Category Archives: Food_and_Fashion
Jennifer: Forget the New Year’s Rez, Life List the Way to Go
I used to be that person who wrote down New Year’s Resolutions every year…
Sometimes I’d seal them in an envelope and open it on New Year’s Day the following year. Some of my resolutions had been forgotten, some unfulfilled and others were a success. All in all, I was experiencing the same pressure and disappointments as millions of other Americans who try to reinvent and better their lives every year.
The thing is, I’ve really never done things like everyone else. So why was I conforming to this ridiculous routine?
Shauna: How to Avoid Being a Winter Fashion Victim
Ugh, it’s that dreaded time of year again…
Arctic wind chills, the need to wear so many layers that you look like that annoying little kid from A Christmas Story in his snow suit. Ice scrapers and salt. And the oh-so-wonderful snow/slush mixture that just makes everything really filthy and gross.
Hold it! Why do we live here in the winter again?!
A few of weeks ago I went to see a show at The Midland by AMC, stepped out of my car and immediately froze my butt off.
Not wanting to wear a coat, hat, gloves, etc was a huge factor. But who wants to carry all that and juggle their $8 beer while trying to maneuver through the masses to the stage?
Calculating wardrobe options to a winter concert can be complicated.
Jennifer: Rieger Hotel Grill Future Rests on Modernizing Past
Time travel is still unavailable to us, despite what we were promised growing up.
But, there’s still a way to reach back into another era.
Ryan Maybee’s Rieger Hotel Grill & Exchange is determined to take us into the past, but only on Ryan’s post-modern terms.
The past exists in the historic Rieger Hotel itself, complete with original floor tile, brick and ties to the Rieger family whisky operation.
The modern exists in a state-of-the-art open kitchen, a swift and knowledgeable wait staff and a sleek interior that includes a private wine room and a speakeasy bar downstairs.
Ryan and his partner, Chef Howard Hanna, have created a one-stop shop for guests who enjoy the leisurely pleasures of fine food, handcrafted cocktails and cozy socializing.
Jennifer: La Bodega Leawood, the Good, the Bad & the Bobby
The opening of the new La Bodega in Leawood was exciting…
But what I really wanted was to check it out as a full service restaurant. Last Saturday I joined some friends that live out that way and we were ready for lots of drinks and small plates of food.
The place was packed at 8:30, which is 10:30 “out south time.” This is a great sign.
The energy is flowing, the bar is full.
They try to seat us at a four top right next to the kitchen and bathroom entrance, even though there is a better table up front.
Is Frank Sinatra coming?
Shauna: What Not to Wear to the Christmas Party
The holidays are here – as in now…
So bring on the decorations and the never-ending Christmas songs about mythical characters who make it cool to pack on the few extra pounds. It’s that one time of year where it’s justifiable to splurge on a shopping excursion. Just as long as you remember to bring home a couple of presents to wrap for the rest of the fam.
Then there’s the most infamous tradition of all…the dreaded holiday office party!
Jennifer: Holiday Hatred
What’s Not To Love about the holidays?
Dealing with novices or random’s at the grocery store. It’s the Wednesday before Thanksgiving and there is grandma, pushing her shopping cart in a zig zag pattern down aisle five. You know grandma is not cooking the family meal and it is confirmed when you look in her cart and there is some pre-packaged swiss and a couple cans of off -brand soda.
Really? Get the hell out of here!
The only thing worse than dealing with the person who doesn’t need to be at the store during the holidays is dealing with someone’s clueless husband. This is the guy that the annoyed wife sent out of the house under the guise that she needed something from the store.
Jennifer: What’s Not to Love About the Holidays?
Infinitely complex dynamics are created when mixing so many different personalities at one holiday table.
Mix in alcohol and prepare to be entertained. Every year the roles remain the same, but the personalities shift from person to person – grumpy, drunky, sleepy.
No guilt eating. No one scolds you for taking seconds or complains about being too full. Go ahead, look at that pile of potatoes like it’s your old high school crush!
You may feel guilty every other day of the week, but today, calories don’t count.
Oh and be on the lookout for…
Jennifer: Meltdown at Murray’s Ice Creams & Cookies in Westport
I love Murray’s!
They pride themselves on their creative ice cream flavors with names to match!
Unfortunately, every year Murray’s Ice Creams & Cookies in Westport closes down during the months of December, January & February.
