JAMI GROWNEY - ITSJC

JAMI 

GROWNEY 

HELPING FEED 

LITTLE MIRACLES 

MARCH 2010 

The Latest & Greatest 

IN LUXURY CAR ACCESSORIES 

Social Networking 

IT’S A MUST FOR 2010 

Ask Jenny Matthews 

RELATIONSHIPS & LOVE ADVICE 

tm

Double Take 

is Proud to Introduce 

Gena Morgan 

To Their Staff of Professional 

Hair Designers as 

Their New Artistic Director 

Gena comes to DoubleTake with over 27 years experience 

in the professional salon industry. She’s traveled all over 

the United States, working with some of the world’s top hair 

designers! She’s a National Platform Artist, Artistic Director 

and Director of Education for ProDesign International, training 

hair designers, and other platform artists, a position held for over 

15 years. Most recently Gena was named “Mentor of the Year” 

for ProDesign, recognized for her passion for training and 

developing stylists and platform artists. 

Gena is a Master Stylist, specializing in “system” razor 

cutting and multi-dimensional color techniques. She and 

her international team members recently created an entire 

collection of “looks” based on what is hot in the fashion 

industry right now! These looks will debute at major 

hair shows nation-wide this Spring, and include new 

cuts, color and texture techniques for all lengths of 

hair as well as all types of hair! 

Gena is excited to join the team at DoubleTake 

and looks forward to meeting new guests as well 

as welcoming all of her current clients and friends! 

Book an Appt. with Gena Today! 

genamariemorgan@hotmail.com 

Become a fan on 

Facebook 

135th & Switzer - 913-814-7200 - www.dtsalon.com

areMinerals ® 

Become a fan on 

Facebook 

�� 

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HAIR NAILS MASSAGE SKIN 

Buy Any One Full Price Item & 

Get 50 % Off Select Colors & Kits 

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135th & Switzer ■ 913-814-7200 ■ www.dtsalon.com

Become a fan on Facebook 

11555 Ash, 

Leawood, Kansas 

913.402.9229 

www.bellabsboutique.com 

shopbellabambino.com 

M-Sa 11a-7p, Su 12p-5p 

(Inside Park Place next to Annabelle’s) 

It’s All 

About 

Sassitude! Sassitude! 

Bella Bambino 

Children’s Boutique

10 

22 

welcome 

Publisher’s Notes 10 

8HeAltH 

Strength Training 14 

loVe AND RelAtIoNSHIPS 

Ask Jenny Matthews 16 

SPotlIgHt 

The Knotty Rug 18 

BeAuty 

At-Home Spa Night 20 

coVeR StoRy 

Jami Growney 

Helping Feed Little Miracles 22 

SeeN AND Be SeeN 

J. Hathaway Shoe Boutique 

december 2007 

Body Image And The Media 8 

Grand Opening 26 

Capitol 

BEAUTY 

Federal Grand Opening 28 

Trend Party Setter Arty 30 6 

FINe FASHION tHINgS 

Publisher’’s 2010 Luxury Notes Car Accessories 32 4 

motHeR’S LINDSAY PeRSPectIVe AYDELOTTE 

A Renewed Rainy Day Passion Activities For Life 10 34 

gReeN 

By 

lIVINg 

KRISTEN DOYLE 

Aromatherapy-Can 

Green Kitchen 

It Work For You? 14 

38 

Her Life By LINDA MARANNO 

Her Life Magazine is a window into the life of the women of today; what she is, what she thinks of herself 

www.herlifemagazine.com 

and the world, whats she wants to accomplish now and in the future, and what she knows in her heart. 9 

Magazine is a window into the life of the women of today: what she is, what she thinks of herself 

and the world, what she wants to accomplish now and in the future, and what she knows in her heart. 

14 

14 

16 

32 

RecIPeS 

Braided Herb Bread 42 

Special Spinach Salad 43 

Home 

Home of the Future 44 

culINARy 

ETC.............. Sharpen Your Knife Knowledge 46 

tReNDSetteR 

The Gown Gallery 48 

woRKINg womeN 

Social Networking 54 

tRAVel 

Finding Adventure in 

Kansas City 58 

PetS FoR PeoPle 

Finding Litter for Your Feline 60 

cAleNDAR 

In The City 62 

StAR jouRNeyS 

Horoscope 64 

tm

Welcome 

Spring Fever 

Most years I am so excited that 

spring is around the corner, 

but I’ve really enjoyed the 

slower paced lifestyle for the past few 

months because of the cold weather! I feel 

like we’ve spent more time together as a 

family and Kimble and I started playing 

Skip-Bo again! We also got hooked on the 

TV series Dexter! If you thought I loved the 

Twilight series, this is even better! I can’t believe I feel sorry for a serial 

killer and don’t want him to get caught! 

10 

Photo by Heather Morrow 

We are celebrating our seventh wedding anniversary! It’s so 

funny, the more anniversaries you have, the less exciting they get— 

shouldn’t it be the other way around? He surprised me for Valentine’s 

day with a beautiful pink stone ring (that was in a HER LIFE Magazine 

ad for a few months) from the Polished edge. I wanted this ring so 

badly, but I would have never bought it for myself. But, he remembered 

that I loved it and went to the Polished edge’s new location 

in the Kansas Power & Light District! So since it was a big Valentine’s 

for us, it will be a quiet anniversary! If I have it my way, (and I usually 

do), we will be spending the night at one of our favorite restaurants 

with our kiddos! So romantic! 

My son, Griffin is getting so big. He turns one next month! 

I can’t even believe that he’s almost a year old! The older I get the 

quicker time flies. He is my little boyfriend—if you ask him for a 

kiss he will lean in and give me a slobbery wet one! I just love having 

a little boy. I remember last Halloween going to Prenatal Imag- 

ing center to find out the gender and how nervous I was once they 

told me that we were “undoubtedly” having a baby boy. I remember 

thinking that I know how to handle a little girl—but a boy? The best 

thing that has ever happened to us is having one of each! I feel so 

lucky to get to experience both genders and have two completely 

opposite little personalities! The best part of it all is that they both 

look like my hubby! 

So make sure you enjoy the last of the cold days, as warm days 

are almost here and that means action-packed days of going to the 

pool, zoo, soccer, gymnastics—and the list goes on! There is a reason 

that each season only lasts three months! Enjoy! 

is now on... 

Check out HER LIFE Magazine online at FaceBook! 

We will be announcing the latest discounts, deals 

and events in the city! You won’t want to miss out! 

Add Publisher “Brook Kreder” 

as 10 a friend to keep current 

on upcoming events! 

8 

14 Staff and contacts 

Publisher 

Lin d s ay Ay d e l ot t e 

lindsay@herlifemagazine.com 

executive Account manager 

Bra n d y Ba r r i s h 

brandy@herlifemagazine.com 

Account executive 

Ge rt i e Ka s s 

gertie@herlifemagazine.com 16 

Account executive 

Ma ry Be t h sta u c h 

marybeth@herlifemagazine.com 

editor 

Ma r i ly n Wr iG h t 

Design & Production 

Ju d i t h Jo h n s o n 

judy@herlifemagazine.com 

ETC.............. 

office manager 

ca s e y Jo n e s 

casey@herlifemagazine.com 

Body Image And The Media 8 

BEAUTY 

Trend Setter 6 

Bet s y lee Fry e 

FASHION 

can d i sM i t h 

Publisher’’s Notes 4 

LINDSAY AYDELOTTE 

A Renewed Passion For Life 10Jen 

n y Mat t h e W s 

Joh n sa n d B a c h 

By KRISTEN DOYLE 

Aromatherapy-Can It Work For You? 14 

By LINDA MARANNO 

contributing Authors 

cha n d r a BlacKWell 

eli z a B e t h rosenBerGer 

Kr i s t e n Do y l e 

la u r a Wy n n 

li n d a Ma r a n n o 

lisa ta r a n to 

Vi cK y Gilpin 

Her Life Magazine is a window into the life of the women of today; what she is, what she th 

and the world, whats she wants to accomplish now and in the future, and what she know 

contributing Photographers 

dou G hesse 

heather Mo r r o W 

philip MeirinG 

ra c h e l MeirinG 

sus a n ro B i c h a u d 

to contact Her life magazine: 

7113 W. 135th St., Ste. 287 

Overland Park, KS 66223 

Phone: 816-645-8986 / Fax: 1-866-827-6851 

For Advertising call 816-223-9395 

© 2010 by Her Life Magazine. All rights reserved. Although some parts of 

this publication may be reproduced and reprinted, we require that prior 

permission be obtained in writing. 

Her Life Magazine is owned by KLP Enterprises, Inc., and is a free 

publication distributed locally 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 libraries and 

numerous other high traffic locations. Please call for a location near 

you or if you would like copies placed at your business. 

We do not necessarily endorse the views expressed in the articles and 

advertisements, nor are we responsible for the products and services 

advertised. We welcome your ideas, articles and feedback. 

SUBSCRIPTIONS 

Subscriptions are available for $20 (for 12 issues). Please call 

816-645-8986 with credit card information or mail a check made 

out to Her Life Magazine, to the above address. 

March 2010 

 

d


Image by 

Stefanie Lee 

colouranalys t 

imageconsultant 

Do Life 

with 

Style 

Join me for an exclusive 

Style Party to discover 

the best trends for 

spring. 

March 18th, 6 - 7:30 

@ my studio 

1489 Hemlock Ct, Liberty 

$25 entrance fee 

Reservations encouraged 

816.288.2103╬stefanie.lee@houseofcolour.com╬www.ImageByStefanieLee.com 

11

12 March 2010

Health 

Strength training 

the well-Kept Secret 

By Elizabeth Rosenberger 

When we hear the words “strength training”, visions of 

muscle-bound guys and gals on sandy beaches flexing 

a can of Crisco-greased bulging muscles flash in our 

minds. But don’t let this scare you away because today strength 

training, known as anaerobic training, can re-design you from 

the inside out, minus that bulky look of Arnold Schwarzenegger. 

In fact, a lot of people have learned a well-kept secret; 

strength training can help prevent diseases and increase 

stability and endurance. Since the late 1990s, an increasing 

number of women have taken up strength training, influenced 

by a wealth of programs. Currently, one in five U.S. women 

engages in weight training on a regular basis. 

Cindy Smith, personal trainer with Total Body Fitness, 

says anaerobic training builds lean body mass while toning and 

shaping your body and decreasing your body fat. “It’s all about 

increasing lean body mass, which then in turn stimulates your 

metabolism and helps lose body fat more quickly and more 

efficiently,” Cindy adds. “The biggest misconception is that 

women think they’ll bulk up or it’ll take away their femininity.” 

After being diagnosed in 2003 with a rare genetic disorder 

that left her weak and constantly ill, Cindy turned to strength 

training. “My doctor recommended strength training as a way 

of building back some of my endurance I previously had. I 

started in the beginning of 2005 and haven’t stopped since.” 

