Prairie Village Turns 75 in 2026 and Celebrates Big!

 

Flat Stanley's Adventures in Kansas City

Flat Stanley came to me in Peculiar, Missouri, in the mail from Maineville, Ohio. 

I took him about half an hour away (everything fun is at least half an hour away from Peculiar) to Crown Center, where the headquarters for Hallmark Cards is located (you know, like the Hallmark Channel!). He wanted a couple of photos in the main entryway, and also a couple at the restaurant where I went to work while my son was ice skating. 

The restaurant is called Fritz's Railroad Restaurant, and you order your food by using a telephone at your table. Then the food is delivered by a train that goes around the entire restaurant!

It was too late to go to SeaLife Aquarium and Legoland Discovery Center, though.

How to Successfully Go Back to School As An Adult

 

Source

One of the beautiful things about life is that we get to do things in our own way. As much as it may feel like we have to fit in with society and do what’s expected of us, the pressure to keep up with what everyone else is doing is slowly dying out. Thankfully, we live in a society where we get to do and be anything we want. Our own individual tastes, wants, and needs are now celebrated. So, if you ever find that you’re on the wrong path or you’re not happy with where you are in life, and you want to be able to change it, you can.

Maybe at some point, you thought you were building the right career and life for what you want. But something changed along the line. And that’s okay! This might be why you’ve found yourself in a situation where you’re thinking of going back to school to study as an adult. Regardless of what age you are, if this is something you can’t stop thinking about, it might be time for you to take it seriously and follow the steps to make it happen. So, in this blog post, we’re going to take a look at how you can go back to school as an adult and make it work for you.

Kerrie's Favorite Affordable Beauty Products

These are products I swear by, and I hope you give some of them a try and fall in love with them too! 

Also, I'd love it if you'd follow me on my Facebook fan page for more updates! I'm also on Twitter, Pinterest, LinkedIn, and Instagram! And if you're a writer, blogger, proofreader, or just love words, follow me over at The Published Parent! Here we go with 13 of my most favorite beauty products:

Garnier SkinActive Moisture Rescue Face Moisturizer, Normal/Combo, 1.7 oz. was only $6.43 at WalMart (doing the grocery pickup*, of course). It's lightweight and perfect for summer or when you just want something NOT thick. My 15-year-old daughter loves it too and kept using mine so much I got her one for herself. We've probably bought this about 5 times so far. It's great for a quick moisture touch-up when your skin feels dry, during travel, first thing in the morning, last thing at night, etc.

Update as of 12/13/24, my youngest child, my son, just stole this from me! Teens love it because it isn't too thick and definitely isn't greasy. It doesn't contribute to the pimple problem, is what I'm saying! The price has gone up quite a bit from when we were first buying it but it's still worth it.

33 Things to Do Indoors with Kids in Kansas City

Okay, so my visions of snuggling up by a fire and homeschooling every day last winter were blown to bits by the fact that my kids are getting older and bounce off the walls when stuck inside on freezing days. So here are some indoor ideas I have come up with so far ... some are free and some are so expensive they should not even be on the list. Enjoy!

Please use this list and enjoy it and have fun NOT sitting around the house with your kids when it is 10 degrees outside this winter. Maybe I'll see you out there and please, I beg of you, don't judge me when you see me out with my 5 kids and I am feeding them Kit Kats for lunch with a Capri Sun chaser. Assume we got all our homeschooling done that morning and that they'd had apples and broccoli. Definitely let's chat and share in this parenting thing.

Also, I do mention homeschool programs quite a bit in this post. If your kids are not yet going-to-school age, these are great events to take your own kids to even if you don't plan to homeschool. Getting the kids some activity and social time while sometimes you also get some social time in is the name of the game!

Feel free to leave me more ideas in the comments section. Thanks, and see you around!

*This post is being updated as of April 4, 2025.*

You could take your kid on the $5 Roasterie tour and get to wear a nifty cap like this one! Reminds me of Laverne and Shirley a little bit!

