Food + Beverage

Food As Art

Essential Eats Grazing, LLC | A Cafe & Catering Kitchen Article by Cheryl Leppert | Photography by Megan Cason and Kayley Adams “We believe that good food and good company help to fuel a positive and healthy lifestyle.” Some people see food as, well… food! But Kayley and Tyler Adams, owners of Essential Eats Grazing, LLC, see food as a way to bring people together and a way to change lives.  “No matter what life throws at you,” says chef and business founder Kayley, “at the end of the day...

Home + Design

Essential Prep Steps to Winter-Proof Your Home

How to Get Your House Ready for Cold Weather Article by Katarina Brewer As winter approaches, ensuring your home is ready for the chill is crucial. Local real estate agent, Amy Arndorfer, offers some essential steps to keep your space cozy and efficient.  1. Insulate Effectively Cold Missouri air can sneak into your home and drive up utility bills. Start by inspecting your attic for any thinning insulation. If necessary, call an insulation contractor to enhance your home's defenses. Don’t...

Local Services

Pawportunities: Transforming Animal Lives

Leading the Way in Life-Changing Animal Welfare Article by Katarina Brewer Pawportunities is on a mission to transform lives through compassionate animal welfare. They serve our community with essential services like low-cost vaccination clinics, and trap/neuter/return programs for cats. They also assist people with pet food and run various educational programs within our local school districts.  Their adoption process involves a detailed application, ensuring pets are well-matched with...

Auto + Marine

What Those Dashboard Lights Really Mean

Christian Brothers Automotive’s Guide: How to Read and Respond to Your Vehicle’s Warning Lights Article by Katarina Brewer Have you ever wondered what a light near your car’s gauges means? You’re not alone. Your car’s computer manages many complex functions, and understanding these lights can be crucial. Tim Porter, from Christian Brothers Automotive in Independence, offers a guide to help you decode these indicators and decide on the appropriate actions.  Check Engine Light: This...

Food + Beverage

Discovering Local Flavor

A Guide to Some of the Best Food Trucks in Town Article by Katarina Brewer GOCHEW GOCHEW Burger & Sandwich, Kansas City’s first Korean American fast food truck, was founded by Joohae "Chewy" Yoon. To introduce Kansas Citians to Korea's irresistible flavors, Chewy has combined classic American favorites with sweet and savory Korean spices. “In college, I would cook Korean food for my friends. Over time, I learned how to adjust traditional recipes to make them more accessible,” says Chewy. ...

Food + Beverage

Sinclair's Restaurant: A Place to Gather

Where Upscale Dining Meets Classic Sports Bar Article by Meg Smith | Photography by Megan Cason Good people. Great food.  Pair these with big screens to watch the hometown team win multiple championships and a comfortable, family-friendly atmosphere, and pretty soon, your establishment becomes one of the best local spots around. Owner Shane Miller had that in mind when he founded Sinclair's Restaurant in 2014. A Blue Springs native, Miller worked at Harry Starkers on the Country Club Plaza...

Real Estate

Navigating the Real Estate Market

Essential Tips From Shaun Ashley for Buying & Selling Your Home Article by Katarina Brewer The real estate market is always evolving, and it’s critical to ask the right questions to ensure you’re picking a partner you can trust. As the housing market begins to gain momentum, local RE/MAX Heritage realtor Shaun Ashley offers valuable insights for both buyers and sellers. With over 15 years of experience and a team of more than 10 dedicated agents, the Shaun Ashley Team is well-equipped to guide...

Style + Beauty

Color Your Confidence

Transform Your Look with Color Draping at Color Confident Boutique Article by Katarina Brewer | Photography by Corey Brown Picture this: a boutique where every garment complements your unique coloring, ensuring you look and feel your absolute best. That's what EQUIPPED: Color Confident Boutique is all about. This boutique is not just a store; it's a place dedicated to building confidence and helping you shine in your best colors! Founded in 2019 by Mary Mitchell, Sharon Board, and Carly...

Life + Culture

Hidden Gems on Main

Explore these and other local shops on Main Street Article by Katarina Brewer | Photography by Megan Cason Scout Coffee offers great coffee and tasty treats, in a relaxing space to read or work. With over 60 classic arcade games, Pints and Play is a great place to have fun and enjoy a drink. Genevieve's is a charming local boutique showcasing vintage treasures, home goods, gifts, and more. Discover an inspiring atmosphere at Kreeayt Art Studio, that empowers artists on their creative paths...

Home + Design

Indoor Oasis

Enhance Your Home with House Plants Article by Katarina Brewer House plants aren’t just beautiful additions to your decor—they offer a wealth of benefits that can improve your overall well-being. Here’s why you should consider bringing more greenery into your home, along with our top picks for favorite house plants.  ZZ Plant The Zamioculcas Zamiifolia, commonly known as the ZZ plant, can thrive in spaces with limited sunlight. Its glossy leaves and minimal maintenance needs make it an...