there's noslowing Adrienne down in the future. Shehas big plans for her business and haseven begun to help market and design forcorporations that are looking to solidify theirHERLIFEMAGAZINE.COM 73

identity. So far she has two assistant photographers and a studiomanager within her business. Adrienne would love to add morepeople to her team who have a style similar to hers and who can getexcited about the design and marketing consultations in which sheparticipates.While not everyone is created to be a photographer, Adriennedoes believe that everyone can take a decent photo of their familiesinstead of hiring someone for special occasions. She expands onthis belief by providing a basic photo class called "CameraHow?!"for mothers to learn how to take photographs of the family. She'salso very passionate about charity work and puts much of her timeand effort in to charities associated with Lyme Disease because herhusband was diagnosed with it five years ago.For Adrienne, there is no plateau. She's determined to tell thefull story of every person who she meets, whether it's a businesstrying to create an identity or a toddler learning how to walk. Herobjective is to help people love themselves in photographs bybringing out a side of their personality that makes them shine, witha little help from her Southern charm. Adrienne is dedicated to capturingthe moment and making your photo worth 1,000 words. ■74 HERLIFEMAGAZINE.COM

We want every pieceof your day to add up to ahealthy, happy life.At Mosaic Life Care, we’re focused on morethan just caring for your health, becausewe realize that life is a series of changesand moments … and all of them have anaffect on your health and happiness. Sowhether it’s being there with you throughfinancial difficulties that might be weighingon your mind, helping you plan for yourfuture, or being by your side with a teamof health care experts no matter what youneed, we’ll do all we can to help you havethe healthy, happy life you deserve.More than health care … life care.Learn more at MyMosaicLifeCare.org2137_Mosaic_finacial_health_7_375x4_875.indd 13/8/13 2:24 PM2137 1 A 100% 100% 4c7.375 x 4.875RobbJamieHerLife MagazineHERLIFEMAGAZINE.COM 75

herlife | mother’s perspectiveTeachingyour kidshow to manage ahousehold budgetby kimberly horg-webbAmother has many important lessons to teach her children,one of them being to manage a household budget. Withoutthe skills of budgeting, anyone can get in over their headin debt, which can not only be stressful but can ruin creditscores and lead to more trouble down the road.To motivate a child to save, the parent must first get their childrento understand that a parent’s money is tied to the work momand/or dad does.Mom can make a list of chores and calculate what she will payfor each one. Maybe putting away clothes in the dryer is worth 50cents or sweeping the floor adds up to 75 cents. This method is controversialfor some mothers who think kids should have to do choreswithout getting paid. If that is the case, then a parent can pay theirchild for going above and beyond their normal duties.Another way is to set a weekly allowance instead of paying yourchild for each chore. The goal is to teach children the value of a dollar,so it is important for it not to turn into a situation in which childrenexpect to get paid every time they do something.Then, when that expected day comes when your child has tohave the latest toy or gadget, make her buy it with the money sheearned. If she only earned $2 that week but the toy costs $15, teachher how to budget by getting three jars or piggy banks: one for saving,one for spending and the other one for sharing money.When she wants an ice cream, make her get money out of thespending jar, and teach her to put money back into the saving jar forthe toy so she can watch the money grow. The sharing jar can be76 HERLIFEMAGAZINE.COM

another valuable lesson for children to learn how to donate to a goodcause. Since children like to have choices, moms can let them decidewhere their hard-earned money will go. The three jars idea wasmade popular by the muppet Elmo on the children’s television showSesame Street.Help her calculate how long it will take to save for what shewants. She can have a short-term plan and a long-term saving planfor a big trip or toy. It’s important to teach your child how to savemoney by example so she knows she can do it.Another good way to help make your child’s money grow is tostart a savings account or college mutual fund. Mom should deposithalf of all gift money into the account and teach her to do the samewith her allowance. It’s important to show her how money grows andthe interest is calculated.Statements are a good way to track money. Another plus of savingmoney in a bank or fund is that people can’t get their money aseasily as it would be to grab it out of a piggy bank (which might cutback on spur-of-the-moment spending). It can also be a safer placeto store it from theft or loss.Get a notepad or use a spreadsheet to calculate your householdbudget and show it to your child so she can create her own. Make abudget or spending plan that will help you cover all your expensesand saving goals. The three most important factors to include are toContinued on page 78HERLIFEMAGAZINE.COM 77

know how much money is spent, know the projected saving goalsand to be able to manage the money.Next, think about the sources of income. Where is the moneycoming from? In your case it’s work; in a child’s case it most likely isallowance or gifts. Add the income amounts together and add yourfixed expense amounts together, such as bills for mom and shampooor Capri Suns for the little one. Write each down as income total andfixed expense total. Then subtract the fixed expenses total from theincome total. This will be the amount left for other expenses.Make a column for other expenses for items such as entertainment,snacks and clothes. Add them together and enter your total.When your child compares the total income against the total expensesand sees that she has money left over, she can feel good aboutlearning to budget well.This can be a good way for children to learn what they have andwhat it takes to buy what they want. It’s important not to give in totheir every whim and equally important to set a good example by notimpulse buying. Ask your child if an item or toy is important enoughto buy and spend their money on. Make a household budget and letyour child see how mom manages the household budget by saving,buying items on sale and using coupons. ■78 HERLIFEMAGAZINE.COM

herlife | green livingwAYS TO CELEBRATEby catie watson EARTH DAYIn the late 1960s, environmental problems seriously impacted thequality of life for most Americans. Cars and factories spewedpollution into the air and the large-scale use of pesticideswas destroying the nation’s lakes and waterways. Litter wasa serious problem on city streets as well as rural highways.Everything changed on April 22, 1970, when an estimated 20 millionAmericans took part in a massive nationwide peaceful demonstrationcalled “Earth Day.” The event is seen by many as the beginningof the modern environmental movement, leading to the creation ofthe U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and passage of theClean Air, Clear Water and Endangered Species Acts.Earth Day has become a global annual event over the past fourdecades, observed in 2012 by one billion people in 192 countries.We’ve come a long way since the 1960s in terms of cleaning up andprotecting the environment, but there are still many challenges tobe met. Population growth, greenhouse gas emissions, species lossand toxic pollution threaten to undo many of the environmental gainsof the past 40 years. By participating in Earth Day activities on April22, we can send a message to lawmakers around the world aboutthe ongoing need to protect the earth for future generations.There are many ways to demonstrate your appreciation ofnature and your commitment to protect the earth on Earth Day.Something as simple as planting a tree in your own backyard is afun activity that helps the environment by lowering greenhouse gasemissions. Besides improving the appearance of your home, anEarth Day tree can become a habitat for birds and small animals. Asyour tree matures, the shade it provides can lower the cost of coolingyour home and make your yard more attractive. Planting a vegetablegarden is another small gesture that can have a big impact onyour personal appreciation of nature. Nothing quite compares to thesatisfaction of preparing healthy meals for family and friends thatinclude organic veggies that you grew yourself.Another way to celebrate Earth Day is by joining thousands ofpeople who show their support for the environment by spending theday outdoors. Check your community events calendar for Earth Dayfestivals and special events. Cleaning up litter or improving a trail ata local park is a great way to show how much you care about yourcommunity and the earth. You can also take a nature walk, do somebird watching or pack a lunch and enjoy a relaxing outdoor picnic.If you’re traveling on Earth Day, make an effort to leave your car athome and ride a bike or use public transportation.Earth Day is also a good time to make some green resolutionsto save energy and conserve water. Unplug applianceswhen not in use, turn off the lights when you leavea room and start using glass or stainless steel waterbottles instead of disposable plastic bottles. Makea commitment to the EPA’s Three Rs: Reduceyour consumption, Reuse instead of replacingand Recycle whenever possible. Did youknow that improper disposal of high-techgadgets is becoming a growing threat tothe environment? Electronic items oftencontain lead, mercury, chromium andother toxic materials, so it’s importantto keep them out of landfills. Contactyour local trash collection agencyto find out about proper e-wastedisposal in your area.Environmental educationhas always been a key componentof Earth Day. Today’schildren will inherit the earth,80 HERLIFEMAGAZINE.COM