1. Aaron's Family Fun Center in Belton (my new neighborhood, close to Peculiar). Aron and the kids went bowling there one night and had a blast. Check out this post about Kids Bowl Free all Summer! If you homeschool or have little ones, go during the day in the winter, and for just a few bucks you get a game, shoes, and a soda!
   
   
2. Bass Pro Olathe or Bass Pro in Independence just to mess around, especially at Christmastime.
   
   
3. Blue Valley Recreation Center and Activity Center. Indoor pool. Massage chairs. Enough said.
   
   
4. 
   
   
5. Centerfire shooting range if your kids are a little bit older and you are cool with teaching your kids how to safely handle a gun.
   
   
6. Christian Youth Theatre. $5 shows on Fridays during certain times of the year. They also have classes and plays that your child can audition for!
   
   
7. The Coterie at Crown Center, where you can go with a group to get the $5 tickets. 
   
   
8. Great Wolf Lodge for indoor water fun!
   
   
9. Ibis Bakery in Lenexa field trip.
   
   
10. IKEA in Merriam ... If you sign up for the family card we are talking about free kid meals on Tuesdays, free coffee for you and lots of roaming space. Here is my post about that.
    
    
11. Indigo Wild factory, where they make amazing soaps (ZUM bar!) and other great-smelling things.
    
    
12. Jump City indoor bouncy houses.
    
    
13. Kaleidoscope and Hallmark Visitors Center (both free!).
    
    
14. Kaw Prairie Church and play area.
    
    
15. Kidscape in Shawnee moved to the Heritage and Arts Center 87th and Metcalf!
    
    
16. Lakeside Nature Center near the Kansas City Zoo. Look for the Nolan Connors brick near the front door. He's my friend Jill's son who died in his sleep on December 31, 2012 at age of 13; he used to volunteer here.
    
    
17. Matt Ross gym and pool For $170 for 3 months you can get a family pass to  ... definitely worth it for big families if you can scrape the funds together. Check out the game room and explorer room for playing.
    
    
18. McDonald's Playlands! 87th Street in Overland Park by the Central Resource Library; 95th Street in Overland Park by Oak Park Mall; Belton by the Cass County Library; Lenexa near 435.
    
    
19. Let's Go Putt Indoor Mini Golf (Prehistoric Putt) in Independence, Mo replaces Paradise Park.
    
    
20. The Roasterie field trip (*updated* $5 for the tour)
    
    
21. Science City at Union Station and buy the planetarium tickets! Boom -- homeschool science for the week for the win!
    
    
22. Scheel's is a fun place to hang out and they have a Ferris wheel!
    
    
23. SkyZone (kinda expensive for my crew for only an hour of play even with the homeschool discount ... you have to buy their sky socks and good luck washing them and finding them ever again, hence the buying of the sky socks again and again). Get the monthly pass with friend option (a sibling counts as a friend) and go often!
    
    
24. Steamboat Arabia Museum in the City Market area takes care of history for the day.
    
    
25. The completely new and updated Wonderscope Children's Museum in the Red Bridge Area.
    
    
26. Go Kart place in Lee's Summit.
    
    
27. Library events reading time and craft times.
    
    
28. Paint, Glaze and Fire or some other ceramics painting spot (you can take the older kids).
    
    
29. The ballet and KC Symphony.
    
    
30. Check out Stone Lion Puppets' free shows.
    
    
31. 
    
    
32. Impact Gymnastics has a homeschool open play on Mondays and Thursdays from 2-3 p.m. ages 4 and up ... only $5 for an hour of open play (half the price of SkyZone and no Sock Police and a great staff!).
    
    
33. The Foundry Coffeehouse at Foundry Church in Lenexa. Friday afternoons you'll find bunches of homeschoolers there, and other times they have the gym open for open play (call for times), as well as a fantastic toddler play room that's open all the time (glass walls so you can have some coffee and watch your kids at the same time).

I've got a massive list of field trip ideas come soon!

When you get home from having a ton of fun with your kids, make one of these tater tot casserole recipes for dinner!