She adds that having a trainer is a good way to keep you motivated 

and accountable. “It’s very beneficial to have someone 

there to motivate you and have another set of eyes to see what 

you can’t,” she says. “My biggest goal for our clients is to always 

be able to recognize which body part they are training and 

8 tips to staying motivated with keeping fit 

1. Set goals. Start with simple goals and then progress to 

longer range goals. 

2. Think variety. Alternate walking or biking with 

swimming or a low-impact aerobics class. 

3. Have fun. You’re more likely to stick with an exercise 

program if you’re having fun. Exercise is the 

opportunity to express yourself! 

4. Make physical activity part of your daily routine. Schedule 

workouts as you would any other important activity. 

5. Put it on paper. Write it down! Seeing the benefits of 

regular exercise on paper may help you stay motivated. 

6. Seek support. Invite a friend or co-worker to join you 

when you exercise. 

7. Reward yourself. When you reach a long range goal, 

treat yourself to a new pair of walking shoes or new 

tunes to enjoy while you exercise. 

8. Be flexible. If you’re too busy to work out or simply 

don’t feel up to it, take a day or two off. The important 

thing is to get back on track as soon as you can. 

isolate that area with the correct form. Form is imperative to 

correctly be able to isolate. ISOLATE, NOT ANNIHILATE!” 

When properly performed, strength training can provide 

significant functional benefits and improvement in overall 

health and well-being, including: 

v increased bone, muscle, tendon and ligament 

strength and toughness 

v improved joint function 

v reduced potential for injury 

v increased bone density 

v increased metabolism 

v improved cardiac function 

v elevated HDL (good) cholesterol 

v stabilize hormone levels 

The President’s Council on Physical Fitness and Sports 

advises on their website that anaerobic training is very beneficial 

to health and fitness. Here are some other recommendations 

from their website: 

v Regular physical activity reduces the risk of many 

adverse health outcomes. 

v Some physical activity is better than none. 

v For most health outcomes, additional benefits occur as 

the amount of physical activity increases through higher 

intensity, greater frequency, and/or longer duration. 

v Most health benefits occur with at least 150 minutes 

(2 hours and 30 minutes) a week of moderate intense 

physical activity, such as brisk walking. Additional 

benefits occur with more physical activity. 

v The benefits of physical activity far outweigh the 

possibility of adverse outcomes. 

Cindy says in her experience the biggest link that is missing 

in an exercise program is a sound nutritional program. 

“The tripod model we use is weights, nutrition and cardiovascular. 

Weight training is the key to building lean body 

mass that equals to body compositional change. Nutrition is 

how you lose body fat and increase lean body mass, which is 

primarily for fat loss and a thermogenic affect on metabolism. 

Cardiovascular is needed to expend calories; to lose body fat 

you must expend more calories than you take in.” 

So the next time you are at the fitness center and hear 

the clinking of the dumbbells, don’t let it scare you. Strength 

training is not just for on-the-field serious athletic players 

anymore, but has become a serious option for an in-the-gym 

regular chick regime. HL 

14 March 2010


15

Love and Relationships 

Ask jenny matthews 

Q: If after one year my boyfriend hasn’t proposed marriage, 

do I keep waiting around for a few more months or is it a 

waste of time? - Rachel, Lee’s Summit, MO 

A: Rachel! It’s only been a year! Hang in there, sister. I 

truly believe that guys and girls live by different clocks. When 

my husband and I were dating, not gonna lie, I secretly 

hoped for a ring that first Christmas! And ok, maybe I was 

secretly disappointed when I got a bracelet instead. Love 

the bracelet! Don’t get me wrong! But, well, you know what 

I mean. Thing is, I knew our relationship was solid and we 

talked about marriage from time to time, so I knew it was 

on his radar. He just wasn’t ready to propose yet. So, that’s 

my question to you. Do the two of you discuss marriage at 

all? Do you ever stroll by a jewelry store window and take a 

peek at the shiny diamonds? Does he ever mention it? If the 

answer is ‘yes,’ then my advice is to be patient. Your time 

will come! If the subject has never come up at all—hey, why 

not, bring it up! Feel him out. On the other hand, if he gets 

a little pale and starts stumbling over his words when the 

subject does come up—well, that’s just totally normal. 

Bottom line: If you feel in your heart that he is truly ‘the 

one,’ it’ll be worth the wait. 

By Jenny Matthews 

Photo by Heather Morrow 

Jenny Matthews is Mix 93.3’s radio darling! She is the host of ‘The Jenny Matthews 

Show’ and has been happily married for five years to caller number 9 (... ask her about that 

sometime!) She is the “go to” girl amongst all of her girlfriends for relationship advice and 

now you can ask her too! Please email Jenny at jmatthews@mix93.com. 

Q: I don’t think my husband has ever cheated on me, but I 

often wonder because he travels a lot for work. Any ideas on 

how to ease my mind? - Sydney, Overland Park, KS 

A: Sydney, you are not alone. Even in the strongest, healthiest 

relationships, I believe that question crosses every woman’s 

mind at one point or another. Stories like Tiger Wood’s 

cheating multiple times on his wife doesn’t help the situation 

either! It boils down to trust. I am a firm believer that if you 

lose the trust in your relationship, you have lost everything. 

That said, if your husband has never given you any reason 

not to trust him—you have no choice but to believe that he is 

100% faithful to you. If you start acting needy, paranoid and 

constantly question his whereabouts, etc. Well, that will make 

the situation worse. He will know that you don’t trust him 

and might say, ‘She thinks I’m cheating—maybe I should.’ I’m 

not saying every man would react that way. But, think about 

it—it could happen. My advice is to be a strong, confident 

woman and have faith that you are such a catch that your man 

would never do anything to risk losing you! And you know 

what? If he ever does cheat on you—well then he wasn’t worth 

it to begin with, right? 

Bottom line: Trust, trust, trust—until you have a reason 

not to. HL 

16 March 2010

HER LIFE Spotlight 

the Knotty Rug 

the Knottier the Better 

When you step into the spacious showroom of The 

Knotty Rug, you’ll be surrounded by a magnificent 

selection of artwork—exquisite hand-knotted rugs that 

feature brilliant colors and stunning unique designs. 

This beautiful collection of rugs evolved from an obsession 

that got its start by accident in 2003 when owner, Darrel 

Wingo, was asked by a client from his interior painting business 

to find a rug for her living room. As his search for the perfect 

rug progressed, he found himself becoming more and more 

attracted to the beauty and exceptional quality of hand-knotted 

rugs. This side project soon turned into a passion for collecting 

hand-knotted rugs—and eventually a new career. In 2004, as his 

collection of rugs outgrew the space available in his home, he 

decided to sublease space on Southwest Boulevard and officially 

launched The Knotty Rug. A year later he moved his showroom 

to its present location in Kansas City’s historic antique district. 

Hand-knotted rugs are also very ecofriendly 

because they are made of wool— 

a natural fiber and renewable resource. 

Wingo says hand-knotted rugs are incredibly durable, 

they last for years and actually get better with time. They are an 

expensive item, of course, because they are handmade. One 9 x 

12 rug takes between one to two years (depending on the knott 

count) and even more for silk pieces. 

Hand-knotted rugs are also very eco-friendly because they 

are made of wool—a natural fiber and renewable resource. The 

By Linda Maranno 

Photo by Susan Robichaud 

wool is handspun and natural vegetable dyes are used instead 

of chemical dyes which are used for synthetic rugs. They are 

also free of glues and other dangerous chemicals used in 

synthetic rugs which create indoor pollution by emitting toxic 

VOCs into your home. 

The closest alternative to hand-knotted rugs are handtufted 

rugs, which are made by pushing wool or acrylic yarn 

through a primary backing with a tufting gun rather than handtying 

knots. Hand-tufted rugs are less expensive, because they 

are produced using less labor and skill. However, toxic glues are 

used in their production and they are also not as durable. 

Most consumers are attracted to machine-made rugs because 

of the low prices. While they may seem like a bargain initially, 

they actually end up costing more in the long run because 

of the number of times they have to be replaced. Machine-made 

rugs are also made of synthetic materials and chemicals such as 

toxic glues, and they are more difficult to clean. 

When it comes to pricing, The Knotty Rug’s approach is 

quite unique. They strive to offer fair and reasonable retail 

prices every day, and when they have an annual sale or special 

promotion, it is a “real” sale event. This isn’t always the case 

with other rug stores. Wingo explains it is common practice 

for many rug stores to mark rugs with some astronomically 

high “retail” price and then offer 20% to 70% off or more. In 

reality, these rugs are actually never sold at a regular price, and 

customers have to engage in a deal-making bargaining game to 

make a purchase. 

The Knotty Rug offers customers a seven-day check out 

policy to give them adequate time to make sure they have the 

right rug. They really make the extra effort to help customers 

find the right rug at a price they feel comfortable with and fits 

within their budget. 

The Knotty Rug is a full-service Oriental rug store offering 

cleaning, repairs, pads, in-home consultations and delivery. 

With over 2,000 rugs in their 7,000 square foot showroom, 

you’re sure to find the perfect one for your home. Their large 

selection of contemporary to formal traditional includes virtually 

any rug you would see in an upscale interior design magazine. 

New shipments arrive on a regular basis, and they can also place 

special orders if you’re looking for something special that they 

don’t have available in their showroom. Prices range from $100 

up to $30,000 (for a palace-size antique rug). 

In addition to classic rugs, you will also find French 

needlepoint, flat woven Kilims and contemporary designs, 

as well as select furnishings and accessories including a wide 

selection of lamps, one-of-a-kind antiques, custom upholstery 

and rug covered ottomans, chairs and rug pillows. HL 

The Knotty Rug is located at 4510 State Line Road in Kansas City’s 

historic antique district. They are open 10:00 am - 5:00 pm, Tuesday through 

Saturday. You can also contact them at 913-677-1877 to schedule an appointment. 

For more information, visit their website at www.knottyrug.com. 

18 March 2010


? 

There is no guessing when it comes to success. 

We encourage you to learn as much as possible, 

so you can be confident about the decisions you make. 

We are the region’s most experienced in helping infertile couples become parents. 

We’re also the region’s leading innovator with a full range of treatment options 

ranging from minimal therapies to high-tech procedures. 

So learn the facts, check the stats. 

Visit www.rrc.com or call (913) 894-2323. 

Celeste Brabec, M.D.• Ryan Riggs, M.D. 

20 years of Innovation 

19

Beauty 

At-Home 

Spa Night 

By Vicky Gilpin 

Few luxuries are as ripe with the potential for female 

bonding as going to the spa. Spa activities can be relaxing, 

provide downtime for chatting, and are usually a 

healthier or safer environment than hanging out in bars or 

even going out to eat every time a little “girl-time” is needed. If 

one’s budget is currently too tight for the full professional spa 

experience, a spa night is easy to create in the comfort of your 

own home. In addition, creating your own spa night allows you 

to add your own flair to meet your friends’ personalities and expectations. 