so it’s important to teach them how to preserve our natural resources.If you’re a parent, talk to your kids about protecting the earthand saving animal and plant species from extinction. Expose them tobooks and movies that teach them about ecology. Make Earth Dayspecial by taking your children to a local zoo, aquarium, botanicalgarden or wildlife preserve. If you’re not a parent, you can help instillan appreciation for nature in children by volunteering for Earth Dayactivities at a local school or nature center.The first Earth Day grew from the spirit of 1960s activism. Ifyou’d like to continue this tradition, get involved in an Earth Dayfundraiser or rally in your community. You can make a difference inthe environment by joining with other activists who are committed tosaving the earth. Learn more about government agencies and nonprofitorganizations that are spearheading environmental policiesand become an advocate for environmental causes that are closeto your heart. Actively support energy efficiency, conservation andrecycling in your local community. You may even want to take on aleadership role and organize your own Earth Day event.You’ll find more information about celebrating Earth Day andbecoming involved in environmental activism on the Earth Day Networkwebsite at earthday.org. ■Sources: Earth Day Network and theU.S. Environmental Protection Agency.HERLIFEMAGAZINE.COM 81

herlife | fine thingsPRETTY DESIGNER SHOES THATPAMPER YOUR FEETby bre roachEvery year the shoes get bigger and more fabulous. Glitterand sequins, leather and suede, a woman’s shoes can be herbest friend and are undoubtedly her most adorned part ofher wardrobe. According to Glamour magazine, the averagewoman will buy 469 pairs of shoes in her lifetime at about$25,000, or $53 per pair. And for what? To wear one time for four hoursbecause they were so high and painful that you couldn’t bear to walk inthem for a minute longer? All women have been there. They buy a pairof shoes for a particular outfit that they have in mind with the intentionof wearing them with another outfit, but after the initial “breaking-in” ofthe 6-inch patent black leather ankle boots, they go untouched becausethey never actually broke in. In fact, they nearly broke your ankle.It sounds like women aren’t thinking logically when they buyshoes that are barely made to be walked in, but the truth is thatshoes make a lot of women happy. So what’s a girl to do with theshoes that shoot her up to model-height but make her feel like shejust ran a marathon barefoot? The solution is to find fabulous shoesthat are cute and comfortable—brand name high heels, boots andwedges that offer support while still looking luxurious. It’snot too good to be true, and with the amountof money women spend on shoes, it’simportant to invest in somethat you can wear for yearsto come.There’s no need tocompromise style forcomfort because there areshoes out there that offerboth. Clarks, Michael Korsand Kenneth Cole offerlovely shoes that are trendyand easy to tread in. Thesedesigners can be easily found in malls and department stores and offerhuge selections. Stuart Weitzman is notorious for making the mostcomfortable dress shoes around. You can usually find this brand forsale on Amazon and they have a wide range of flats, heels and loafers.There’s Manolo Blahniks, which are a bit more expensive but ifyou’re able to wear them for a decade and never feel discomfort, thenspending the extra cash can be justified.Many of these designers create an illusion with their shoesby limiting the size of the heel andelevating the front of the shoe tostill make it look as though theyare several inches high. Manydesigners also offer an anklestrap or a thick heel formaximum support. Allof these brand-nameshoes are lined forcushion and stability.82 HERLIFEMAGAZINE.COM

When you put on a pair of shoes,you’re committing to that shoe in two ways:expression and protection. Shoes are styleto women. We often think of them as an accessory,such as jewelry. We use them in ourlives as a way to brighten up an outfit. Muchof the time they are the determining factorin our daily ensemble and we’ll spend hourslooking for the perfect shoe to purchase. Youare what you wear and it’s important thatthese shoes reflect your personality as wellas your personal style.As far as protection goes, this is oftenin the back of our minds. Boots are obviouslya necessity against the elements, butwe still have to find the “cutest” boots, andthen we get bummed when they don’t standup against the rain, snow and sleet like youneeded them to. It’s necessary to find a solidcombination in that shoe, one that protectsand accepts your foot. According to theAmerican Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons(AAOS), shoes that are too tight, too looseor without enough support can cause stressto the feet, ankles, lower legs, hips and evenspine. The AAOS suggests a shoe that has asquare or wide toe with a heel that is lowerthan two inches, which is exactly what thesedesigner brands have built.No one would dare tell a woman to losethe heels, but if your feet are desperate for abreak after a long week at work, then thereare alternatives that are just as striking as thehigh heel. There are many flats that are justas glamorous as their taller counterparts. Theflat has support that, in some brands, hasbeen compared to Nike Air tennis shoes.There’s nothing more rewarding thanbeing complimented for your style. Luckily,designers have answered the call tohelp women nourish their feet and still looksplendid, helping you put your foot down onpersonal style. Treat yourself to a great pairthat will make someone else want to walk amile in your shoes. ■Sources: glamour.comforbes.comthe American Academy ofOrthopaedic Surgeons.HERLIFEMAGAZINE.COM 83

herlife | spotlightby kathleen m. krueger |photography by ed sandovalphotographed by associate presley annH2OrthodonticsGet Your Braces Off Quicker!In the healthcare field, computers are getting faster androbotic treatments more prevalent and accurate! Noworthodontic treatment is taking advantage of advancedtechnology to shorten the time a person needs to wearbraces. Even better, this new process is also moreprecise. That means less discomfort for the patient, feweroffice visits and a more perfect smile than is generallyachieved with traditional orthodontic treatment.This new orthodontic treatment option is called“SureSmile®,” and Heidi Harman Orthodontics, ownedand operated by Dr. Heidi Harman, is one of only a fewproviders in the entire state of Kansas using this technology.There are several components of the SureSmiletreatment system that make it much more efficient andaccurate than standard orthodontic braces. The firstdifference is the use of digital imaging to create an exactreplication of an individual’s bite, both above and belowthe gum line, something that was impossible previously,even with the use of plaster molds. This robotic technologyallows the orthodontist to view the teeth from everyangle on the monitors. The software program is also ableto provide exacting measurements to finish treatment,which would take an enormous amount of time to accomplishmanually. As a result, this allows Dr. Harmanto provide an extremely accurate treatment plan for anyindividual who chooses the robotic-assisted option witha shorter treatment time.84 HERLIFEMAGAZINE.COM

Dr. Harman and her teamare committed toeducating the public onthe importance of bitealignment todental health. This is partof the reason that theyoffer free, no-obligationscreenings for anyonewho comes to their officefor the first time.The second component of the SureSmilesystem is just as innovative as the first. Withtraditional braces, the orthodontist has tobend the wires by hand to create the propershape for repositioning your teeth. Withrobotic assistance, the exact configurationof the repositioning wire, as determined bythe doctor through the SureSmile imaging,is processed and passed on to a robot. Withexacting precision, the robot fashions the repositioningwire for an individual’s braces outof special heat-sensitive wire. This custom-fitwire is placed in the patient’s braces andtheir own body heat activates the tighteningprocess of the braces appliance. As a result,the time required for the appliance to doits work of repositioning the patient’s teethis often decreased by as much as 8 to 12months!“I encourage people to view the SureSmilevideo we have posted on our website,”says Dr. Harman. The video introduces theprocess and allows you to visually see exactlywhy this treatment process is so revolutionaryto the industry. It is likely that thisprocess will eventually become the standardfor orthodontic care, but for now the onlyplace you’ll reap its benefits close to homeis through the offices of H2Orthodontics inOverland Park and Olathe, Kansas.Technology also serves to keep the twooffices in sync; regardless of which office youvisit, your complete and up-to-date recordswill be accessible by the staff. Dr. Harmanand her team are committed to educating thepublic on the importance of bite alignment todental health. This is part of the reason thatthey offer free, no-obligation screenings foranyone who comes to their office for the firsttime. The free screenings are available forboth adults and children.“We recommend that children have theirHERLIFEMAGAZINE.COM 85

first screening by the time their front teeth start coming in,” says Dr. Harman. Since there areno referrals required to make an appointment for a screening and no cost for the screeningitself, there really is no reason to delay, and with children, the earlier the better is the rule.When an early treatment plan can be implemented, Dr. Harman is more able to avoid extractionsor surgical interventions.The treatment options offered by Dr. Harman cover the whole spectrum of orthodonticscurrently available. In addition to the SureSmile System, they include traditional metalbraces, clear braces, gold-plated braces, nickel-free braces for those allergic to nickel, thepopular Invisalign® system and Damon® braces (another option that decreases treatmenttime and provides added comfort for the patient). What is preferred or appropriate for oneperson is not necessarily the best option for another. With a wide range of options, patientsare not limited in their choices at Heidi Harman Orthodontics.Dr. Harman and her team offer their services to promote dental health in a variety of otherways as well. The staff members frequently visit area schools to teach about proper dentalhygiene, conversations are ongoing with followers on their social media networks and Dr.Harman remains one of the long-time providers of volunteer services through the SmilesChange Lives® program that provides medically necessary orthodontic care for children oflow-income families.Dr. Harman and her staff encourage you to give them a call to schedule a FREE, noobligationconsultation. You won’t find friendlier smiles in any other office! ■You can find Dr. Harman and her team on the web at H2Orthodontics.com, call them at913-782-7223 or visit them at either of their two office locations, Lionsgate Centre at 14247Metcalf Avenue, Overland Park or the Courtyard at 601 N. Mur-Len, Suite 3, Olathe, Kansas.86 HERLIFEMAGAZINE.COM

herlife | trendsetterLAVISHBOUTIQUE6411 n antioch roadgladstone, mo 64119(816) 454-8000www.lavishkc.comphotography by heathermorrow of hocus focusmodel samantha carpenterof exposure, inc.hair by crystal wisniewskiof soffia via salonmakeup by melissa evans88 HERLIFEMAGAZINE.COM