Runs/Walks in Kansas City: 43rd Annual Groundhog Run 5K, 10K, and Tunnel-to-Tunnel

 

What: Groundhog Run 5K, 10K, and Tunnel-to-Tunnel

When: Sunday, February 2, 2025

Where: The Hunt Midwest SubTropolis in KCMO (8300 NE Underground Drive, Kansas City, MO 64161)

From the KC Running Company Event Calendar: We are thrilled for the return of the Groundhog Run this winter! Please join us February 2, 2025, for the 43rd annual Groundhog Run, benefiting the children with disabilities receiving services at Ability KC. This unique event gives athletes the opportunity to participate in the 5K, 10K, and Tunnel- to-Tunnel experiences. With a consistent temperature of 65 to 68 degrees and paved underground streets. The Hunt Midwest SubTropolis, a USATF Certified 5K and 10K Course, is the ideal venue for runners from all over the country to compete in this annual winter event.

Register, Volunteer, Sponsor! Become one of the thousands of individuals who have become part of Ability KC’s legacy and helped support this event to build brighter futures for children with disabilities. No matter how you choose to support the Groundhog Run, this year will be packed with excitement and celebration.

More details can be found here!

On a personal note, here's my walking story for National Walking Day, which is always the first Wednesday in April.

When you're all done exercising, I bet you'll be hungry! Grab a copy of my Tater Tot Casserole Cookbook and whip up a batch of comfort and recovery food for dinner!

Making the Most of Christmas Break While House Hunting

The holiday season is often a time for family and celebrations, but it also presents a unique opportunity for those looking to make progress on their real estate purchasing goals. Zillow is one really great tool. While house hunting during Christmas break can seem difficult due to the season’s hustle and bustle, it can offer distinct advantages if approached strategically. 

1. Using Time Off to Tour Homes

One of the key benefits of Christmas break is the extra time off from work and school. Families can take advantage of this time to tour multiple properties and explore different neighborhoods. Since many people slow down during the holidays, scheduling showings can be more flexible. This gives buyers the opportunity to visit homes more efficiently, seeing more properties in a shorter period. 

Homeschooling families or those with children on a break can involve everyone in the decision-making process. This allows for a better understanding of how well a home might suit the needs of the entire family. 

Budgeting for Christmas — Start Now!

There are just over two months left until Christmas. While that might seem like a long way away, that usually means there are just a few paydays left. Many people leave thinking about their Christmas budget until the last minute, but consider this your warning to get your finances into shape. 

Want to get ahead of Christmas this year? Here’s how you can start budgeting for Christmas and save some extra money too!

Image Credit: Unsplash under Creative Commons

Work out what you need

It’s easy to go crazy over the holidays, losing track of what you’ve bought and how much you’ve spent. But if you’ve got a plan in place, you should be able to stick to it. Think of all the things you need for Christmas, from gifts and decorations to food and drink. Once you’ve got it all written out in front of you, you can see how much money you need to save and maybe make some tough decisions about your priorities. Check out this post on Ramsey Solutions on How to Set up Your Christmas Budget.

Christmas Baking: Heavenly Coconut Chocolate Bars

It's never too early to make your Christmas Baking Plan! These little gems go fast in my house when I make them, and they are so easy that now the kids can make them too. They are the perfect dessert for someone who has just had a baby, and they are certainly always on my list for a food gift to give during any holiday!

Here's the recipe for these sinful bars I like to bake and gift as Christmas goodies. Then I bake a batch just for me and snack on them out of the fridge because they are better cold. They rock.

Enhancing Your Garage: Transformative Tips for a Functional Space

Key Takeaways:

• Learn practical tips to transform your garage into a functional, aesthetically pleasing space.
• Discover the importance of proper flooring and storage solutions for a well-organized garage.
• Understand how to maintain and care for your garage to prolong its lifespan and utility.