Shauna: Bye-bye Bomber; Hello Beat It
Madonna has one…Lindsay Lohan has one…The Olsen Twins have one…Sean P. Diddy aka Puffy aka Diddy aka Puff Daddy (sheez, this guy has more nicknames than Jesus himself!) has one…
And now Michael Jackson’s brothers are throwing their leather jackets into the ring. Well, in a roundabout way…
Tito, Jermaine, Jackie, and Marlon are catapulting their way into the fashion arena with a new clothing line called J5 to honor their beloved brother and their days as the Jackson 5.
Jennifer: Holiday Stuffing at Holiday Mart
Although my initial intention was to just pick up a few holiday decor items Holiday Mart has now become one of my favorite places to pick up gourmet specialty foods…
Last year I toted home some killer toffee and this year, I really loaded up on the goods.
The Junior League of Kansas City, Missouri organizes Holiday Mart and crafters and knitted sweater lovers have been making it an event for over two decades. I’ve noticed more and more food items creeping in over the years and it is a pleasant surprise. For me, much of the offerings might appeal a little more to my grandmother than fit in with my minimalist taste.
That said, hunting for those few really great pieces has become half the fun.
Jennifer: Double Your Tapas Pleasure at La Bodega II
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I love the downtown La Bodega for all the things it embodies that no other restaurant can offer.
I love the high energy that maintains a constant buzz, even during the week. I love the location because it’s convenient to get to from all areas of downtown, I love that it has remained true to itself over time.
And finally, I love tapas.
But a few weeks back, I found myself driving out to the new La Bodega location out south, wondering if there would be enough love to stretch to the far reaches of 119th Street. Owner James Taylor didn’t just replace the old JP’s Wine Bar sign and call it a day. He took over the space.
He transferred much of his well trained staff from the recently closed re;Verse on the Plaza. He also brought artist Stretch back into the mix.
Jennifer: To Market in the River Market
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Over the course of my living in the River Market area for nine years I had many a day when I wished for a place close by to pick up a gallon of milk…
For a brief period of time, that place was Garrett’s. Unfortunately, this corner market was way ahead of its time. Lack of foot traffic caused Garrett’s to depart, taking with it the convenience of downtown shopping. And it took many years before Cosentino‘s came along. While it’s a beautiful store, it’s still really not in “the hood.”
Then, one day it was announced that Scott Fitness was closing their outpost at the corner of 3rd & Wyandotte.
Jennifer: Okt-overdressed at Grunauer Oktoberfest!
When you drop some serious Euros on a dirndl in Austria and wear it for 4 hours in Munich, you’re going to find another reason to bust it out.
When I heard that Grunauer was going to hold their very first Oktoberfest, I grabbed my former Munich travel partner and headed over decked out in our dirndls. Continue reading
Shauna: NFL Jocks Hitting the Pink
The official color for the month of October? Hint; it ain’t orange and black. But if you happened to say pink, you’re totally in the know! And this month, it’s all about showing off your PINK Pride in support of one almighty cause, Breast Cancer Awareness! So whether you’re blushing in a pastel shade or showing off your electric personality in neon, PINK is the "IT" color to be seen in. Especially if you’re a football player. Continue reading
Jennifer: Saucy, Sauce and Sauced at American Royal
While BBQ has never been on my top 10 list, I get a craving every few weeks…
And never is the craving stronger then when the American Royal kicks off. Continue reading
Jennifer: re:Verse and Go, Death of a Plaza Icon
On the evening of September 26th an electric and reminiscent crowd purchased their final drinks at the Plaza’s sexiest place to meet and mingle.
At 6 p.m. the mood evoked a gathering at a great friend Continue reading
Jennifer: Greeky Clean Fun at Kansas City Greek Festival
This fest, that fest…
Autumn in KC means food fests and it can be hard to choose. Continue reading
Shauna: Getting Your Camel on for Fall
This fall season’s hottest color is camel…
This season it’s popping up on everything from outerwear to dresses, pants to sport coats. Continue reading
Jennifer: Learning To Stir The Pot, From Sauerkraut to Caramel Creations
While in Chicago last weekend, I experienced hints of fall.
The debut of my Loeffler Randall boots aside, there were other signs of an approaching fall. Continue reading
Shauna: The Skinny on ‘Go-To’ Fall Fashion
Getting ready to embark upon the ever-eventful fall/winter shopping trip can be daunting… Between fashion magazine tips and spread sheets, morning news fashion segments and the ever-popular celebrity fashion pics, it can be overwhelming. Especially trying to decipher which trend to believe or not believe. Continue reading |