HERLIFEMAGAZINE.COM 89

herlife | trendsetter90 HERLIFEMAGAZINE.COM

HERLIFEMAGAZINE.COM 91

herlife | trendsetter92 HERLIFEMAGAZINE.COM

HERLIFEMAGAZINE.COM 93

herlife | trendsetter94 HERLIFEMAGAZINE.COM

HERLIFEMAGAZINE.COM 95

herlife | working womenHOW TO BE AN EFFECTIVENEGOTIATOR AND CLOSERby ann e. butenasIhave had three jobs in sales, all of which were short-lived. Why? Iwas ineffective in my negotiating and closing skills. I used to jokethat I couldn’t sell water to a thirsty millionaire lost in the desert.However, you do not have to suffer the same fate as I. Being aneffective negotiator takes practice, and with time, you can learn toovercome objections and obstacles with ease. In short, it comes downto not just knowing what you hope to acquire out of the deal, but understandingexactly what it is the other party hopes to achieve.When it comes to the art of negotiating and closing the deal, theprimary tools you need in your mental arsenal are those of effectivepeople skills. Going into a negotiation, be conscious of your wordsand even your demeanor. Be careful of what you say and how yousay it. Set a friendly tone. If the person with whom you are meeting isa stranger, develop a rapport. Keep things upbeat, and at the end ofthe negotiation, be sure to compliment the other person on how wellhe or she did, and congratulate him or her for the outcome.Before entering into any negotiating dialogue, remember thatthe primary goal is to produce an outcome where both parties aresatisfied and to leave the door open for future negotiations. Likewise,when going into a negotiation, eliminate the thinking that it’sa contest with you against the perceived opponent across the tableor on the phone. Instead, change your perspective to one of collaboration—ajoint effort in which the end result is a win-win situation.Stay out of the emotional boxing ring, too. This is not the time forverbal attacks upon people. It is not the individual with whom you arenegotiating who needs to be addressed; it is the issue at-hand thatrequires your attention. Instead of laying down all of the differencesbetween you and the one with whom you are negotiating, set forthcommon interests. Develop a rapport.To the best of your ability, determine the other party’s needs andobjectives. Do your due diligence and discover what the other party’sneeds and wants are through the use of honest and open-endedquestions. Through this process of discovery, you will learn what thestrong and weak points are and what is of most and least importanceto that individual. If you handle this part of the process authenticallyand with genuine curiosity, it will demonstrate that you actually careabout what the other party thinks and you desire to achieve an outcomethat is mutually fair and reasonable.Once you have an understanding of what the other party wantsand needs, you can address those with a solid and confident recommendation.Provide two or three alternatives and make it clear thatthese are merely opinions, not demands. Let the other party know96 HERLIFEMAGAZINE.COM

you are willing to be flexible.By knowing what the other party’sneeds are, you can fine-tune your offer tomeet those specific needs. By educating thatperson on your capabilities, demonstratinga complete understanding of what they wantand incorporating your point of view, you canthen hand over the reins of the conversationto that person, and let him or her tell youhow to make the deal happen. Instead offocusing on just one solution, work creativelytogether to come up with multiple solutions.As for your position, decide beforegoing into the negotiation what your lowestpoint of acceptance will be in the deal. Asyou consider what the objectives and motivationsare of the other party, make sure youknow and understand what your motives andobjectives are, as well. Why are you negotiatingand what do you hope to obtain as aresult?Be informed! Have all necessary information,facts, figures, costs, etc. in place beforethe dialogue begins. Start the discussionwith a point to which both parties will readilyagree. When you set forth your proposal,assume a leadership role by indicating youwill do something for the other party and inreturn that person will do something for you.This shows confidence and authority.Know when to wrap up the discussionand be prepared to close the deal by havingall documents ready to sign. Time is notyour friend in these cases. Once you receivea verbal acceptance to the deal, move asquickly as possible to the proverbial “signingon the dotted line” before the monstersof doubt, second thoughts, competition orunforeseen events begin to take shape in theother party’s mind that might suddenly stopthat person in his or her tracks. Listen welland offer something of value that eases theother person’s pain and creates a positiveresult. ■HERLIFEMAGAZINE.COM 97

herlife | financeBattle of the BankrollTightwad vs. Spendthriftby chandra blackwellAt first, it’s a barely-audible whisper. Then, after a brief clearingof the throat, it becomes a little louder; yes, you definitelyheard your name. You turn to follow the call, and there it is,humming and gleaming before your eyes: a [fill in the blank:pair of shoes, ratchet set, watch, sauce boat, sleek gadgetbeginning with a lowercase i, etc.] that is so lovely it makes your eyeswater a little.The ending of this story isyours to write: do you and your gorgeousnew treasure stroll gaily outof the store, hand in bag handle(while you push away thoughtsof how close you are to the limiton your MasterCard)? Or doyou walk out of the store aloneand regretful, determined to gostraight home before you suffermore emotional distress?Your answer to this question dependson where you fall on the spendthrift/tightwad spectrum. If you’re more ofa spendthrift, that item was in thebag faster than the little angel restingon your right shoulder could say,“Impulse buy!” If you’re closer to thetightwad end of the spectrum, youhave enough trouble taking out yourwallet for necessities, let alone indulgences. The interestingnews is that while you may be able to determine howthe above story ends for you, it turns out that you haveless control over the reason for your particular denouement.That part is in your wiring.Benjamins and the BrainWhen subjects in a research study were shown products,and then prices for those products, roughly 30 percentof them experienced activity in the part of the brain thatfires up in response to unpleasant stimuli, such as social exclusion,unfair treatment, and even disgusting odors! While roughly half of thesubjects showed a more balanced response in the same situation, stillanother 20 percent seemed to experience more pleasure than pain.It seems, then, that tightwad and spendthrift tendencies are notdetermined so much by external factors, like income or social status, asthey are by what’s going on in our brains. When presented with a shopportunity,spendthrifts don’t experience enough pain for their own good,so they overspend—and feel guilty about it later. Tightwads, however,experience excessive pain over the idea of spending money, which alsoleads to feelings of regret, because they don’t spend enough on thingsthat would make them happy.Chances are, you have some idea of where you fall on thespending spectrum even without a laboratory brain scan. Mostpeople fall in the middle of the spectrum—and those arethe folks who are happiest. While both tightwads andspendthrifts experience frustrationbecause their spendinghabits conflict with theiractual desires, those inthe middle don’t have thiskind of inner conflict. Butif, as the research shows,your spending habits arehardwired, is there a wayyou can reach a happymedium?Balance Your SpendingSure there is; often, it’s just a case of making certain behaviorsmore palatable to the brain. For example, tightwads mayfind certain expenditures easier if they’re framed as investments;for example, a massage (which most tightwads would normallyconsider a frivolous luxury) could be considered an investment inpersonal health and well-being, or a vacation could be thought ofas an investment in productivity. In addition, buying with plastic(as opposed to cold, hard cash) can ease the pain of spending.98 HERLIFEMAGAZINE.COM