Several elements are necessary for a great spa night. 

People 

In my research for this article, I enlisted the help of my mom 

and sister in a lovely cabin environment. We were excited 

to get away for a girls’ weekend, but leaving one’s home is 

unnecessary, as stealing an hour or two some evening to get 

together and create a spa night is an excellent way to unwind in 

the middle or end of the week. You want to select your guests 

for the optimal potential fun. This advice may sound obvious, 

but often working women try to include work associates in so 

many of their recreational gatherings that they never get to 

truly relax and be themselves. Some people may enjoy encouraging 

acquaintances to become more open by relaxing in the 

less pressure-filled atmosphere, but others will want to solely 

enjoy the company of intimate friends. In addition, although 

the activities are created to be relaxing, participants need a 

sense of humor. It is fairly difficult to be staid and stodgy in a 

pastel pore-cleansing face mask! 

environment 

Considering the environment in which the spa night will 

take place is important. You want to make sure to have a 

soothing environment in order to create a mood of relaxation. 

A world of difference exists between an austere or 

utilitarian bathroom and a room intentionally designed for 

comfort. Lighting, clothing and music are all important 

aspects of creating a cozy atmosphere. Dim lighting, supplemented 

by scented candles contributes to the development of 

soothing surroundings. Loose, comfortable clothing limits 

distractions caused by physically constrictive clothing, such 

as tight waistbands, or emotionally constrictive items, such 

as anything you might normally wear to work. Comfortable 

choices allow you to put on facial masks, lotions and other 

products without raising concerns about stains. In addition, 

music such as light jazz, New Age instrumentals or nature 

sounds can enhance the environment and encourage relaxation. 

Finally, choosing snacks and beverages is another 

way to make the spa night unique to the participants. Even 

if those in attendance do not drink alcohol, iced water with 

slices of strawberries, cucumbers, or pineapples adds a festive 

flair while also keeping everyone hydrated. 

Products 

Choosing the right products for your activities is a must for 

an at-home spa night. However, the products don’t have to be 

salon-grade or salon-priced to do the trick. Although you may 

have some tried and true favorites having a spa night with the 

girls encourages experimentation. Before selecting products, 

you may want to take a quick poll of your guests: are any of 

them allergic to certain ingredients? You might also encourage 

them to bring one favorite product to share; this choice will 

lessen budgetary concerns. My party went for drug store products, 

both old favorites, as well as new experiences. Because 

certain facial masks and Biore-style strips require some wait 

time, we had a good time interacting with each other as various 

items dried after being gooped on our faces. 

Activities 

Traditional spa activities can include nail polishes, massages, 

waxes and facials. These are great items to focus on during your 

spa night, as are experimenting with hair masks or deep conditioners 

that are difficult to find time for during the normal 

activities of the week. However, an at-home spa night isn’t just 

about a good exfoliation or foot soak; this can be a great opportunity 

to incorporate some favorite activities interspersed 

within the chatting and body care. My mom and sister decided 

to make our time together a scrapbooking weekend, so we chatted 

and did facials while scrapbooking, flipping through entirely 

fluffy magazines, and getting sugarhighs from extreme amounts 

of s’mores. Others might prefer experimenting with detoxing 

through an entirely raw food weekend, hiking in the woods, 

going on a juice fast, or trying some other activity connected to 

health and wellness. The important thing is to have fun while 

moisturizing, exfoliating, or deep cleaning. 

In addition, pictures to commemorate the experience are 

absolutely necessary. You want to remember how you and your 

best girlfriends looked in sloppy clothes with products on your 

faces, or as you encouraged another friend to try an at-home 

leg wax. You also might want the reminder to do it again some 

time! HL 

20 March 2010


Lauren Alexandra 

baby boutique & nursery design 

Art for all ages. 

20% off a piece of art of your choice. 

expires 4/30/2010 

Brookside 816.822.2539 • Briarcliff Village 816.587.2223 

21

22 

Inspirational Cover Story 

Jami Growney may have an unusual profession, but it’s one 

she’s highly respected for among her peers, and remembered 

for in years to follow with the families she has helped. 

Although she’s a self-employed Occupational Therapist 

by trade, she is contracted through the Infant Toddler Services 

of Johnson County (ITSJC), specializing in infant and toddler 

feeding solutions from birth to three years of age. 

“Eating, pooping and boobies, that’s my whole job,” Jami 

says. “Most everything I do is focused around the child. A lot 

of people don’t understand babies, and sometimes they don’t 

come out of the womb wanting to eat, or able to eat the way 

they are supposed to. That‘s where I come in—my goal is to 

provide happy meal times—I thrive on that!” 

there is a high correlation 

with feeding problems and reflux, 

constipation, and food allergies. 

Jami is respected and acknowledged as an expert in the 

field of problem-solving issues for children that have severe 

feeding challenges who have not responded to typical approaches. 

She is one of three in the county that specializes in this 

specific type of Occupational Therapy. “Some babies are so 

premature that their sucking reflex is not developed. While 

they’re in the hospital they get a feeding tube inserted through 

their nostril or into their stomach that they will go home with. 

Jami adds that sometimes when children are born with 

muscle tone issues such as Cerebral Palsy or Down’s Syndrome, 

they are not coordinated enough to eat safely. “If a 

child has a cleft palate where they physically can’t eat, or they 

might have a heart abnormality, all these things could limit a 

child’s ability to feed safely.” For the past 17 years, Jami has 

been providing therapy in a variety of settings. She has 

provided inpatient, outpatient and home-based therapy with 

primarily pediatric clients. While at Children’s Mercy 

Hospital, she provided outpatient, home-based therapy, 

contract services for a preschool program and was the 

primary Occupational 

Therapist for the Spinal Defects Clinic. She later worked for 

TherapyWorks where she provided outpatient and home-based 

pediatric therapy, and contracted with local Birth to Three and 

special education preschool programs. For the past seven 

years, pursuing her strong passion for feeding therapy, she has 

worked at her most favorite job of all, contracting with the 

Birth to Three program in Johnson County, Kan. Jami serves 

an exclusive caseload of children with primary and secondary 

feeding dysfunction, often with the multiple medically fragile. 

“With my own caseload, I generally serve 30 clients, and 

17 of them require feeding tubes for hydration, growth or Rx 

dosing. Within the last 5 months I have been able to 

graduate 10 clients without requiring use of the feeding tube 

on a daily basis, allowing for 100 % oral intake. There is a 

high correlation with feeding problems and reflux, constipation 

and food allergies. Many children experience all three 

conditions due to their medical diagnosis, but respond well 

to feeding therapy and family education. Ideal results include 

the child accepting the family or siblings’ general menu, both 

at home and in social situations. Whether it is through direct 

service, consultation, or providing continuing education 

courses nationally for other professionals, I am passionate 

about my career, and love watching children thrive to achieve 

happy mealtime routines!” 

“Based on a referral basis from hospitals, social 

workers, physicians, early childhood programs and daycares, 

the program’s goal is to expand a family’s ability to 

care for and enhance their child’s development, within the 

natural environments familiar to that child. So many 

parents say to me when I go into a home that they had no 

idea that I would or could understand what they’re going 

through. A lot of them have not been heard or understood. 

Going into their home allows them to open up and feel 

comfortable—it allows them to vent. It‘s rewarding to know 

that these families can now go to Grandma’s or go out to 

eat, or just go out because they’ve been shown how to 

become portable with their child.” A workaholic by nature, 

Jami was never sure if having her own children was in her 

future. “I never really imagined that I would get married 

until I was 35, and didn’t know if I would even have kids. I 

Jami Growney 

BY ELIZABETH ROSENBERGER 

PHOTOGRAPHY BY PHILIP MEIRING OF KDOG PHOTOGRAPHERS 

MAKE-UP BY MELISSA BLAYTON OF BE COSMETICS 

HAIR BY FELICIA GATZ OF DOUBLE TAKE SALON 

WARDROBE PROVIDED BY THE GOWN GALLERY 

SHOT ON LOCATION AT THE AMERICAN RESTAURANT Helping 

F

eed Little Miracles 

23

had to kiss a few frogs before I married Larry. God put him 

there when I didn’t even know it was time.” 

After their first child was born, Jami went through five 

miscarriages. While visiting a foster home to care for one of 

her clients, she met Krista. “They walked out with this 

adorable six-month-old baby girl with dark eyes and a timid 

smile. I was so taken back by her, but I had to keep reminding 

myself I was there to work. She soon became my client. 

Later, I told my husband about her. He then requested that 

he get to meet her.” 

With literally a whirlwind adoption process with KVC, Jami 

found herself the proud mother of a precious girl and on the 

other side of what it meant to have a baby that had special needs. 

“I think the adoption process is what I have a new 

perspective for. Adopting one of my clients has really given me 

a new insight into what families go through to adopt a child, 

how precious it is.” 

On May 1, the ITSJC will be hosting their 8th Annual 

Stepping Stones Gala at the Marriott in Overland Park, Kan. 

This event is specifically designed to raise monies for the 

Friends of Infant Toddler Services Organization (FITS) that 

helps provide laptops, office space, and equipment for 

clients, among other things, for ITSJC. Cocktail attire is 

requested for an evening of dinner, dancing and a live 

auction. Last year’s live auction items included a tour of the 

White House, a day at the firehouse including fire hose 

lessons, motorized four-wheelers, a custom hot-rod bicycle 

and a signed Toby Keith guitar. 

Through ITSJC, many families have been helped, 

providing a lifeline for families to the outside world. Jami’s 

24 

refrigerator, covered with thank you cards and pictures of 

children from families past, proves that. 

Founded in 1992 and incorporated as a non-profit 

organization in 2000, Infant Toddler Services of Johnson 

County is mandated through the Individuals with Disabilities 

Education Act (IDEA). There is no waiting list 

and the cost of services is borne through a grant provided 

to the county by the State and Federal governments, 

Medicaid and private insurance (if applicable) funding. It 

is one of the 36 Tiny K networks which provide early 

intervention for infants and toddlers with special needs in 

the state of Kansas. 

The organization serves children from birth to 36 

months of age who have special needs or are experiencing 

developmental delays. Some of the developmental delays or 

disabilities with which it works include speech delays, 

behavioral disorders, sensory integration issues and Autism. 

Their mission is to serve children in their natural environm 

e n t w h i c h i s g e n e ra l l y i n t h e i r h o m e o r d a y c a re s e t t i n g . 

Through the process, referrals are received from any one 

of the Johnson County Parents As Teachers organizations, area 

hospitals and physicians, and by word of mouth from other 

families; children are screened upon intake. 