Table of Contents:

1. Introduction
2. Importance of Garage Renovation
3. Choosing the Right Flooring
4. Effective Storage Solutions
5. Maintaining a Garage
6. Conclusion

Introduction

Garages are evolving from their traditional role as mere vehicle storage spaces to multifunctional areas that serve various needs, from workshops to home gyms. A well-organized and aesthetically pleasing garage adds value to your home and enhances your daily life with improved functionality. Whether you're considering garage epoxy in Nashville or looking for clever storage ideas, every aspect of your garage can be tailored to meet your needs. Exciting, right? Let's dive into some transformative tips to help you turn your garage into a well-ordered oasis.

Creative Indoor Lighting Solutions for a Cozy Home

 

Table of Contents

1. Understanding the Basics of Indoor Lighting
2. Lighting Design Tips for Every Room
3. Energy-Efficient Lighting Options
4. Creating Mood with Lighting
5. The Benefits of Smart Lighting

Understanding the Basics of Indoor Lighting

Indoor lighting is not just about illuminating a space. It plays a crucial role in the overall ambiance and functionality of your home. Proper lighting can enhance your décor, make spaces appear more prominent, and even impact your mood. In places like Tampa, where diverse lighting is required due to varying interior styles, solutions such as tech lighting Tampa, FL, offer versatile options for every room. Good lighting design takes careful planning and execution. Understanding how different types of lighting—ambient, task, and accent—work together can help you create a beautifully lit home. Ambient lighting provides overall illumination and sets the general mood. Task lighting focuses on specific work areas like kitchen counters or reading nooks, and accent lighting adds depth while highlighting architectural features or artwork.

10 Terrific and Unique Benefits of Homeschooling

ID 150714829 © Arloofs | Dreamstime.com

If you’re questioning whether homeschooling is the right choice for your family, check out some of these unique benefits and then see what you think! Of course, you’ll have challenging days, but you’ll have a whole lot of fun alongside your kids, too! 

Please check out my article over at Calgary's Child titled 10 Unique Benefits of Homeschooling, and peruse all the other great articles on their site as well. I have quite a few homeschooling articles over there, as well!

Have a great homeschool year!

Protect Your Family: Effective Mosquito Control Measures

Implementing effective mosquito control measures includes eliminating standing water, maintaining clean gutters, and using mosquito traps. Professional services can provide targeted treatments for severe infestations. Regular inspections and proactive measures help ensure a mosquito-free environment, safeguarding your family from potential health risks associated with mosquito-borne diseases.

Understanding the Mosquito Problem

In addition to being an itch, mosquitoes may spread dangerous illnesses, including malaria, Zika, and West Nile. In many regions, including areas in the mosquito control in South Shore, MA, maintaining effective mosquito control is essential for a healthy environment. Not only do mosquitoes reduce the quality of outdoor experiences, but their presence can also pose severe public health risks. But how can we manage these pesky insects effectively to ensure our family's safety?

Learn more about mosquitoes from the CDC, enhancing our understanding of these tiny yet impactful creatures.

What is Attachment Parenting?

Originally posted January 2016 (update at bottom)

Dear New Attachment Parenting Mother,

My youngest attachment-parented kid of 5 children has been sleeping around.

Around the house.

And I want you to know that this is going to happen to you someday, at your house. Tell your husband this is going to happen and have him read this. But you only need to show him this if he is a naysayer and thinks your baby or toddler who is sleeping in your bed and is attached to your breast nonstop is soon going to be a teenager who still sleeps in the shape of an X in between the two of you. You might also want to send this link to your mom, mother-in-law, sister, neighbor, and/or friend who think you are hurting your kid by sleeping with him.

We started attachment parenting in 2001 with our first kid. I say "we" because my husband was supportive and that is VERY important. Having a kid really tries a marriage and being on the same page with anyone about anything most of the time is hard, let alone when you are dealing with an extra human life in your house that is so very easy to mess up. (aren't we all messed up a little bit, in some way? nobody gets out totally healthy)

Check out this little thing I wrote back in 2012 about the Attachment Parenting Debate.

5K Run/Walks in Kansas City: Sweetheart Run/Walk

What: Sweetheart Run/Walk

When: (stay tuned for 2025 date)

On a personal note, here's my walking story for National Walking Day a couple of years ago with an update.