Spendthrifts, meanwhile, might try the opposite; they canmitigate bank account malnourishment by avoiding credit cards andpaying for everything (or as much as possible) in cash. Combiningthis strategy with a set weekly budget can help curb capital outlayfor even the spendiest of the spendy. In addition, focusing on theopportunity costs of gratuitous expenditures can help a spendthriftput his or her money to better use. For example, instead of spendinganother mint on that identical pair of “backup” jeans (so that therewill always be a clean pair—seriously, I know people who do this), arecovering spendthrift might consider using that money to pay downcredit cards—which will save money in the long run.If you’re in the lucky majority, your story ends somewhere inbetween massive debt and penny-pinching regret. Maybe you wentahead and bought the shoes or the sauce boat, with an eye towardcutting back in another area (maybe skipping a few grande mochasover the next month or so) to keep your budget balanced. Maybeyou left the item on the shelf for now, vowing to come back for it intwo and a half weeks, when your birthday rolls around. At any rate,healthy spending habits require constant vigilance and practicefor most of us, and the key is to find a balance that suits both yourcomfort zone and your budget. ■Sources: kiplinger.com, knowledge.wharton.upenn.edu,livescience.com.HERLIFEMAGAZINE.COM 99

herlife | real estateAreTime-sharesA GOODINVESTMENT?by hope e. fergusonClay and Marlene Glickert, from Baldwinsville, near Syracuse,New York, are avid time-share owners. They haveowned their timeshare for ten years, and it comes with apoint system that allows them to use flextime to choosewhere to vacation. By choosing their locations wisely andwell in advance, they can get a one-month vacation out of the oneweek they originally purchased ten years ago at a resort in Branson,Michigan. Although they used that location at first, “We have notreturned in a long time. We always exchange,” says Marlene.Using the International Interval Exchange (IIE) that major timesharecorporations such as Marriott International and StarwoodHotels and Resorts Worldwide participate in, the Glickerts have beenable to use their extended week in such places as Orlando, Florida,Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, Connecticut and Vermont, often invitingtheir five children and 18 grandchildren. “We have a book thatgives us hundreds of options,” says Marlene enthusiastically. “It’sbeen working out really, really well for us.”Gary Patterson, who is the author of the book Million Dollar BlindSpots, agrees, up to a point. He and his wife used to own severaltime-shares, but sold all but one, which they also use for family vacationswith the kids and grandkids.“Unless you are a real estate exchanger, they are a terribleinvestment,” he says. “You can buy time-shares all day long for lessthan the cost of one year’s maintenance fees.”By real estate exchanger, he means someone who puts togetherreal-estate packages for investors, and may throw in a time-share tosweeten the deal. A time-share that has, say, a $10,000 market value,may be purchased by such people for as little as $1,000.The problem with time-shares, say experts, is that they are notactually a monetary investment, since they almost never turn a profit,although they can be what Albert Lu, of WB Advisors, LLC, a wealth100 HERLIFEMAGAZINE.COMmanagement firm, terms a psychic investment. “We look at profit asanything seen to increase the state of satisfaction. A psychic profit isimmeasurable in dollars, but it increases happiness.”“I still have some time-shares,” says Patterson, who agrees with Lu.“I bought several when we thought we’d be using them more. We havesince sold all but one, and it has been a very long and slow process.”In essence, experts say, a time-share is a vacation paid inadvance. How it works is that you put forth a dollar amount, say,$10,000, and reserve a week vacation at a given resort for yourlifetime. Resorts that engage in points and exchanges let you choosewhere to spend that week. When you die, time-shares may be passedto your heirs. So with a time-share, you are buying time, but not astake in any physical building, as you would had you purchased avacation home. Time-shares always include fees -- a maintenancefee, and usually a periodic assessment fee, which goes toward theupkeep of the property.In his book Unconventional Wealth, Mike Conlon, of AffordableCommunities Group, LLC, advises that one should never buy a retailtime-share, as it is typically worth a minimum of 50 percent less theday after you purchase it. In addition, the maintenance fees usuallyincrease on an annual basis and can be increased even more in thefuture if bigger projects are required for the building.When looked at that way, time-shares may well be a planningtool and psychic investment, but don’t be fooled into thinking that ifyou choose to sell yours, there will be lines of potential buyers liningup to purchase it. Time-shares are sold at bargain basement priceson sites like eBay, and some sellers, desperate to get out from underwhat can be ever-increasing maintenance and other fees, are willingto sell for the price of someone taking over their payments.One couple who learned the hard way, deeply regret buyinginto a charming time-share in the Caribbean. Robert Feol, a realContinued on page 102

HERLIFEMAGAZINE.COM 101

estate investor and radio show host in Memphis, Tennessee, relatesa worst-case scenario experienced by his sister and brother-in-law.The couple took a vacation with their family of three young childrenon the quaint isle of St. John. Although he advised against it, hissister ended up buying a time-share because their vacation had beenso idyllic. Problem was, the time-share was a studio apartment andcould only house four people by contract, which they did not realizeuntil the sale was final. The family was one member over, so theyactually have never been able to use it. “They’ve tried to rent it, andeven though it’s in the U.S. Virgin Islands, they have not been able todo so,” Feol says. Even if the parents went alone, or rotated children,Feol explained, “By the time they buy air tickets, on top of the $3,000assessment fee and maintenance fees,” the cost is almost prohibitive.“They really feel entrapped. Time-shares are excellent for time-sharecompanies,” he maintains.For Feol, “a small vacation house is a better investment. Insteadof buying a time-share in the Caribbean “for $40,000 or $50,000,why not spend $70,000 on a house on the beach in Costa Rica witha housekeeper?” ■102 HERLIFEMAGAZINE.COM

herlife | spotlightWhat do you get when youcross a creative Kansanwith a design degree fromCalifornia? A modern andfresh furniture/design storecalled The Coveted Home, located in PrairieVillage, Kansas! You may be asking yourselfwhy a young designer would leave a mecca ofinspiration and high-profile clientele for little ol'Kansas. It was all very clear to her that KansasCity was where she needed to be.While living in southern California andattending design school, Jaclyn Joslin oftenmade trips back home to Kansas City to visitfamily. Because of her passion for all thingsfurniture, she enjoyed trekking about townlooking for home design stores that representedthe styles she had grown to love.Unfortunately, there were none. So, an ideawas born and upon completion of her internship,this creative designer made the movehome to bring modern yet timeless styles toby hallie sawyer | photography by edsandoval photographed by associatepresley annKansas City and the surrounding area.Jaclyn first opened a store in the RiverMarket (called Urban Dwellings Design), butshe realized the name and location were botha bit limiting. She decided to change thename and move farther south to be closer toher key clientele. She explained further, "Wehave a little higher price point and the peoplewho shop with us are really committed to investingin their homes." Her objective isn't tocompete with big stores for their low pricesor huge selection of merchandise. Instead,she felt there was a niche that needed to befilled.The Coveted Home has been opensince May of 2012 in Corinth Square ShoppingCenter. Her inspiration for the storeis unmistakably from her time spent inCalifornia. She explained that exposure tothe fresh and casual styles of the West Coastmade an impact on her, and she feels thatThe Coveted Home offers that same feeling.104 HERLIFEMAGAZINE.COM

She isn't into stuffy and clutter, which shows in her store. Shehas three separate living areas set up with accessories meantto accent rather than distract. It is cozy yet the merchandise issimply-stated and casually elegant.Coveted Home is the only store in Kansas City, as wellas much of the Midwest, to carry the Mitchell Gold + Bob Williamsfurniture line. Jaclyn loves the fact that it is high-qualityand offers her clients many choices of pieces and fabrics. Thefurniture line has 20 to 30 different sofas, chairs and ottomansfrom which to choose as well as a plethora of fabrics.Since opening the store, she has added an e-commercepiece to their website. This gives her customers a chanceto see what's new and purchase items directly from the sitewithout having to come to the store. Jaclyn explained, "It wasreally a goal I had when we moved to this new store to sellonline so we could broaden our audience outside of KansasCity." Even though they offer design services, she feels thee-commerce piece is important to the success of the boutiqueside of the business.The customers who come to her have what she callsa design sensibility and are looking for more of a consultativeexperience. Her design services include everything fromspace planning and adding a few pieces here and there to afull remodel. Jaclyn added, "We do complimentary consultationin the store and encourage our customers to bring inwhatever they want in terms of pictures of their home, pillows,fabrics, paint chips, and even floor plans. We can input thedimensions into the computer and then explore furniture options,giving them a realistic view of what pieces will fit."