“I am very blessed to be in my job and get to see miracles 

every day,” Jami says. “Giving confidence to parents and 

helping them move past obstacles, so they can move forward, is 

one of the greatest rewards in my life.” HL 

For more information about ITSJC, you can contact them via their website 

at www.itsjc.org or 913-432-2900. Information about the Stepping Stones 

Gala can also be obtained from the site or by contacting fits@itsjc.org. 

March 2010


25

Seen and Be Seen 

j. Hathaway Shoe 

Boutique 

J. Hathaway Shoe Boutique Grand Opening Event last month was 

quite the scene, showcasing this hot new shoe boutique in Park 

Place at 115th and Nall. Over 200 guests previewed new spring 

footwear styles, as well as finding great buys. Classic Frye boots to 

sophisticated styles from Olivia Rose Tal, Falke hosiery, Mary Frances 

handbags and stylish belts were fast-sellers at J. Hathaway Shoe 

Boutique. Check them out soon—new styles arriving daily! 

Pictures are brought to you by NightLifeKC.com. To view more pictures from this event or to book them for your next event, please check out NightLifeKC.com. 

26 March 2010


capitol Federal 

grand opening 

Capitol Federal opened another branch in North Kansas City! 

They are very excited to have another branch location to make 

it even easier for their clients to have access to them! For more 

information go to www.capfed.com! 


28 March 2010

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Party Arty 

A 

chic evening of art, fun, fashion, cocktails and live 

entertainment awaited party-goers at this year’s Party 

Arty. Kansas City’s premier young professionals event 

was hosted in the Bloch Building by the Young Friends of Art 

with proceeds benefitting the Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art. 


30 March 2010

Fine Things 

2010 luxury car Accessories the 

girls can enjoy 

By Lisa Taranto 

Calling all women that like to 

drive! Men don’t have to be 

the only road warriors that dig 

new and improved automobile technology 

and accessories. Car gadgets 

aren’t just for the boys anymore and 

automakers are finally gearing many of 

their products toward women. 

Maybe we should thank Danica 

Patrick or perhaps give an appreciative 

nod toward the few female auto 

designers for the latest lady luxuries 

on the newest cars. So, if you 

prefer your car loaded with gadgets 

rather than groceries, there are more 

choices than ever. 

According to a recent poll, females 

buy 60 percent of all new cars and 53 percent of used 

cars. In addition, they spend about 300 million dollars 

annually to keep their four wheels in working order. CNW 

Marketing Research also says that women influence the guys 

when it comes to car buying, since they typically have a sayso 

in about 80 percent of all automotive sales. 

Dealers and car sales persons are playing up the nifty car 

accessories that women are digging too. Check out these cool 

car ideas with the ladies in mind. 

Speed Sensors 

For those of us looking for less stress during our drive, radar 

sensors help us steer clear of the stop-go anxiety that may 

transpire in heavier traffic. Sensors located on the automobile 

measure the distance of other cars or objects in front and 

on each side of the vehicle. On-board computers adjust the 

brakes and acceleration automatically in order to maintain a 

constant distance between you and surrounding objects or the 

car in front of you. Whether you are on your daily commute or 

a weekend road trip, this safe and fabulous feature may make 

your ride a bit smoother. 

At Hand on comand ® from mercedes Benz 

Mercy me, Mercedes seems to be in-tune with us multi-tasking 

girls. The centerpiece of their new S Class interior is an 

enhanced cockpit management and data system (COMAND) 

that lets you control all your car business from the center 

console while keeping your eyes on the road. With COMAND 

you can manage everything from the radio, seat adjustments, 

telephone, inside temperature and more just by shifting a 

circular controller. Control your IPod® or navigation system 

on the eight-inch, color, high-resolution LCD display. The 

screen can be pivoted toward the driver, or your lunch buddy 

in the passenger seat. Easy to use menus and maps are viewed 

on the monitor positioned at the top of the dashboard to help 

minimize distractions from the road. 

Remote car Starter 

Who wouldn’t want one? Living in the Midwest screams hot 

days, cold nights and everything in between. Remote car starters 

get your motor running before you head out the door. Depending 

on the number of features you get, prices range from 

$200-$400 plus installation. Some higher-end models offer a 

“quick stop” option that lets you leave your locked vehicle running 

without the key. 

Budget-conscious Finds 

Of course, not everyone can afford luxury cars or the latest, 

greatest features. If a pared down vehicle is more your gig, or 

if a reliable used car is what your budget allows, don’t settle 

for basic. Cute car accessories can customize your wheels and 

make you feel like doing a vehicle vanity dance. Here are some 

awesome auto finds to help “trip out” your Taurus. 

girly car Bling 

Treat yourself and your ride to a blinged-out license plate 

32 March 2010

frame. Crystal endowed frames come in several sizes and 

colors while adding a bit of flair to your tail end. Bling license 

plates range anywhere from $40 to $200 dollars depending 

on the style and can be adjusted to include a logo, ribbon or 

favorite sports team. 

Sassy Seat covers 

Boring beige and black seats be gone! Why not cover your 

backside with a custom seat cover? Update the interior of 

your ride while protecting against spills, fading, dirt and pet 

hair. Designers like Ed Hardy create stylish picks, or check out 

websites like www.girlslovewheels.net for innovative fabric and 

design covers that are easy to install on most bucket seats. 

trick out your wheel 

If you prefer a fun grip, then check out some stylish steering 

wheel covers. Leopard print, polka dot and other girl-inspired 

designs are available online or at automotive stores. Most covers 

are made with a soft velour grasp and adhere to just about 

any steering wheel. 

For more female inspired car ideas, check out www.womenandwheels.co.uk. 

This website is written by women for 

women and not only provides great information about new 

features and items for cars, but also discusses tips for buying, 

selling, insuring and maintaining your ride. 

So gals, no matter whether you drive a grocery-getter or 

cruise in a hot rod, customizing your car is as easy as maneuvering 

the interstate. Now, get your motors running and take 

your style to the road. HL 


33

Mother’s Perspective 

Rain, Rain, Bring It on! 

tips for making it Fun to Stay Inside 

Your heart rate speeds. Your palms go clammy. You focus 

on remaining calm as you gaze out at your toughest 

audience yet: a room full of tax auditors? The American 

Idol judges? 

Nope. Your kids. Stuck inside, on a rainy (or snowy, or 

sleety) day and looking to you for entertainment. 

Coming up with indoor activities for your children can 

feel a lot like improv; you try one approach, and if you’re met 

with boos from the audience, you go in another direction, 

until you find something that works. So Her Life is here to offer 

you a little improv coaching with a few ideas for applause-worthy 

indoor activities: 

Age 1-3 

This can be a tough age group to entertain because kids this 

young don’t always have the verbal skills to tell you what 

they want. Below, however, are a few ideas that rarely go 

wrong. 

Make Learning Fun: 

v Read aloud. Reading to young children promotes language 

development, and is fun for everyone involved! 

v Sing, sing, sing! Whether it’s the Itsy Bitsy Spider, Big 

Yellow Taxi, or a song you make up yourself, singing to your 

toddler is a wonderful way to communicate with and entertain 

your little one. 

Foster Creativity: 

v Unleash the A\artist! Breaking out the art supplies is a 

tried-and-true tactic for keeping kids happily occupied. If you 

By Chandra Blackwell 

have a toddler who’s more prone to ingestion than to ideation, 

let him tap his inner Picasso with pudding or mix food coloring 

into dollops of whipped cream to create a tasty fingerpainting 

palette. 

v Stack ‘em up! Blocks are ideal toys for this age because they 

help improve the development of fine motor skills, and stacking 

blocks also encourages the use of imagination. No blocks? 

Try other stackable items, such as plastic cups or bowls, which 

work equally well in stimulating creativity. 

Just Plain Wear ‘Em Out: 

v One word: Bubbles. They’re a must for any household 

with a toddler, and don’t require much effort on your part. 

Send bubbles floating into the air, and let your kids chase 

them! Make it a game to see who can catch and pop the most, 

while you relax on the couch, secure in the knowledge that you 

are the most entertaining parent ever. 

v Dance! There’s nothing like a dance-a-thon to bring the 

fun. Again, it doesn’t matter if it’s Mickey Mouse or Michael 

Jackson—just pick something up-tempo, and let the boogie 

begin! 

Age 4-7 

Kids in this age group are beginning to learn how to make 

their own fun, but still enjoy spending time with you, and will 

love your participation in some of these activities: 


v Make a book of favorites. Pick a topic—animals, superheroes, 

you name it—and join your kids in creating books 

34 March 2010

about their favorites in the category. Afterwards, everyone 

can share! 

v Play school—with a twist: Let your kids do the teaching, 

and you be the student. You’ll be amazed what they know—and 

what you can learn! 


v Act out a play or story. Depending on how involved you 

want it to be, there can be costumes, a set, a director—the 

world (or the living room, at any rate) is your stage! 

v Draw a picture together. You and your kids can take turns 

adding details—use a kitchen timer to determine when each 

person’s turn is up. You can also create a game in which one 

person draws only a random, amoeba-like shape, and then 

passes it to the other person to create a recognizable picture 

out of it. 


v Follow-the-Leader. This game is another tried-andtrue 

kid favorite. Take turns being the “leader” and watch 

your kids collapse in giggles when they see you imitate their 

chicken dance! 

v Have an indoor “snowball” fight using old newspapers. 

You yell “Go!” and the kids wad and throw! Grab the classifieds 

and join in the fun. 

Age 8-10 

At this age, kids are more independent in keeping themselves entertained, 

and may even prefer to do things on their own. Here, 

though, are a few shared activities they’re bound to enjoy. 



v Perform a science experiment. Check out the Internet for 

fun, safe, home-friendly experiments that will have your kids 

gunning for a Nobel Prize. 

v Make a family “newspaper” of recent events or happenings. 

Put your little investigative reporters to work and you might 

end up with a holiday letter for friends and family (as long as 

you don’t mind winding up in the gossip column). 


v Make and send cards to family and friends. This one never 

gets old; there’s a little Hallmark in all of us. 

v Tie-dye t-shirts. It takes a little preparation, but tie-dyeing 

is another all-time favorite—and best of all, it results in wearable 

art! How cool (or should we say, groovy) is that? 


v Scavenger hunt. Thanks to the popularity of the digital 

camera, this activity doesn’t even have to involve collecting 

actual items—“hunters” can simply take photos of items they’re 

required to find. And this activity can be especially useful to 

you if you’ve lost an earring or a favorite sock. 

v Dance: Redux. Whether a kid is going on three or thirteen, 

dancing is always fun! The only difference is that younger kids 

are more likely to think your moves are cool, whereas older 

kids are more likely to find them hilarious. Either way, everyone 

gets a workout! 

With just a few ideas like these up your sleeve, you can face 

the inevitable rain or snow day prepared for fun—and prepared 

to take a bow for impressing such tough little judges. Enjoy! HL 

35

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37

Green Living 

tips for turning your Kitchen green 

For those of us who love to cook, the kitchen is by far 

the favorite room in the house. There we can spend 

lots of time creating new dishes as well as old favorites 

to share with our family and friends. If you’re also 

eco-driven, you’ll want to take steps to ensure this special 

room produces the least environmental impact as possible. 