Run/Walks in Kansas City: GEHA Field at Arrowhead 5K

What: GEHA Field at Arrowhead 5K

When: (stay tuned for the 2025 date)

Where: Arrowhead Stadium, One Arrowhead Drive, Kansas City, MO

Details from 2024: Join us on Friday, May 10th, 2024, for the 11th Annual GEHA Field at Arrowhead 5k & Kids 1K, where you will run on the same field your Kansas City Chiefs play on!!!

5K Run/Walks in Kansas City: Battle of the Bean

I love walking. Walking on a treadmill is fine, but I love walking outside the most. Now that we live in the country, it's so peaceful to walk. I get off the main road and into the neighborhoods and rarely see a car. While walking, I listen to a variety of things on my phone: audiobooks, podcasts, Marco Polo messages (and I sometimes leave them while walking too), music. I'm a fan of multi-tasking, so I get to have some time out of the house, get some exercise, and also feed my brain with a book or information or friend/family updates or uplifting music.

The Art of Yachting: Navigating Luxury and Leisure on the Open Seas

Image by Domenico Farone from Pixabay

Key Takeaways:

• Yachting offers a unique blend of luxury and adventure.
• Understanding the basics of yacht types and their features is essential for anyone interested in yachting.
• Learning about yachting etiquette and safety ensures a pleasant and secure experience.
• Exploring popular yachting destinations can inspire your next maritime journey.

Table of Contents:

1. Introduction to Yachting
2. Types of Yachts
3. Yachting Etiquette
4. Safety Guidelines
5. Top Yachting Destinations
6. Planning Your Yachting Trip
7. Introduction to Yachting

Yachting has long been celebrated as the epitome of luxury and freedom on the water. Whether for leisure or competition, yachting provides an unparalleled experience that combines the thrill of the sea with sophisticated amenities. For those venturing into the yachting world, options abound. From exotic destinations to the latest yacht toy Sag Harbor NY, offers endless possibilities for entertainment and relaxation on the waves.

The Importance of Termite Inspections: Protecting Your Property

 

Image by Roy Buri from Pixabay

Key Takeaways:

• Regular termite inspections are crucial for early detection and prevention of termite infestations.
• Termite damage can be extensive and costly; preventive inspections can save homeowners significant repair costs.
• Learn the signs of termite activity and the benefits of professional vs. DIY inspections.
• Understanding the importance of preventive measures to maintain a termite-free property.

Table of Contents:

• Introduction
• Early Detection of Termite Activity
• Prevention and Cost Savings
• Recognizing Signs of Termite Activity
• Professional vs. DIY Inspections
• Implementation of Preventive Measures
• Conclusion

Introduction

Termite inspections are an essential part of property maintenance. They help detect and prevent termite infestations that cause significant structural damage. Regularly scheduled inspections by professionals can safeguard your property against these destructive pests, ensuring its longevity and safety. Understanding the importance of these inspections and incorporating them into your property maintenance routine can save you from potential headaches and expenses.

Why Quartz Countertops are the Perfect Choice for Modern Kitchens

 

Image by Mike Gattorna from Pixabay

Key Takeaways:

• Quartz countertops offer unmatched durability and require minimal maintenance.
• The non-porous nature of quartz makes it highly resistant to stains and bacteria.
• Quartz countertops come in various colors and patterns to suit any kitchen style.
• Advanced technological methods allow for custom designs and seamless installations.
• Eco-friendly options are available, offering sustainable choices without compromising quality.

Table of Contents:

1. Introduction
2. Durability and Maintenance
3. Non-porous and Hygienic Surfaces
4. Variety in Designs and Colors
5. Technological Advancements in Quartz
6. Sustainable and Eco-Friendly Options
7. Conclusion

Introduction

When choosing the perfect countertop for a modern kitchen, quartz stands out as an exceptional choice. Known for its durability, versatility, and low maintenance, quartz countertops seamlessly blend functionality and style. This article explores why quartz countertops are ideal for contemporary kitchens, addressing factors such as durability, hygiene, design flexibility, and environmental sustainability.