Her style is modern and fresh, yet at the same time ageless. Bybringing antique pieces into the mix, it creates a seamless blend ofold and new, making each space unique. Jaclyn enjoys finding outher clients' interests and personalities to help shape their space.She admits her strong suit is looking at the design through a biggerscope while her sister Amanda Steiner, who works with her as thestore's creative director, offers expertise with the visual displays anddetails of the stores presentation.The Coveted Home carries well-known product lines includingMitchell Gold + Bob Williams, Dwell Studios, John Robshaw Accessories,Dash & Albert,Hilary Thomas Designs, Barbara CosgroveLamps, Nest and Oly Studio.What also makes The Coveted Home so great is simply Jaclyn.She is far from pretentious and so very easy to talk with, bringinga fresh and welcome face to the design community of KansasCity. And as if that isn't enough, The Coveted Home even has astore mascot, Jaclyn's dog Simone, an adorable Brussels Griffon, togreet you when you walk in the door. Talk about making you feel athome! ■For more information about The Coveted Home, located at4113 W. 83rd St. in Prairie Village, Kansas, contact them via theirweb site at covetedhome.com, find them on facebook or call thestore at (913) 385-0788.106 HERLIFEMAGAZINE.COM

herlife | homeby catie watsonhome insurance essentialsFor most people, a home purchase represents their biggestinvestment and most important asset. Having the correctamount of home insurance coverage protects this investmentand provides peace of mind. The cost of home insurance canvary by hundreds of dollars depending on the insurer, so itpays to understand how this insurance works and to shop around forthe best deal.Home insurance (also referred to as homeowner’s insurance)should include four essential components. The first and most importantis coverage for the structure. This coverage should include repairing orreplacing your home when it’s damaged by fires, storms and most otherdisasters. Insurance experts recommend insuring the home for its fullreplacement cost. Some homeowners hire a local building contractor toprovide an estimate on the value of their home; this information is thenused to determine home replacement coverage. Note that this coveragepertains only to the cost of the house, and not to the amount paid forthe land under the house.The second home insurance essential is coverage for your home’scontents. This coverage will reimburse you for personal belongings thatare stolen or lost in a fire or other disaster. The typical coverage amountfor this insurance is 50 percent of the replacement coverage. Homeownerswho think this may not be enough coverage should make a detailedlist of furniture, appliances, electronics, clothing, tools and other significantpossessions, and assign a replacement value to each item. Manypolicies cover the replacement cost of belongings even when you’renot in the home, such as a camera that’s lost or stolen while you’re onvacation. If your home is a condominium, check with your associationWhen you’re ready to purchaseinsurance, you can save moneyby opting for a higher deductible.Insurance companies oftenrecommend a $500 deductible,but you can save as much as 25percent by choosing a $1,000deductible instead.to find out how much insurance you need to purchase on your own. Theassociation may cover portions of your structure, but you will probablyneed to insure your home’s contents.108 HERLIFEMAGAZINE.COM

The third essential for homeowner’s insurance is liability protection.This coverage protects the homeowner in case someone tries to suefor damages related to the property. It includes medical expenses forinjuries suffered by visitors to your home. It also covers damage that youor someone else in your family cause to other people’s property such asa window broken by a child playing ball. The typical liability protectionamount is $100,000. Homeowners who have substantial assets in additionto their home can purchase additional protection.The fourth home insurance essential is reimbursement for livingexpenses in case a disaster forces you out of your home. This usuallycovers the cost of a hotel stay, car rental and restaurant meals. Typically,this coverage is equal to about 20 percent of the reimbursement cost ofthe home.In addition to these four types of basic insurance coverage, manyhomeowners need additional coverage for special circumstances.Earthquake, flood, war and nuclear accidents are not covered by a basichome insurance. If you live in an area that’s subject to earthquakes orflooding, ask your insurer about additional coverage that’s availablethrough government programs. You may also need extra coverage forvaluable artwork, antiques or jewelry.When buying home insurance, make sure you get the best deal bychecking the prices from several providers. A good place to start yoursearch is the website of the National Association of Insurance Commissioners(naic.org). This site provides links to state insurance departments,Continued on page 110HERLIFEMAGAZINE.COM 109

as well as a variety of consumer tips and resources. You should alsocheck with your car insurance provider. Many insurance companies givediscounts to customers who buy multiple types of insurance.Once you have a list of possible insurers in your area, compare rates onan insurance information website like Insure.com or InsWeb.com. Besideslooking for the best insurance rate, be sure to do some backgroundchecks with your state insurance department to make sure you are buyingfrom a reputable insurer. When you’re ready to purchase insurance,you can save money by opting for a higher deductible. Insurance companiesoften recommend a $500 deductible, but you can save as muchas 25 percent by choosing a $1,000 deductible instead.After you’ve purchased insurance, it’s important to periodicallyreview your coverage. Adding rooms to your home or making majorimprovements, such as remodeling a kitchen or bathroom, could meanit’s time to upgrade your coverage. Some additions, such as putting in apool, may require extra liability insurance as well as more home replacementinsurance. You may qualify for a discount on your insurance if youmake your home safer by installing an alarm system or a fire retardantroof. Homeowners may also receive a discount when they reach 55 orretire since seniors are considered by insurers to be a lower risk. ■110 HERLIFEMAGAZINE.COM

herlife | travelWhat toExpectfrom YourTravelAdvisorby kathleen m. kruegerHave you ever experienced a travel nightmare? One ofthose times where your flight was overbooked, yourfour-star hotel was in the midst of noisy renovationsand you missed out on vacation time because you gotlost in a strange city?These types of travel experiences can easily happen when wetake travel into our own hands. However, when you plan your trips,whether for business or leisure, with the assistance of a professionaltravel advisor, many of these types of unpleasant experiences can beavoided.Today’s travel professionals provide much more value to theirclients than simply finding low airfares, which is something anyonecan do for themselves over the Internet. They provide concierge-styleplanning and assistance for the entire experience, from “pillow topillow.”Businesses, individuals and families who seek out travel advisorsto assist them in planning and booking their travel generally expect togain two things from their travel advisor: an exceptional experienceand great value for the price.“You can’t VIP yourself,” said Anne Scully, Certified TravelConsultant (CTC) and President of McCabe World Travel in McLean,Virginia. But VIP treatment is exactly what you should expect to gainfrom working with a professional travel advisor. Upgrades in airlineseating and hotel accommodations are just the beginning. The bigvalues gained come from the insider knowledge that help make yourtrip run smoothly, and meet or exceed all your expectations.In order for your travel advisor to provide you with an exceptionalexperience, the very first thing you should expect from yourtravel advisor is lots of questions. They will ask about the purposeof the trip, your priorities and preferences regarding the location ofyour hotel, the accommodations in the hotel and how you plan tospend your days. Who will be traveling with you and what are theirages? Are you a seasoned traveler to the location or is this a firsttimevisit? Your travel advisor will want to know as much about youand your expectations for the trip as possible.In addition to asking lots of questions, your travel advisorshould be a one-stop resource for you when it comes to answeringyour questions. A seasoned travel advisor will be ableto advise you as to which hotel best fits your needs in viewof location, amenities and your own travel style. For bookingcruises, they’ll be able explain in detail the differences betweenthe rooms on different decks and one cruise ship versus another.They’ll provide you with information regarding the best time ofyear to plan your trip in regard to the weather or to achieve thebest discounts.Your travel advisor should be your go-to person foreverything regarding the planning and booking of yourtrip, as well as your resource for assistance shouldquestions or problems arise.When choosing a travel advisor, look for a certified112 HERLIFEMAGAZINE.COM

advisor and determine their areas of specialties.There are several different certificationsavailable to them such as Accredited CruiseCounselor (ACC) and Certified Travel Consultant(CTC). These certifications not only representtraining, but years of experience in thefield. In addition, travel advisors may specializein certain types of travel or travel to certainareas. There are travel advisors who specializein adventure travel, honeymoons, guidedtours, faith-based travel and family vacations.They can also specialize in locations such asEurope, Asia, Mexico or South America.Some of the highest-rated travel advisorsalso highlight their designation as a memberof Virtuoso, an elite network of top traveladvisors. One of the distinctions of Virtuosomembers is that they are very well-traveledindividuals themselves. This assures you thatyour travel advisor provides recommendationbased on experience, as well as highlyqualified personal connections within the travelindustry.Because the best travel advisors are ona first-name basis with many of the generalmanagers of the hotels they book with, theycan often accomplish what the ordinary travelercould not. “As a travel advisor who bookshundreds of rooms with a hotel every year, Ihave a lot of clout,” said Anne.When it comes to unique experiences, atravel advisor can transform an ordinary tripinto the extraordinary by using their influence toprovide opportunities not available to the generalpublic. Travel advisors have been known toaccomplish small miracles for their clients. Whysimply tour the palace when you could gain anintroduction to the Prince himself?Whether it is keeping a business trip runningsmoothly and on time, planning a romanticgetaway or a grand adventure, a travel advisorcan remove the stress and replace it with ahigher level of perfection than you could everachieve on your own. ■HERLIFEMAGAZINE.COM 113