Of course, all of the things you can do to create a more 

eco-friendly kitchen are too numerous to include in this 

article, but the following ideas are a great way to get started 

and are also easy to do. 

If you’re also eco-driven, you’ll 

want to take steps to ensure this 

special room produces the least 

environmental impact as possible. 

Appliances 

The refrigerator is the single biggest energy consuming appliance 

in the kitchen. Purchasing a new Energy Star unit 

can reduce energy consumption significantly—approximately 

40 percent over models sold in 2001. Energy Star-qualified 

models use high efficiency compressors, improved insulation, 

and more precise temperature and defrost mechanisms to improve 

overall energy efficiency. If replacing your current unit 

By: Linda Maranno 

doesn’t fit into your budget right now, here are some suggestions 

on things you can do in the meantime to reduce energy: 

1) Position your refrigerator away from heat sources such as an 

oven, dishwasher or direct sunlight from a window; 2) Leave a 

space between the wall or cabinets and the refrigerator to allow 

air to circulate around the condenser coils; and 3) Keep your 

refrigerator between 35 and 38 degrees Fahrenheit and your 

freezer at 0 degrees Fahrenheit. 

Of course, dishwashers also consume a lot of energy. 

Energy Star-rated units use less hot water than conventional 

models and can reduce energy consumption by up 

to 40 percent. To save energy using your current unit, 

don’t run your dishwasher until you have a full load and 

use the air dry option instead of heat dry. For more information 

on which appliances qualify for the Energy Star- 

rating, visit www.energystar.gov. 

tap water Filter 

A recent analysis conducted by the Environmental Working 

Group (www.ewg.org) found that tap water in 42 

states is contaminated with more than 140 chemicals 

that are unregulated and have no safety standards. More 

than 22 million tap water quality tests from cities across 

the country were evaluated in the study which showed a 

total of 260 contaminants being detected in public water 

systems. Clearly, there’s a need to filter your water from 

the tap, not just for drinking purposes, but for washing 

38 March 2010

fruits and vegetables as well. It doesn’t make much sense 

to spend the extra money to buy organic produce and 

then rinse it with contaminated tap water. What’s the best 

filter? The National Resources Defense Council (NRDC) 

offers the following recommendations. First, make sure 

you purchase a filter that removes the specific contaminants 

of concern in the water in your area—get a copy of 

your city’s annual water quality report for this information. 

Second, be sure the filter is independently certified 

by NSF (www.nsf.org) to remove these contaminants. 

Third, maintain the filter at least as often as the manufacturer 

recommends, or hire a maintenance company to 

maintain it for you. They also stress that a “point of use” 

filter on your sink will not remove all contaminants. Only 

a “point of entry” device that cleans all the water in your 

house can provide the best protection. 

only a “point of entry” device that 

cleans all the water in your house 

can provide the best protection. 

garbage Bags 

The plastic bags we all use to line our kitchen trash containers 

can take over 100 years to degrade. In our research for 

an eco-friendly alternative, we discovered a line of garbage 

and trash bags called BioBags, which are made from corn- 

�� 


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Your questions about living with MS answered LIVE! 

Talk MS is taking the show on the road! 

• Your questions answered by leading 

physicians and nurses 

• Connect with others living with MS 

• Share your perspective 

starch and are certified to be 100% biodegradable and 100% 

compostable. No polyethylene is used in the production of 

BioBags, and there are no chemical additives to enhance decomposition. 

The bags are also certified GMO-free, because 

they only utilize corn from countries that do not allow GMO 

testing. BioBags will decompose in a controlled composting 

environment in about 10-45 days, leaving no harmful residues 

behind. For more information, visit www.biogroupusa. 

com. 

cleaning 

If you’ve ever wondered why you often get a headache after 

running the dishwasher, the answer is that almost all conventional 

dishwashing detergents contain chlorine bleach— 

a toxic chemical that is actually registered as a pesticide. 

Not only does it cause headaches, but also fatigue, burning 

eyes and respiratory irritation as well. These detergents also 

contain other dangerous chemicals such as phosphates, alkaline, 

diethanolsamine and naptha. Use alternative detergents 

instead, such as those made by Seventh Generation, 

that are free of chlorine, phosphates and other additives. 

When it comes time to cleaning the oven, avoid commercial 

oven cleaners that produce harmful chemical fumes that 

can penetrate your food the next time you use your oven. 

Opt to use a safer and natural alternative such as baking 

soda and water. Just sprinkle baking soda on the oven bottom 

and spray with enough water to create a paste. Let it set 

overnight and then wipe off in the morning. I’ve done this 

before and it really works! HL 

�� 

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Sat., March 27, 2010 

Registration: 10:00 am 

Program: 10:30 am 

Sheraton Overland Park Hotel 

6100 College Blvd. 

Overland Park, KS 66211 

Call 1-866-756-0494 

Featuring: 

• Dr. Bruce Hughes 

• Tally Bell, ARNP 

• MS LifeLines® Nurse 

Lori Weir, RN 

• MS LifeLines® 

Ambassador Kim R. 

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Complimentary refreshments will be served - and 

parking is free. Please contact the venue directly 

for directions from your local area. Please use 

convention center entrance on lower level of hotel. 

For more information about other talk MS programs, 

visit www.mslifelines.com 

39

Jenkins & LeBlanc 

40 March 2010


41

This Month’s Recipes 

Braided Herb Bread 

By Kristen Doyle 

Ingredients: 

4 to 4-1/2 cups all-purpose flour 3/4 cup milk 

3 TB sugar 1/2 cup water 

2 packages quick-rise yeast 1/4 cup butter, cubed 

2 tsps dried basil 1 egg 

1-1/2 tsps salt 1 Tablespoon butter, 3/4 

tsp garlic powder melted 

3/4 tsp dried rosemary, crushed 

Instructions: 

1. In a large bowl, combine 1-1/2 cups flour, sugar, yeast 

and seasonings. In a small saucepan, heat the milk, water 

and cubed butter to 120°-130°. Add to dry ingredients; 

beat just until moistened. Add egg; beat until smooth. 

Stir in enough remaining flour for soft dough. 

2. Turn onto a floured surface; knead until smooth and 

elastic, about 4-6 minutes. Cover and let rest for 10 minutes. 

3. Divide dough into thirds.Shape each into a 15-in. rope. 

Place ropes on a greased baking sheet and braid; pinch 

ends to seal and tuck under. Cover and let rise until 

doubled, about 25 minutes. 

4. Bake at 375° for 20-25 minutes or until golden brown. 

Brush with melted butter. Remove from pan to a wire 

rack to cool. HL 

42 March 2010

Special Spinach Salad 

Ingredients: Poppy Seed Dressing: 

1/4 cup sugar 1/3 cup white vinegar 

1/2 cup slivered almonds 1/3 cup sugar 

1 bunch of romaine, torn 1/4 cup finely chopped onion 

1- 6oz package fresh baby spinach 2 TB Dijon mustard 

1/2 lb. sliced mushrooms 3/4 tsp. salt 

3 cups shredded swiss cheese 3/4 cup canola oil 

1 med. red onion, sliced 2 tsp. poppy seeds 

1/2 lb. sliced bacon, 

cooked and crumbled 

Instructions: 

1. In a small heavy skillet, melt sugar over low heat. Add 

almonds and stir to coat. Spread onto a greased sheet of 

foil; break apart if necessary. 

2. In a large bowl combine romaine, spinach, mushrooms, 

cheese, red onion and bacon. 

3. For dressing, in a shaker, combine the vinegar, sugar, 

onion, mustard and salt. Cover and shake until well blend- 

ed. Stop shaking and gradually add oil in a steady stream, 

stir in poppy seeds. Return the lid and shake until com- 

pletely blended. 

4. Pour dressing over salad and toss to coat. Sprinkle with 

sugared almonds. HL 


43

Home 

Home of 

the Future 

By Laura Wynn 

Photo by J. Scott Photography 

Keeping up with the Joneses, as the saying 

goes, is not as easy as it used to be. As the 

economy continues to rebound, homeowners 

surge into the marketplace to find the latest and 

greatest upgrades for their homes. These luxury items 

are pricey, but those who can afford to partake put 

themselves one step closer to living like the famed Jetsons 

cartoon family. Meet the Joneses of the future. 

Far out luxuries like a microwave drawer 

installed into the side of a cabinet and hidden appliances 

transform a kitchen into a room that hardly resembles a place 

where cooking occurs. That is, until you spy the sexy pot filler 

installed behind the stove. Because carrying a pot to the sink to 

fill with water for boiling pasta would be so—average. 

mood and ambiance are nearly a science with 

new concepts in zone controlled lighting. 

But don’t think going high-class means fforegoing being 

green. Case in point; a Vetrazzo® countertop in a home built 

by local builder Forner-LaVoy (www.fornerlavoy.com) is made 

entirely of crushed Skyy Vodka bottles. 

Mood and ambiance are nearly a science with new concepts 

in zone-controlled lighting. Programs, called scenes can be 

electronically set and labeled on a futuristic control panel. Light 

densities are combined to create preset illumination levels and 

number of lights included in the setting. A scene labeled “kitchen” 

might allow full light, while “morning” might brighten 

only the counter necessary to prepare breakfast. “Entertaining” 

would visually guide guests to food and beverage areas. 

Years ago, the dreaded chore of cleaning floors was made 

much more convenient with the invention of the central 

vacuum. As with all good things, it was bound to get better. 

No longer is it necessary to carry a hose from room to room. 

Instead, a lightweight hose is mounted in the wall and uncoils 

as you move, reaching all corners of the house in near silent 

operation. When finished vacuuming, simply put your open 

palm over the hose opening and the unit will self-recoil. So 

simple even a—well, you get the idea. 

Need to know who is at the door? A short walk to one of 

the camera monitors mounted in each room allows you to see 

this, cars driving down the street and more. These same smart 

home panels control the video, lighting and audio throughout 

the house. 

Sound systems have long been priority upgrades for 

homeowners. We love our music. It seems we aren’t as fond 

of speakers. Enter the audio system of tomorrow. Induction 

speakers glued directly to the back of sheetrock allow full 

home musical enjoyment with not a speaker in sight. These 

specialized speakers use the drywall for reverberation and the 

music is spread throughout the walls and into the room. The 

result is a cathedral feel with the inability to determine 

a specific output location. 

Some over the top items will make even the avid enthusiast 

squeal. “Light and projectors don’t mix,” explains Rick Forner, 

president of Forner-LaVoy Builders and self-proclaimed theatre 

junkie, “so we installed motorized window shades that are operated 

from the television remote control.” A designer’s dream, the 

shades are one of the many features in futuristic homes that are 

hidden. Built into the ceiling, they disappear completely when 

raised. The remote control that accompanies a home entertainment 

center of this magnitude (think 110” plasma television) is 

something technology-challenged individuals dream of. Imagine 

the look of a smart phone with touch display that controls every 

electronic device, including the lighting, with radio frequency. 