herlife | petsMuST-Haves forWalkingYour Dogby linda r. priceWalking your dog is essential for establishing a bondwith him. Proper equipment will assure a safe andcomfortable walk for both the dog and you. Whileopinions differ, most trainers agree that all dogsneed training to reduce pulling, an acclimationperiod to adjust to specific walking devices and practice to learn thecorrect techniques of walking with their owner.What do you need to make the walk with your dog a pleasurableexperience for both of you? One item is a leash, and if you walkyour dog at night, a lighted leash is ideal. You can see the leash andknow where your dog is, and so can moving vehicles. Consider thePup Crawl Lights-Up Leash, which is five feet long and is lighted withLED lights that can be spotted up to a quarter of a mile away. The realclincher is that The Pup Crawl rescue shelters receive $3 of the $25price to help support their mission.When walking your dog in a park, he will want to roam andexplore every nuance of his surroundings. For these occasions, aflexible leash that retracts will allow your dog to roam while you stayin control. When walking your dog in areas with lots of people, at thevet’s office or in pet stores, you need more control. In these situations,a strong leather or fabric leash is ideal.Another important item for a good walk is a collar, harness orhalter. Many of these devices will not reduce pulling efforts of yourdog if he is not specifically trained. Look for devices that are humaneand safe for the animal. Flat buckle or snap collars can be worn allthe time, and offer a versatile selection. Martingale or Greyhoundcollars are basically soft choke collars that come in a wide rangeof colors and styles including bling, silk and brocade for the mostsophisticated animal. Head collars work like horse halters withoutthe bit. Some owners dislike the look of head collars, and many dogsdon’t like them either. Still, they are a good option for dogs that pull.Dog booties are a great way to protect your pet’s paws from theharsh terrain and cold, hot, icy, salty or slippery surfaces. Many arewater-resistant to help keep the animal’s paws dry. (Anyone who hasdealt with fungus infections on their dog’s paws and legs will appreciatethe benefits of booties.) Booties come in a wide range of stylesand materials. Many are made of stretchable materials to hold themin place. Others have adjustable straps to secure them to the dog’slegs. Throw in a pair of leg warmers and Paw Balm for complete protectionof your dog’s paws and legs.The pooch has boots—now all he needs is a great coat orsweater. Doggie coats and sweaters lead the pack of clothing for ourpampered pooches. Many well-known designers, including Oscarde la Renta, have added doggie clothing to their lines of products.Martha Stewart began her pet line at PetSmart in 2010. Pink argyle,red tartan plaid, sharp leathers or bling are just some of the stylishover-the-top coats for the connoisseur. The proud pet can show offhis stuff with choices from poochieheaven.com, bitchnewyork.comand doggiecoutureshop.com before you settle for the mundane.Creative? Crafty? Feel like sewing? Many designers got their start114 HERLIFEMAGAZINE.COM

sewing clothes for their pets. See Simplicity.com for patterns, or checkout sew-it-love-it.com and other websites for ideas and how-to tips.Special situations create the need for special gear. Dogs need reflectivevests for nighttime walks and life jackets when boating with theirowners. And what pooch doesn’t need fashion accessories to completethe outfit? Bow ties in black satin, seasonal hats, hot pink doggles, fashionablebandanas, crystal dog collar charms, barrettes, vests, panties,belly bands and even wedding attire will complete the outfit.After a long walk, the dog deserves a special treat. If this was amajor exercise walk, you’ll need to feed and water your pet with hisregular food. As their owners become more eco-minded, dogs are beingbetter served. Organic dog food and dog food with meat as the primaryingredient are becoming more popular. After a mini walk, pets can expecttreats ranging from cheesesteak to buffalo and provolone wraps.But wait! You are not going to serve your pooch in a bowl pickedup at the flea market, are you? No way. Pampered pooches expectChef Michael’s special treats presented in bowls and elevated standsto make their meal more comfortable. Attractive watering fountainsprovide fresh water all day. Bowls and stands come with their initialsor even their whole name engraved on them.Man’s best friend is finally receiving his due. ■HERLIFEMAGAZINE.COM 115

herlife | just sayin’JUST SAYIN'by jenny matthews | photography byron berg photography and ward parkway centerAhh, the things people never told me abouthaving kids. Ok, well, maybe they DID tell me,but I just didn’t listen or believe them.For instance, no one told me I wouldnever go to the restroom alone again–ever.They never told me I would never eat a meal againwithout shoveling food into a toddler’s mouth or holdinga crying infant on my lap while trying to shovelfood into my own mouth!They never told me I would become a human napkin/tissue.They never told me about the weird things I wouldsay. For instance, “Julianne, do NOT put peas up yournose,” or “I’ll give you a dollar if you eat your chicken.”They never told me there would be days when Iwouldn’t shower or possibly brush my teeth until latein the afternoon–not by choice, but because there’salways so much to do for the kids, no time for mama.They never told me that I would be so completelyexhausted by the time I got the kids to bed that I wouldbarely have time to chat with my husband without dozingoff.Good grief, they never told me I’d turn into mymother.But the biggest thing no one ever told me? Howmuch I would love every minute of it, in spite of the chaos.Or how much I would love these two little people.Becoming a mom is without a doubt the greatestthing that’s ever happened to me. Sometimes my husbandand I talk about our life before kids and we justcrack up. What in the world did we do with our time?! Ifeel blessed and grateful every single day. ■Jenny Matthews is Mix 93.3’s radio darling! Sheis the host of The Jenny Matthews Show andhas been happily married for 7 years tocaller number 9 (... ask her about that sometime!)116 HERLIFEMAGAZINE.COM

HERLIFEMAGAZINE.COM 117

herlife | tie the knotSamantha& Brentby candi smith |photography by j huffman photographySamantha Jo (Paradise) Forrest wasborn in St. Louis, Missouri and haslived in the Midwest ever since.Kansas City is where her familycurrently lives and she loves it. AtUnion College in Lincoln, Nebraska, she playedbasketball and volleyball until she sustained asevere knee injury requiring her to abstain fromsports. During that time, she not only volunteeredin an orphanage in El Salvador for a year,but decided she wanted to become a physicaltherapist. Going to southern California forphysical therapy school was the best decisionshe made in her life not only for her career, butbecause that’s where she met Brent! Samanthagraduated with her Doctorate of PhysicalTherapy from Loma Linda University in June2012.118 HERLIFEMAGAZINE.COM

LOCAL BUSINESSES THATSHARED IN THE LOVEBRIDAL GOWN:David’s BridalBRIDESMAIDS’ GOWNS:Alfred AngeloGROOM’S SUIT/TUX:Men’s WearhouseGROOMSMENS’SUITS/TUXES:Men’s WearhouseHAIR STYLING:Robin Thoele with Stem Hairand Body SalonMAKEUP ARTIST:Jolie Carrillo-Allenphotography:J Huffman PhotographyVIDEOGRAPHY:The ProsfLORIST:Deb ShigouriBrent Forrest was born in Ocala, Florida,and grew up in Johnson City, Tennessee.He played many sports growing up, includingfootball and basketball, and got certifiedin sailing. Brent continues to sail withhis dad and friends every summer he getsthe chance. Brent was a business/pre-medmajor at Southern Adventist University inCollegedale, Tennessee, and joined the AirForce when he graduated. In 2009, he beganmedical school at Loma Linda University insouthern California. Brent is currently finishingup his fourth year of medical school andthe couple will be moving to Sacramento inJune for his surgery residency.The first time the couple laid eyes oneach other was in a hot tub at a mutualfriend’s house while they were both attendingschool in California. Slowly over the courseof the next year, they developed a strongfriendship which was completely platonic. Asthe friendship grew, they kept their growingfeelings for each other to themselves andcontinuously tried to set each other up withfriends. It took a trip to Yosemite NationalPark a year later for the two to admit theirfeelings. The couple agrees that from thatmoment, they knew they would grow oldtogether. They met January 2010, begandating January 2011 and were engageddj:Two Guys, a Girland Some SpeakersVENUE/CATERER:Longview MansionCAKE:Jenny Scott withGreat Scott! CakesWEDDINGCOORDINATOR:Karen FurstHERLIFEMAGAZINE.COM 119

January 2012. While holding hands under thetable at an Italian restaurant, Brent slippedthe engagement ring on Samantha’s finger,got down on one knee and asked if he couldspend his life with her.The happy couple tied the knot on July1, 2012. Samantha’s Matron of Honor wasKatelyn Brown, and her bridesmaids wereJennifer Rebarchek, Mary Murphy and ArielWebb. Brent’s Best Man was Jonny Busseyand his groomsmen were Chris Baker, DannyFuller and Josh Kanen.The bride and groom had a first meetingbefore the ceremony began to exchangetheir own private vows. The ceremony wasbeautifully given by the bride’s brother, PastorMichael Paradise. Both the groom’s andbride’s families are large and love to danceso the reception was one big dance party!Brent kept the honeymoon locationa surprise from Samantha until after thewedding. The newlyweds spent the week inCancun, Mexico. ■120 HERLIFEMAGAZINE.COM

HERLIFE | in the cityAll calendar event submissions must be received by April 5th forthe May issue and adhere to our guidelines. E-mailkellie@herlifemagazine.com for guidelines or to submit entries.APRIL1 Historic Sites of IndependenceDATES: April 1 through October 31TIME: Varies by site.LOCATIONS: The Bingham-Waggoner Estate, 313 W. Pacific, 1859Jail and Marshal’s Home, 217 N. Main, Vaile Mansion, 1500 N. Liberty,Chicago & Alton 1879 Depot, 318 W. Pacific and 1827 Log Courthouse,107 W. KansasDETAILS: Beginning April 1, the historic tourism sites of Independenceopen their door for the 2013 season. For more information, go tovisitindependence.com.3 National Walking DayDATE: April 3TIME: All DayLOCATION: Events throughout Kansas City MetroDETAILS: This day calls on all Americans and their employers to wearwalking shoes to work and incorporate at least 30 minutes of brisk walkinginto their day.4 Getting Ready Gallery Walk.DATES: April 4, 11, 18 and 25TIME: 2pmLOCATION: National Frontier Trails Museum, 318 West Pacific.DETAILS: Thirty minute guided tour gallery walk, included with regularmuseum admission, $6 adults, $5 seniors 62 and over, $3 ages 6-17.For more information call 816-325-7575 or visitfrontiertrailsmuseum.org.6 CureSearch for Children’s CancerKansas City WalkDATE: April 6TIME: Registration 8:30am.; opening ceremony 10:00am.LOCATION: CommunityAmerica Ballpark,1800 Village West Parkway,Kansas CityDETAILS: Fun for everyone! CureSearch Walk Day is an opportunityfor family, friends, co-workers, neighbors, corporate supporters andcommunity members to come together to honor those whose lives havebeen affected by children's cancer, while raising funds for life-savingresearch. We will have food, fun, and mascots to join us for our walk!Face painters, entertainers and music to dance to, too! Don't miss outon joining your friends and family in the community to help celebrate,honor and remember our little heroes and heroes with halos. Registertoday at curesearchwalk.org.6 ACT Practice TestDATE: April 6TIME: 8:45am - 12:15pmLOCATION: 14874 Metcalf Ave and 4617 W. 90th Street, Kansas CityDETAILS: Practice ACT Test for any area high school student. $10 foreach student and space is limited. Reservations are required, so pleasecall Lisa Booth at 913-754-3633.Queen of Hearts Show with Pam CorcoranPuppetsDATE: April 6TIME: 11am and 2pmLOCATION: Puppetry Arts Institute, 11025 E. Winner Road,IndependenceDETAILS: Live puppet show with Pam Corcoran Puppets of StevenPoint, Wisconsin. Needle-felted hand puppets will steal your heart witha tale of stolen tarts. $5 per person. Admission also includes a tour ofour puppet museum. For more information, visit hazelle.org.11 Liver Transplant and Complications ofLiver DiseaseDATE: April 11TIME: 3-4pmLOCATION: The University of Kansas Clinical Research Center in theFairway Office Park, 4350 Shawnee Mission Parkway, Fairway, KSDETAILS: This free Be Well! program will be led by The University ofKansas Hospital’s Richard Gilroy, MD. Registration is required. To makea reservation or obtain more information about this and other wellnessprograms offered by The University of Kansas Hospital, call 913-588-1227 or visit www.kumed.com/bewell.122 HERLIFEMAGAZINE.COM

HERLIFEMAGAZINE.COM 123

HERLIFE | in the city11 Exercising Your Way StrongDATE: April 11TIME: 5:30 - 6:30 pmLOCATION: The University of Kansas Cancer Center – Overland Park,12200 W. 110th St., Overland Park, KSDETAILS: Learn the safest and most effective exercises you can doto help relieve cancer side effects such as fatigue and deconditioningin this free program from The University of Kansas Hospital. Sami Papacek,wellness program manager, and Melissa Davis, certified oncologyexercise specialist, will lead “Exercising Your Way Strong.” Registrationis required. To make a reservation or obtain more information aboutthis and other wellness programs offered by The University of KansasHospital, call 913-588-1227 or visit www.kumed.com/bewell.12 Second Fridays at Willow SpringMercantileDATE: April 12TIME: 5 - 8:30pmLOCATION: Willow Spring Mercantile, 249 E Broadway, ExcelsiorSpringsDETAILS: Enjoy live music, pastels and oil art from Barry Teghtmeyer,wine tasting and bistro open for dinner. Free; for more information, call816-630-7467 or visit shopthemercantile.com.13 Look Who's Turning 30!DATE: April 13TIME: 11amLOCATION: Harry S. Truman Library and Museum, 500 W. U. S. 24HighwayDETAILS: The Truman Home at 219 N. Delaware was designated anational historic site on May 23, 1983. Nearly two million visitors havetoured the home, and the park has expanded, now including five historicproperties. Join Ranger Matt Turner for a retrospective of this popularnational park. Ongoing and future plans for the site will also be discussed.This presentation is one in the series of "Talkin' Truman." Seatingis first come, first served. Included with paid museum admission,$8 adults, $7 seniors, $3 ages 6-15. For more information call 816-268-8200 or (800) 833-1225, or visit the website at trumanlibrary.org.14 Power to End Stroke Gospel TourDATE: April 14TIME: 5pmLOCATION: Greater Pentecostal Temple, Kansas CityDETAILS: Join hundreds in celebration as national gospel artists andlocal gospel choirs lift their voices to raise awareness about the risk factorsand warning signs of stroke, the No. 4 killer of African Americans.18 An Evening of BeautyDATE: April 18TIME: 6-8 pmLOCATION: KU MedWest, Office of Facial, Plastic and ReconstructiveSurgery (POD C), 7405 Renner Road, Shawnee, KSDETAILS: Learn about state-of-the-art facial cosmetic surgery options,as well as non-surgical treatments for the face, in this free Be Well! programfrom The University of Kansas Hospital. Some of the non-surgicalmethods to be discussed by Clint Humphrey, MD, and David Kriet, MD,include Botox® and Dysport®, fillers (Restylane®, Perlane®, Juvéderm®and Sculptra®) and laser procedures. Registration is required.To make a reservation or obtain more information about this and otherwellness programs offered by The University of Kansas Hospital, call913-588-1227 or visit www.kumed.com/bewell.19 Go Red For Women Half Day ForYour HeartDATE: April 19TIME: 10amLOCATION: Overland Park Convention CenterDETAILS: This fun event mixes education and passion for the Go RedFor Women movement while raising funds to aid in women’s cardiovascularresearch and education.20 April Brings the Spring Parade ofHomesDATE: April 20- May 5TIME: Open daily from 11am - 6pmLOCATIONS: Throughout the Kansas City metropolitan areaDETAILS: Every spring builders do something extraordinary by rollingout welcome mats throughout the Greater Kansas City metropolitanarea. Home buyers and consumers flock to tour new homes to seethe latest in new home design and innovations. The Spring Parade ofHomes has given buyers a wealth of housing choices to find the homeof their dreams since 1962. Homes will be open daily from 11am to6pm and admission is free. In addition, free Parade guidebooks will beavailable in April at the Home Builders Association located at I-435 andHolmes and at all Parade homes during the dates of the event. Eventinformation and an online Parade search will be available atKCParadeofHomes.org.124 HERLIFEMAGAZINE.COM