Those who partake in horror movies will be pleased to 

learn that Safe Rooms and Bomb Shelters are no longer just 

for film impact. According to Forner, the concept of a secure 

place to house a family during disaster is increasing in popularity. 

Not all homeowners, however, are lucky enough to have 

a safe room with built in shelving that is hidden behind an 

enormous, solid book shelf. 

A person could potentially reside exclusively in the bathroom 

of the future. Sensitive tootsies will appreciate heated tile 

floors that are programmed by a thermostat to begin warming 

before you ever hit that snooze button. Don’t bother leaving 

your room for a cup of morning joe. There’s a coffee pot with 

water line built into the wall of the beverage center by the closet. 

Cream and sugar? It’s in the mini-fridge. It would appear that 

showers are no longer just for cleansing. The shower of the 

future has dual entry from either side through frameless doors. 

(No scrubbing framework!) Once inside, set your coffee on the 

ledge and prepare to enjoy the warm (adjustable, of course) mist 

of water that sprays from four body nozzles, and hand-held and 

stationary heads. There’s no need to be cold when exiting the 

spa if the bathroom is equipped with heated towel racks. Go 

completely over the top by adding a clothing warmer. 

Toasty and clothed you might glance at the barely visible 

smart panel on the bedroom wall to see who is at the door. 

Oh, look, it’s the Joneses. HL 

44 March 2010


45

Culinary 

Sharpen your Knife Knowledge 

My mom often talks about the days when a truck would 

come through her neighborhood suburb, ringing a 

bell to announce its presence. The sound of the bell 

did not come from the ice cream vendor, like we are used to 

hearing today. Instead it was a craftsman, called a “grinder,” 

who would drive through various neighborhoods once or twice 

a month to sharpen any kitchen knives, scissors, lawnmower 

blades, etc. that needed attention. He had the equipment right 

there on the back of his truck, and for a very small fee and just 

a short amount of time, he would sharpen everything for you 

and then carry on his way. 

Hearing my mom talk about the knife sharpener made me 

realize that in my ten years of marriage, we have never had any 

of our knives professionally sharpened. In fact, it made me 

realize I wasn’t even sure I knew the first thing about properly 

caring for my sharp kitchen knives. I decided to dig around 

a little bit to see what I could find that would give me more 

information on the proper care of my sharp knives. 

why is it important to keep a knife sharp? 

According to several websites I researched on the subject, a 

blunt knife is dangerous because it requires more pressure 

and is more likely to slip and cause a cut. A sharp knife also 

means a better, faster and easier job. Perhaps the biggest 

benefit to maintaining your knives and keeping them sharp 

is that it will enable you to chop, dice and slice neatly and 

accurately. 

How often should I sharpen my knives? 

Many times, a professional chef will sharpen their knife each 

time they are used. For a home cook, this isn’t necessary as we 

By Kristen Doyle 

won’t be using them as intensely as a professional. As soon as 

you notice your knife to start to feel slightly blunt, you should 

consider sharpening it. A good rule of thumb is once every 

week to ten days, if used on a daily basis. 

According to the Merchant Mercantile website, it is 

important to take your knives in to a professional for grinding 

once a year. If you are a heavy knife user you may want to 

consider doing it more often, but for the average home cook 

once a year should suffice. 

How many knives do I really need? 

With the selection and variety of knives on the market, it is difficult 

to decide what knives are essential in a home kitchen. My 

personal favorite knife is a Santoku knife. A Santoku knife is 

about as good of knife as you can get for chopping, dicing and 

slicing. The handle grip and blade size is perfect for completing 

common kitchen tasks quickly and efficiently. 

Another important knife to have in the kitchen is an allpurpose 

utility knife. Slightly larger than a paring knife, the 

utility knife is great for those smaller jobs that your Santoku 

might be too large for. The utility knife is ideal for peeling 

fruit and slicing cheese. 

Besides a great set of steak knives, the final knife that I 

find essential is a serrated bread knife. We have homemade 

bread often, and a serrated knife is perfect for slicing the 

bread without ruining each delicate slice. It is also a great knife 

for cutting layer cakes. HL 

To find out more about the proper care of your favorite knives and to get 

educated on which knives might be right for you, visit one of the many Kansas City 

knife-sharpening merchants. My favorite happens to be: Knife Man, 4400 Bell 

St., Kansas City, MO 64111 816-756-3855.‎ 

46 March 2010


47

48 

Trendsetter 

March 2010


THE GOWN GALLERY 

1901 MAIN, STE. 200 

KANSAS CITY, MO 64108 

816-361-8111 

WWW.GOWNGALLERY.COM 

PHOTOS BY DOUG HESSE OF KDOG PHOTOGRAPHERS 

MODEL JAYDEN ROBISON OF EXPOSURE, INC. 

MAKE-UP BY DENISE YOUNG 

HAIR BY AMBER WELZENBACH OF 

CUTTING LOOSE SALON 

SHOT ON LOCATION AT THE GOWN GALLERY 

49

50 March 2010


51

52 March 2010


53

Working Women 

Online social networking is a way to connect groups of 

people in a way that removes challenges of location. 

Some social networking groups are mere forums 

dedicated to the topic of interest: hobbies, book or movie 

genres, or the latest episode of favorite television programs. 

Other formats include user-friendly areas for pictures, fancy 

backgrounds, music, images, synchronous communication 

methods and much more. Most people are familiar with 

social networking programs as ways to keep in touch with 

former classmates, share pictures of children and grandchildren, 

and as recreational activities which limit stress through 

various games and other online amusements. The gray area 

begins when people ponder how or whether to incorporate 

social networking tools into their professional lives. To make 

the decisions of how social networking can benefit you, it is 

important to understand the differences among the types, the 

do’s and don’ts of social networking, and techniques on how to 

remember to remain professional in the virtual world. 

Some sites exist just to guide people to social networks 

they might enjoy. http://mashable.com is such a site. One 

article, found on http://mashable.com/2007/10/23/socialnetworking-god/ 

lists over 350 sites for perusal. However, 

the “big four” are probably the ones with which most working 

women are familiar. 

mySpace 

One of the first giants of the social networking scene, MySpace’s 

demographic has increased to include college students and adult 

professionals since the initial wave of teeny-bopper members. 

However, MySpace’s primary users are high school students, and 

few members solely use MySpace for professional reasons. 

working women and 

Social Networking 

By Vicky Gilpin 

FaceBook 

Marketed to a slightly older crowd, particularly college students, 

FaceBook has become awash with adult participants connecting 

for professional as well as personal reasons. Although filled with 

games and other recreational activities, such as MafiaWars and 

FarmVille, FaceBook also allows people to provide professional 

information. It is becoming more common to see FaceBook 

pages on resumes than MySpace. In addition, FaceBook has 

recently updated their privacy choices, so people can still choose 

to only let their selected “friends” see their information. 

twitter 

Twitter’s success capitalizes on streamlining the page down 

to one of FaceBook’s most popular aspect: the status update. 

“Tweeting” allows one to update his or her profile often and to 

keep abreast of the activities of friends and celebrities alike. 

linkedIn 

LinkedIn is strictly marketed to professionals. It creates a 

space where business people can have austere pages with business 

information. Potential employers can peruse profiles 

with the confidence that they will not inadvertently view illicit 

photos, nor will excessively complex images on the profile take 

forever to load or shut down the server. 

Many people have a variety of profiles, both business 

and recreational, that they check each day. Some sites attempt 

to combine all of the profiles into one log-in and 

one site. Whether you have many profiles on various sites 

or just one, it is important to recognize some do’s and 

don’ts of social networking. 

54 March 2010

Do 

v Realize that many businesses are now 

routinely checking their employees’ social 

networking sites. 

v Remember that electronic information 

exists forever—even if you delete it. You 

might think those drunken pictures from 

college are funny, but a future employer 

might not think so. 

v Pay attention to the time. You might 

think checking FaceBook just “one more 

time” before you go to the meeting is no 

big deal. It might not be. However, most 

social networking groups have time stamps 

to show when you posted. Your coworkers, 

bosses, or clients may not appreciate that 

you were not totally focused on a presentation 

five minutes before the meeting. 

Don’t 

v Use salacious nicknames or euphemisms. 

As with email addresses and 

signature lines, you have to remember to 

represent yourself as a professional, even 

if you think the only person who will look 

at your site are your old friends who know 

the story behind the nickname. 

v Use company time to recreationally 

check your social networks. Make sure 

professional contacts can contact you 

other ways than solely through these 

sites, as many businesses block access to 

them. I will admit that I have parents 

and former students contact me for help 

through FaceBook; however, if asked, 

I might have difficulty justifying communicating 

via FaceBook during work 

hours. Sometimes determining whether 

or not contacting someone through a social 

network is appropriate work-related 

business can be difficult to determine: 

when in doubt, don’t. 

Social networking can be a lot 

of fun and can also benefit the working 

woman by providing a venue for 

professional networking. However, 

some aspects of social networking can 

also be dangerous temptations, whether 

they are to play MafiaWars while during 

a conference call, to post inappropriate 

pictures, or to make snide 

remarks about your coworkers…before 

remembering that your coworker’s best 

friend’s sister is one of your “friends.” 

It is a small world, and social networking 

only makes it smaller. To succeed as 

a professional in the virtual world, one 

must always remember that someone 

might be watching, so playing it safe 

with what you say and how you conduct 

yourself is just as important in the virtual 

world as in the physical one. HL 


Imagine your financial 

picture this organized. 

Our financial representatives can help you 

get some of the most important things in 

life in order. Things like retirement funding 

and wealth accumulation. Call for a free, 

no obligation personal needs analysis, and 

just imagine how good it will feel to get 

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CLU, ® ChFC, ® CASL, CFP ® 

Wealth Management Advisor 

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(913) 676-8057 

www.tracyvandyke.com 

05-2861 ©2008 The Northwestern Mutual Life Insurance Company, Milwaukee, WI (NM). Tracy VanDyke is 

a Representative of Northwestern Mutual Wealth Management Company®, Milwaukee, WI (WMC), a whollyowned 

company of NM and limited purpose federal savings bank. WMC is not a broker-dealer or insurance 

company. All WMC products and services are offered only by properly credentialed Representatives who operate 

from agency offices of WMC. Representative is an Insurance Agent of NM and a Registered Representative of 

Northwestern Mutual Investment Services, LLC, 9225 Indian Creek # 900, Overland Park, KS 66210, (913) 

362-5000, a wholly-owned company of NM, broker-dealer and member FINRA and SIPC. NM and RPS 

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Planner Board of Standards, Inc. owns the certification marks CFP®, CERTIFIED FINANCIAL 

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complete initial and ongoing certification requirements. 8023-565 

55

56 March 2010

Travel 

Finding Adventure in Kansas city 

As summer rolls around, many of us find ourselves on a 

tighter budget than before. And often, when it comes 

to making cuts, vacation plans are the first to hit the 

chopping block. But skipping the vacation doesn’t have to 

mean a boring summer. There is plenty of adventure in Kansas 

City and the surrounding communities. All you have to 

do is dig a little deeper than your typical Friday night dinner 

haunt and you’ll find a plethora of places to visit and things 

to see. Whether you are with the family, out with the girls or 

spending time with a significant other, you might be surprised 

by what Kansas City has to offer. 