HERLIFEMAGAZINE.COM 125

HERLIFE | in the city20 Beyond the Blues FUNd-raiserDATE: April 20TIME: 6-10pmLOCATION: Private Armacost Museum in Grandview, MO; addressprovided upon ticket purchase.DETAILS: Benefit for Mental Health America of the Heartland (MHAH).Exclusive blast from the past in an exclusive venue (tickets limited to250, casual attire) at the private Armacost Museum, featuring a vast collectionof rare antique automobiles. Jump blues with the Blues Notionswith Joe Miquelon, Todd Wilkinson and Millie Edwards. Dancing, BBQdinner, auction/raffle items, the Lindy Hop dancers. Details and tickets:$40 (advance only, no door sales) at beyondtheblueskc.org or (913)281-2221.PurpleStride Kansas City 2013DATE: April 20TIME: Registration opens at 7:30am; opening ceremonies, 8:30am; 5Kstart, 9:00am; closing ceremonies at 10:30am.LOCATION: Southcreek Office Park, 7200 West 132nd Street,Overland ParkDETAILS: Timed 5K run/walk to raise money for the Pancreatic CancerAction Network. To register, visit purplestride.org/kansascity.21 KC SuperStar AuditionsDATES: April 21 (Union Station) and April 28 (Jewish Community Center)TIME: 1 - 5 pmLOCATION: April 21-Union Station; April 28-Jewish Community Center,5801 W. 115th St., Overland ParkDETAILS: Can you sing? Are you currently a high school student?Do you live in the Kansas City metropolitan area? Then we want you!Auditions for KC SuperStar are coming up and while there is no fee toparticipate, pre-registration is encouraged. Register online at kcsuperstar.comor Facebook.com/kcsuperstar.26 Four Course Wine Dinner withNoboleis WineryDATE: April 26TIME: 7-10pmLOCATION: Willow Spring Mercantile 249 E Broadway,Excelsior SpringsDETAILS: Enjoy a four course dinner paired perfectly with winesfrom Noboleis Winery. Each course marries food and wine in perfectharmony. Meet the winery staff, ask questions and learn about wine inthis intimate setting. Seating is limited and RSVP is required by calling816-630-7467. $40 per person. For more information, call 816-630-7467or visit shopthemercantile.com.27 Night at the MuseumDATE: April 27TIME: 6:30 - 9pmLOCATION: National Frontier Trails Museum, 318 W. PacificDETAILS: The Friends of the National Frontier Trails Museum are bringingback their wildly successful Night at the Museum event. Planners promisethat new “spirits” of famous, infamous and not so famous personalitiesfrom the past will greet and interact with visitors. Tickets are $25 for adults,$5 for those ages 17, and under and include an appetizer buffet. For reservations,which are required, call 816-325-7575.Inspired CelebrationsDATE: April 27 and 28TIME: 10am to 5pmLOCATION: Overland Park Convention Center, 6000 College Blvd.,Overland ParkDETAILS: Explore the A-to-Zs of home entertaining, from food and drinkto table settings. Demonstrations and special events will occur throughoutthe weekend including a luncheon with Mary Carol Garrity of Nell Hill’s, aswell as an “Inspired Chef” live cooking competition featuring Food Networkstar and Mestizo owner Aaron Sanchez and BBQ expert Richard McPeeke.Jasper Mirabile will host the “Chopped” style cooking competition and ChefDebbie Gold of the American Restaurant will serve as a judge. For ticketinformation, visit InspiredCelebrationsKC.com or call (816) 474-6446, ext.224.14th Street Wine WalkDATE: April 27TIME: 3 - 6pmLOCATION: Kansas City Power and Light DistrictDETAILS: Join us for the 14th Street Wine Walk benefiting Crosslineson Saturday, April 27th from 3-6pm! Tickets are just $25 and includea souvenir tasting glass, plus a sample of wine and a small plate atseven participating venues: Maker's Mark Bourbon House & Lounge,Bar Louie, Bristol Seafood Grill, Drunken Fish, The Chesterfield, The KillDevil Club and The Garment District Kansas City. Plus, after you visit allsix venues, you get to enjoy a complimentary glass of your favorite winethat you sampled (at participating venues only)! Each venue will offer adifferent variety of wine and small plate pairing. Limited tickets availableat participating locations ormissiontix.com/kcwinewalk.126 HERLIFEMAGAZINE.COM

HERLIFEMAGAZINE.COM 127

herlife | horoscopeSTAR JOURNEYSby john sandbachLife this month can seem more complicated than usual. It’shighly important now to identify which tasks in our lives aremost in need of getting taken care of, and then making surethat those get done. The energy is right now for makinggreat strides in whatever we’re doing, but you have to usethose opportunities—progress will not be made on its own.Any energy you invest now into what’s really important toyou will yield big returns.ScorpioOCT. 23-NOV. 21If there is a secretpassion you have,now is the time to pursueit. This is a goodmonth for disruptingsome of your habits,for taking some roadsnot taken, and forseeking out thingsstrange and exotic. Ifyou have been boredit’s because you needmore adventure.SagittariusNOV. 22-DEC. 21The right thing in theright context can bewonderfully successful,but beware nowof interacting withpeople who can’t,won’t, or don’t appreciatewho you are orwhat you have to give.When things go wrongyou may wonder, “Isit me?” Chances areit isn’t.Capricorn Aquarius Pisces AriesDEC. 22-JAN. 19 JAN. 20-FEB. 18 FEB. 19-MAR. 20 MAR. 21-APR. 19If you can’t find whatyou need to do whatyou want to do, thenmaybe you need tomake do with whatyou have and justkeep going. Beware ofanything that is tryingto stop you. Don’t buyinto it. In your ownrealm it is importantnow to assert yourwill, and not allow othersto call the shotsconcerning things thatyou need to be takingcharge of.Find original or innovativeways todo things now. Takesome risks andexperiment. Anythingyou do this month thatis along the lines ofa presentation nowcan lead to success.Don’t just tell peoplethings—show them.Use vivid illustrationsand hands-on techniques.Involve othersin what you’re doingand you’re likely to getsome really positiveresponses.This is a good monthfor you to try one thingafter another in anattempt to get thingsto work smoothly.Adjustments and finetuningare the order ofthe day, so rather thansettling for results thatare just okay, keeprearranging until youget to the pattern youreally like.If you can triumphover distractions andkeep your mind onwhat’s happening inthe moment, you canbe most successfulnow. There may be alot of things you needto ignore because youjust don’t have timefor them. Do not givein to people who arepressuring you to dothings you really don’twant to do.Taurus Gemini Cancer Leo Virgo LibraAPR. 20-MAY 20If you need more time,ask for an extension.If you need moremoney, ask for a loan.Make ends meet now,do what you haveto do to keep thingsgoing, and as long asyou’re being productiveand making headwayin your effortsdon’t worry about thefuture, because it’sgoing to be okay.MAY 21-JUNE 20You can encountersome strange andinteresting problemsthis month. Somethingthat has been heldback or repressed isnow bound and determinedto come out,so make way for it,and when it shows updo your best in takingcare of it. All monthyour life is movingtoward a much morecomfortable andenjoyable place.JUNE 21-JULY 23 JULY 24-AUG. 22 AUG. 23-SEPT. 22 SEPT. 23-OCT. 22If you’re feeling angrythis month you needto think carefullyabout exactly what isprovoking it. To clearthis up you will needto either change yourapproach to whatyou’re doing, or quittaking responsibilityfor things you can’tfix or control, and bemore accepting ofthings as they are.You may be navigatingaround a major obstructionnow, whichcan give your future aclean bill of health.A key word for youthis month is “phony.”You may be feelingthat something’s notright, that someone’snot being sincere,and most likely yourhunches are right onthe mark. You don’tneed to justify youractions now—if youfeel like getting outof a situation, do so.Your inner wisdomis trying hard to getyour attention now, solisten to it.You need a rest now,and if my saying thisstrikes a note withyou, my advice is totake some qualitytime for yourself andjust chill out. This isa month when youneed to be buildingboundaries to shut outanything that’s naggingyou, or expectingtoo much, or beingtoo demanding. If youhave to hide, do it.If there are parts ofyour life you’ve beenneglecting, now is thetime to renew yourconnection with them.Your ability to settleconflicts and negotiateis heightened, andif you use this powerto make everythingsmoother for everyoneyou will be most appreciated.128 HERLIFEMAGAZINE.COM

HERLIFEMAGAZINE.COM 129

130 HERLIFEMAGAZINE.COM

Cover YourAssetsFashionable and Classic Color WaysLargest and Most Unique Selections in the MidwestWe have a Very Knotty Rug for all Budgets4510 STATE LINE RD. • KANSAS CITY, KS 66103 • (913) 677-1877 • WWW.KNOTTYRUG.COM132 HERLIFEMAGAZINE.COM