Adventure with Kids 

If you think you know Kansas City kids’ entertainment because 

you’ve been to Oceans of Fun, Worlds of Fun and the Kansas 

City Zoo, you’re missing out. There are numerous other places 

to find adventure in the City of Fountains. If you haven’t already 

visited, it’s time to take the whole family to Science City 

at Union Station. Science City offers a whole day of fun, complete 

with science experiments, slides and a toddler play area. 

Kids have the opportunity learn about everything from rabbits 

to magnets. Families can find a different type of adventure 

nearby at Crown Center’s Kaleidoscope, which is sponsored 

by Hallmark. Kids can color, paint and even create art with 

hot wax. All of the materials are provided by Hallmark and 

change with the season. Admission is free, but session lengths 

are limited. And if ‘free’ fits beautifully into your budget, visit 

By Betsy Lee Frye 

the Deanna Rose Children’s Farmstead. This beautiful 12-acre 

park has about 200 farm animals on site. Children can watch 

a milking demonstration, run through the play equipment and 

even feed baby goats a bottle of milk. Donations are accepted. 

Adventure for a girl’s Day out 

Getting out with the girls in Kansas City doesn’t have to 

mean hitting up your favorite restaurant or sharing cocktails on 

the patio of your typical bar. There are a number of options for 

the more adventurous group. This summer, consider renting 

a canoe or recreational boat at one of the local lakes. Visitors 

can rent boats at Smithville Lake, Longview Lake, Blue Springs 

Lake and Lake Jacomo. Or, if you enjoy nature, but water fun 

isn’t quite what you had in mind, explore one of Kansas City’s 

numerous parks. Shawnee Mission Park offers more than 1,250 

acres of outdoor recreation opportunities, including a swimming 

beach, hiking trails and an off-leash dog park. Swope 

Park, which encompasses the Kansas City Zoo, beckons to visitors 

with opportunities for hiking, fishing and golf. If you’re 

looking for a little athletic adventure, why not try your hand at 

rock climbing? This can be a great outing for the athletic-minded 

group of girlfriends and it’s a great bonding experience. The 

North Kansas City Community Center offers a climbing wall. 

You can find more Missouri and Kansas climbing walls at www. 

indoorclimbing.com. 

Not the nature-loving type? Try visiting the Culinary 

Center of Kansas City. Each month the center has a plethora 

of classes and dinner offerings. You can learn to cook or just 

relax and enjoy a delicious meal. 

Romantic Adventure 

Kansas City romance goes way beyond carriage rides on the 

Plaza. If you’re feeling adventurous, visit The Spa Tuscano in 

the Briarcliff shopping area. Visitors should take advantage of 

the spa’s Tuscano Float for couples. The float is an enclosed 

60-minute bath in 10 to 12 inches of mineral water, which 

buoys the body. Clothing is optional for the unique experience 

and couples can go in together. The spa manager said 

spending 60 minutes in the float is equivalent to four hours of 

sleep. Couples in search of adventure can also push their taste 

buds a bit. Try French cuisine in Parkville’s beautiful Café Des 

Amis or sample Greek fare at Piropos in the Briarcliff shopping 

area. You can find more independently owned Kansas 

City restaurants by visiting www.kcoriginals.com. The Web site 

not only hosts a searchable list of Kansas City establishments, 

but also offers tips and recipes. For couples who really want to 

splurge, try spending a night away from your house, while still 

staying in town. There are a number of bed and breakfasts that 

can allow couples to escape without breaking the bank. Visit 

www.bedandbreakfast.com for a searchable database of Kansas 

City bed and breakfasts. HL 

58 March 2010

Spring 

Into 

Shape. 

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Pets For People 

Finding 

litter for your 

Finicky Feline 

By Candi Smith 

Cat owners proudly shout the praises of loving a 

pet that purrs. But, felines are also finicky about 

everything—what they eat, how they sleep and 

especially where they use the bathroom. Some cat owners 

have trained their cats to use the toilet (if you don’t 

believe it, spend a few minutes on YouTube!). For the 

rest of you, there are a couple of definitive books on cat 

behavior. Tracie Hotchner’s book The Cat Bible: Everything 

Your Cat Expects You to Know, and Diane Morgan’s book Good 

Catkeeping: A Comprehensive Guide to All Things Feline, help explain 

the pros and cons of various litters. 

Felines are also finicky about everything— 

what they eat, how they sleep and especially 

where they use the bathroom. 

First, let’s take a look at the different kinds of litters 

available on the market. Technology has vastly improved 

the types of litters from which you can choose, and they 

range accordingly in price, features and usability. The 

cheapest and oldest type of litter is clay-based and is 

commonly comprised of Fuller’s earth, a natural substance 

used mostly in talcum powders and woolen cloth. 

In the past, this was the only type of litter available on 

the market and as such, is the most commonly used litter. 

However, while it might be the least expensive, its healthrelated 

consequences are serious. Clay litter produces a 

dust known as silica which is a lung irritant to both you 

and your cat, and can result in a disease known as silicosis. 

Once this lung disease starts, it will progress, even if 

exposure to the dust is removed. Furthermore, clay litter 

is not biodegradable and there’s no way to dispose of it 

without creating damage to the planet. 

There are non-clay, all-natural litters such as sand, 

wood chips or pellets, and pine. If sand is used, it must be 

the sterilized kind found in pet stores. Also, sand is very 

hard to dispose of once it’s weighted down with waste. The 

wood and pine alternatives are easier to transport, and are 

lighter to handle when it’s time to empty the cat box. Additionally, 

pine litters are chemical-free and release a natural 

deodorant which reduces odor. All of these litters are 

biodegradable, low in dust and soft on your cat’s paws. A few 

brands to check out are Feline Pine and Good Mews. 

A few up-and-coming premium litters on the market 

are corn- or wheat-based, flushable (even for owners 

with septic tanks), biodegradable, silica free and fragrance 

free. These litters don’t use perfumes or deodorants 

(which many cats actually find repellent). Instead, they 

use the plant’s natural enzymes to bind odors. The flushable 

feature makes it especially useful for owners who live 

in condos or apartments and don’t want to climb the stairs 

to empty their litter box. Some of the brands to consider 

in this category are World’s Best Cat Litter (which also offers 

a customer loyalty rebate program) and SweatScoop. 

Other natural litters use ink-free, recycled paper which 

is biodegradable. Two brands to consider are Yesterday’s 

News and Cell-Sorb Plus. 

You can also choose from high-tech litters, whose components 

are made from crystals or gel. These litters are great at trapping 

urine moisture and odor, are dust-free and make a unique 

“popping” sound when urine is being absorbed. A few to try out 

are Arm & Hammer Crystal Blend and Tidy Cat Crystals. 

60 March 2010

Aside from the material used, owners find that an important 

feature is whether their litter is clumping or non-clumping. 

A clumping litter creates hard clumps when your cat uses 

the litter box, which the owner then scoops out for disposal. 

While clumping litter costs more than those that are nonclumping, 

they actually reduce litter usage overall because the 

entire box is not contaminated. Also, the advantages to clumping 

litter is the litter box is easier to clean, there’s less dust for 

the cat to catch in their paws to track, and most can be flushed. 

Finally, keep in mind that your cat 

is probably finicky about the type 

of “bathroom” it’s using. 

Some cat owners have pets with special needs (such as being 

prone to urinary tract infections, which can result in death 

if gone undetected). Scientific Cat Litter acts as a life-saving, 

early warning system because its granules turn from white to 

blue if blood is detected in your pet’s urine. 

Finally, keep in mind that your cat is probably finicky 

about the type of “bathroom” it’s using. Some cats refuse to 

use a litter box that’s too large or too small, too tall or too 

short, covered or open. Only your furry friend knows what 

suits them, and you’re at their mercy. As many cat owners will 

attest, once their pet makes up their mind to avoid using their 

litter box, for whatever reason, it’s very hard to convince them 

otherwise. The best thing to do is find a litter that works for 

both of you, and stick with it! HL 


61

In the City 

NOTE: All calendar events must be received by March 5th 

for the April issue and adhere to our guidelines. Email 

info@HerLifeMagazine.com for guidelines and to submit entries. 

murder at the elms - 

murder mystery weekend 

Location: Elms Resort & Spa 

401 Regent St., Excelsior Springs, Mo. 

Dates: Now thru 3/27/10 

Time: 6pm, Fri.; 1pm, Sun. 

Details: Spend the weekend solving a murder. Bring 

your detective kit and enjoy this entertaining and fun 

weekend. Package includes hors d’oeuvre reception on 

Friday evening; breakfast, lunch and dinner on Saturday; 

and brunch on Sunday along with a deluxe guest room. 

monster Drawing Rally brought to 

Kansas city by women in Design 

Location: Arts Incubator Loft Space 

115 W. 18th St. Kansas City, Mo. 64108 

Date: 3/5/10 

Time: 6:30pm-8:30pm, 7:00pm drawing begins 

Details: The public will have the rare opportunity to 

watch art come to life and purchase completed 2D drawings 

in a silent auction format. This event will consist of 

approximately 21 artists drawing simultaneously. Art will 

be drawn towards the theme of Kansas City. Proceeds 

from the event will benefit New House Women’s Shelter, 

a non-profit domestic violence prevention program in 

Kansas City. www.newhouseshelter.org/ 

PBR Invitational 

Location: Sprint Center, 

1407 Grand Blvd., Kansas City, Mo. 

Dates: 3/5/10-3/7/10 

Time: 8pm, Fri.; 6:50pm, Sat.; 2pm, Sun. 

Details: The Built Ford Tough Series is the elite, 

major league tour of the PBR that will be visiting 

Sprint Center March 5-7. The best 40 bull riding 

athletes in the world square off against the most formidable 

bulls in the industry in a coast-to-coast tour 

across the United States. The top bull riders compete 

each week for individual event titles and valuable 

points in the race for PBR World Champion title, the 

crowning achievement of a year-long struggle where 

every 8-second ride could be their last. 

womenHeart Symposium: 

A Day of Heart Health 

Location: Johnson County Community College 

12345 College Blvd., Overland Park, Kan. 

Date: 3/6/10 

Time: 8 a.m.-4:30 p.m 

Details: This special symposium from The University 

of Kansas Hospital will cover a wide range of heart 

health topics, including heart rhythm disorders, and 

will feature WomenHeart, the National Coalition for 

Can’t get 

enough of 

VISIT 

Women with Heart Disease. Loren Berenbom, MD, 

will lead this valuable program. $20 fee; CEU credits 

available. Registration required; call 913-469-3811. 

Healthy moms, Healthy Kids 

Location: Waldo Library - Meeting Room B 

Date: 3/9/10 

Time: 9:30-11:30 a.m. 

Details: Get ‘em while they’re young! Join Coose 

Health’s Certified Health & Nutrition Coach and 

Kansas City native, Co Bauman for Healthy Moms, 

Healthy Kids: The Early Years. This class is geared toward 

parents with children birth to kindergarten age. 

Learn Baby Steps To Better Health and other healthy 

lifestyle habits to help your youngsters enjoy optimal 

health now and in their future! Class size is limited so 

please enroll early. Pre-registration required. Call 

(816) 674-1351 to register. Lap babies welcome. Call 

or e-mail for information on other upcoming class offerings! 

Class is also being offered on March 23-Plaza 

Library and March 27-Waldo Library 10:30-12:30. 

“Bus Stop” 

Location: Spencer Theatre 

4949 Cherry St., Kansas City, Mo. 

Dates: 3/12/10-4/4/10 

Details: “Bus Stop” tells the story of the night a March 

blizzard traps eight strangers in a small cafe 30 miles 

west of Kansas City. A bus driver falls for the bus stop 

proprietress, a young local girl becomes fascinated by 

a professor running away from his failed life back east, 

and a chorus girl tries to escape a reckless cowboy determined 

to marry her. As the evening wears on, lives are 

changed, love is lost and found, and strangers find ways 

to keep each other warm on the coldest Kansas night. 

? 

View the full magazine 

Get special discounts 

Register for membership 

See upcoming events 

And much 

much more! 

62 March 2010

women’s History weekend 

Location: Fort Osage, 107 Osage Street, Sibley, Mo. 

Dates: 3/13/10-3/14/10 

Time: 9am-4:30pm 

Details: The role of women during the Fort’s occupation 

is interpreted highlighting traditional activities 

such as cooking, sewing and gardening. 

Shen yun 

Location: Music Hall, 201 W 13th St, Kansas City, Mo. 

Dates: 3/13/10-3/14/10 

Time: 7pm, Sat.; 2pm, Sun 

Details: Experience a lost heritage in this remarkable 

production inspired by the legends and values 

of centuries of Chinese culture before communist 

rule. Discover firsthand why Shen Yun’s 

performances-critically acclaimed as “breathtaking,” 

“brilliant,” and “glorious”-have delighted 

audiences of all ages and backgrounds. 

Bon jovi 

Location: 1407 Grand Blvd. Kansas City, M0. 

Date: 3/15/10 

Time: 8pm 

Details: Bon Jovi’s mix of pop, metal and rock first 

brought the band great success in the ‘80s with the 

release of such hit albums as Slippery When Wet. 

Bon Jovi, unlike countless other ‘80s rock bands, 

maintained their popularity into the ‘90s, releasing 

Keep the Faith in 1992 and These Days in 1995. Led 

by singer Jon Bon Jovi, the band has found a large 

audience through their polished sound, catchy lyrics 

and dazzling live shows. 


Annual St. Patrick’s Day Party 

Location: Californos, 

4124 Pennsylvania Ave., Kansas City, Mo. 

Date: 3/17/10 

Time: 11am 

Details: Californos turns 22! Come celebrate with a 

parade and brunch. 

Irish History month celebration 

in westport 

Location: Harris-Kearney House 

4000 Baltimore Ave, Kansas City, Mo. 

Date: 3/17/10 

Time: 10am-5pm 

Details: The Westport Historical Society will be 

hosting a number of different fun, family friendly 

events. Bring your family out to enjoy all the fun, 

free events. 

cardiac clinical trials 

Location: Community Room, KU MedWest 

7405 Renner Road, Shawnee, Kan. 

Date: 3/23/10 

Time: 6-7 p.m 

Details: This program from The University of 

Kansas Hospital provides an overview of the cardiac 

clinical trials available at The University of Kansas 

Hospital. Jennifer Staley, RN, will cover the variety 

of trials being offered, eligibility requirements and 

the benefits of being involved in a clinical trial. No 

charge. Registration required; call 913-588-1227 or 

visit www.kumed.com/bewell. 

Nutrition essentials for optimal Health 

Location: Community Room, KU MedWest 

7405 Renner Road, Shawnee, Kan. 

Date: 3/25/10 

Time: Noon-1 p.m 

Details: Join The University of Kansas Hospital’s 

Lisa Markley, RD, to learn how your diet can help 

prevent disease and promote wellness. Discussion 

will include how stress can impact your metabolism 

and strategies for eating healthy despite 

having a busy schedule. Healthy meal and snack 

ideas will also be shared. No charge. Registration 

required; call 913-588-1227 or visit www.kumed. 

com/bewell. 

easter Bunny Visits crown center 

Location: Crown Center, 


Dates: 3/27/10-3/28/10 

Time: Noon-4pm 

Details: The Easter Bunny greets children at Crown 

Center. A professional photographer will be taking 

pictures for a fee and visitors are welcome to bring 

their cameras. 

2010 NcAA women’s 

Basketball Regional Finals 

Location: Sprint Center, 


Dates: 3/28/10 & 3/30/10 

Details: Catch the excitement of NCAA Division I 

Women’s Basketball Championship when four teams 

descend upon Kansas City. 

63

Horoscopes 

Star Journeys 

B y Jo h n Sa n d b a c h 

Pisces (February 19-March 20): Your life is kind of funny 

this month or, we might say, peculiar. It all depends on how you look at 

it. If you take it all in a light-hearted manner, it can be quite joyous. Old 

anxieties may rear their heads, but rather than allowing them to talk you back 

into their trips, you could just let them fade away – it’s what they really want to 

do anyway. In short, you need to get serious about having fun. 

We are all experiencing a heightening of awareness 

this month, so there’s a lot of new information to 

process. It’s very important now for all of us to think 

before we act, for too much impulsiveness could 

produce results we don’t want. Looking down we may stumble on 

jewels. Looking up we may find new stars. Where we are going is 

bright and wonderful as long as we don’t let the memories of the 

dark places we’ve been hold us back. 

Aries (march 21-April 19): 

You will find your insecurities are much easier to deal with 

if you can define them, for if you know what they are, you 

have something tangible to hold onto and work on. I know 

– easier said than done! Insecurities can be illusive and 

slippery sometimes. The ultimate way to overcome them is 

to identify more with your timeless, eternal and spiritual 

self, rather than the little you. So, go for it! 

taurus (April 20-may 20): 

Are you getting enough remuneration for your efforts? 

If the answer is “no,” then it may be time to 

raise your prices. It would be easy this month to give 

up on certain projects and endeavors, but much better 

for you if you don’t. Sometimes making a change 

means you have to apply a constant and steady pressure, 

so keep nudging things along and be patient. 

gemini (may 21-june 21): 

Even though you may be a well-meaning person, you may 

be moving so fast that others experience you as being 

abrupt, or even cold. Any time spent smiling is never 

wasted time. Let your love of people show, and you’ll find 

that everything moves much more smoothly. Kindness 

is the best way to grease the machine and keep it in top 

performance. 

64 March 2010


cancer (june 22-july 22): 

You’re very busy this month. Things that have been on 

the back burner can now be moved to the front, and 

situations that have been waiting for closure can now be 

resolved. If you haven’t been getting your way enough, 

now is the time to be more demanding. Moving toward 

healthier lifestyle changes is also in order, so improve 

your positive regimens and start new ones. 

leo (july 23-August 22): 

Listen carefully this month to what you’re telling yourself, 

because it’s a key to your success. Are you really 

inadequate, or have you just been having to deal with 

impossible situations that don’t showcase your skills? 

Learning how to relax and just be yourself can actually 

help those around you to experience blessings breakthroughs. 

And what could be easier? 

Virgo (August 23-September 22): 

You’re crossing the chasm and you have one foot on each 

side. So where are you? Well, nowhere – temporarily. 

But you are most definitely going somewhere that is big 

and exciting, though the less sensitive people around you 

may not realize it. Much of what you have been told is 

wrong. You’ve known it all along, and this month you’re 

really waking up to it. 

libra (September 23-october 22): 

There are involvements you could enter into this month 

that seem interesting or promising, but it may be hard to 

make a clear assessment of them. It’s a good time to do 

background checks on anyone new in your life. If it feels 

like someone is trying to manipulate you, that may, in 

fact, be what’s happening. It’s best not to commit yourself 

to anything now until you’ve gotten adequate info on it. 

Scorpio (october 23-November 21): 

It seems there’s something you’re trying to get started but for 

some reason it isn’t easy. You’re trying to pin down something 

that’s being slippery. You have a couple of choices: one 

is to approach the situation from another direction. Another 

is to just walk away from it and come back later. Whatever 

you decide, you’re going to be far better off if you shrug off 

that heavy cloak of frustration and just relax. 

Sagittarius (November 22-December 21): 

You may think you have to stick in there in the thick of 

things, but it may be that the only result of this is that 

you get really gooey. Detaching and getting above whatever 

is going on can be so refreshing and exhilarating. 

There are things you thought you could never do. This 

month, you just might find out you can do them, and 

that they’re far easier than you thought. 

capricorn (December 22-january 19): 

If you look deep inside, you will find the knowledge that 

you’re going to have to change. The more attached you 

are to the current state of affairs, the more difficult this 

is going to be, so now is the time to start getting unstuck, 

to gradually and gently loosen the knots in your life so 

you can eventually untie them. This is a great month for 

getting things accomplished in partnerships with others. 

Aquarius (january 21-February18): 

Things will fall into place more readily if they’re shaken a 

little. If you’re feeling at all sluggish, or bored, create a 

little friction in your life – get out there and move around 

more. Some really magical experiences are just around the 

corner, so turn that corner! New people who can light up 

your life in indescribable ways are nearby. If you believe in 

past lives, we might say you’ve known them before. 

in 

65

® 

Sales Training Programs. The Sandler Selling System. 

You shouldn’t have to settle for a lemon when you can have lemonade. Sandler ® training utilizes 

continual reinforcement through ongoing training and individual coaching sessions not only to 

help you learn but also to ensure your success. With over 200 training centers worldwide to provide 

support, you won’t fail…because we won’t let you. 

Sandler Selling System, S Sandler Training Finding Power In Reinforcement (with design) and Sandler are registered service marks of Sandler Systems, Inc. © 2008 

Sandler Systems, Inc. All rights reserved. 

Steve Maxon | 913-707-4671 

66 SAN_Lemon_SMaxon.indd 1 8/26/09 11:54:17 March 2010 AM

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