NOVEMBER 2013

THE RESULTS OF THE2013 BEST FOR FAMILY READER’S CHOICE AWARDS

DOCTORS ORDERS

MASTER CHEF’SKRISSI BIASIELLO’S EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEWWITH WFM

Inside this issue...

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Product Picks

november 2013

The Results Are In! 2013 Best For Family Reader’s Choice Awards

Master Chef’s Krissi Biasiellotalks to WFM

A Live Turkey or a Live Comet: Which one are you more likely to see on Thanksgiving?

Well we’re in Kansas, and as promised, the Autumn season has hit us like a ton of bricks! I am one of those people who gets really excited about this time of year. I am a foodie! I love to cook, and love to entertain. If you’re right there with me, then you are going to love this month’s product picks!

You may notice a familiar face on the very next page. I had the pleasure of speaking to Krissi Biasiello from the television series Master Chef! Krissi is such a fun and energetic young woman who puts her heart and soul into her cooking, and her family. A special thanks to her for taking the time out of her busy schedule to visit with me.

This month is also National Adoption Month. I would love to hear from our readers who have been down this road. Please visit us on Facebook and share your personal story!

And finally, HAPPY THANKSGIVING to all of our readers. We at WFM wish all of you a wonderful holiday season, and thanks as always for reading.

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Published by For the Families, LLC316.295.8465

PublishersEric and Christy Clark

Vice President of Sales & MarketingCari Fischer

cari@wichitafamily.com

Wichita Family Magazine is published 12 times a year by For the Families, LLC. Wichita Family Magazine is available free, at schools, stores, restaurants, libraries, retailers and local attractions, as well as other places families frequent. For a complete list of where to find Wichita Family, or for subscription rates, visit

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Mailing address:P.O. Box 817

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Copyright 2009 by For the Families, LLC. All rights reserved. Wichita Family Magazine is not responsible for errors, omissions or contest fulfillment from third parties. Reproduction in part or in whole without written permission is strictly prohibited. Wichita Family is distributed free of charge. The magazine’s advertisers make this possible, so support them! We reserve the right to edit submitted material. All submissions will be considered for publication, but we reserve the right to refuse material. Materials will not be returned. Any editorial content or advertising published is the property of For the Families, LLC.

Want to advertise with us?Contact Cari at

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a note from the editor...

Cari FischerEditor-in-Chief

Krissi Biasiello, a self-proclaimed loud, Italian, and brutally honest Chef from Philly, is more than just a past Master Chef

contestant. Krissi is a loving mother who has a true passion for everything she puts her mind to. I had the pleasure of visiting with her.

WFM: What is your favorite Thanksgiving Tradition?Krissi: Well I come from a big italian family, so we have the traditional Thanksgiving fair and then we have an entire Italian spread so it’s like two holidays in one. So . . . THE FOOD!

WFM: What’s your favorite Thanksgiving dish?Krissi: I think my favorite is my Pecan Streusel Sweet Potato Casserole. I’m not really a fan of sweet potatoes, and when I make this casserole, it’s the only way I’ll eat them.

WFM: Have you ever been to Kansas?Krissi: I have NEVER been to Kansas, but I have to tell you, The Wizard of Oz is one of my FAVORITE movies of all time, so that’s my Kansas connection.

WFM: Regarding the show, how do you come up with the recipes you cook in the challenges? Krissi: Basically, when we walk into the kitchen, that’s the first time we know anything. You really have to come in with your A game. We study a lot off camera. Trying to memorize recipes and thinking up new ideas. It definitely adds to the stress that you’re already under to perform well.

WFM: Was there one challenge in particular that really scared you?Krissi: Yeah there was, it was definitely Gordan’s Vietnamese Soup. Something so complex like that, and all of the ingredients, for somebody who is not familiar with the Asian cuisine, and the technique behind it, and as someone who doesn’t eat Asian food a lot, I really thought I was going to be done for.

WFM: At one point, Joe offered to take you out to dinner if you ever came to New York. Have you had your dinner with Joe yet?Krissi: Not yet, we’re just trying to get a date together. I am extremely, extremely excited.

WFM: You often spoke of your son Mikey. What does he think of all of this?Krissi: He actually cracks up, because he knows how I am. For him, it kind of made him angry that some of the people who were maybe so nice to him when he had met them at the auditions were not being so nice to his mom. He’s my one man cheering section, and anyone who messes with me is not on my son’s good side. The only thing that REALLY

bothered him a little bit was when me and Luca got into a fight because he really, really, really loves Luca. He fell in love with Luca in season 3. When Luca didn’t get an apron, Mikey was devastated.

WFM: Who’s your favorite, and least favorite judge?Krissi: Well I don’t like the term “least favorite.” Obviously Joe (Bastianich) was my favorite from the get go, even when he gave me a hard time. Gordan is absolutely hilarious. He genuinely, they all genuinely want us to succeed. I would have to say Graham is probably third in terms of favorite. His style of cooking is SO far from my style of cooking. He’s big on plating and that fru-fru cuisine, and that’s not me.

WFM: What was your favorite on-camera moment?Krissi: I think my favorite moment was when they surprised me with my son. I just needed that. I needed that little push from my son.

WFM: What are you plans not that the show has wrapped?Krissi: Basically I have started my own business. It’s called the Rotund Chef. I work as a private chef, do cooking demonstrations, and lessons. I’m really loving it.

Make sure to follow Krissi on Twitter (MC4Krissi). For more information

about The Rotund Chef, follow her on Facebook! www.facebook.com/pages/

Rotund-Chef.

Interview - Krissi BiasielloMaster Chef Season 4 contestant gets personal with WFM

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And the winners are . . .

THE RESULTS ARE IN!

In the last few months, Wichita readers have been placing their votes online for their favorite family venue’s and services. WFM is proud to announce the winner’s of the 2013 READER’S CHOICE AWARDS!

Food!Top Restaurant:

Bella Luna CafeWith locations in Bradley Fair, New Market Square, and on east Central, it’s always only a short drive to enjoy Wichita’s favorite Restaurant!Runner Up: Texas Roadhouse

Atmosphere:

Red Rock Canyon GrillThis beautiful restaurant located in Bradley Fair is a prime spot for a romantic dinner, or to spoil the entire

family. Runner Up: Texas Roadhouse

Bang For Your Buck:

Freddy’s Frozen CustardFreddy’s has become a landmark in the Wichita area making it the perfect place to bring families together. Runner Up: Texas Roadhouse

BBQ:Hog Wild Pit Bar-B-QThis locally owned company has taken Wichita by storm with it’s incredible menu. Watch out ElDorado, they’re coming for you next!

Runner Up: B&C BBQ

Hamburger Joint:

Freddy’s Frozen CustardNot only is Freddy’s great bang for your buck, but our readers also agree that the food is a huge WIN!Runner Up: Five Guys Burgers and FriesMexican Food:

Felipe’sThis local favorite has continued to be a local tradition since 1967. Now with 4 locations, there is always great Mexican food nearby.

Runner Up: Connie’s Mexico Cafe

Pizza:

Knolla’sKnolla’s has been a Wichita favorite for more than 30 years. Their hand worked dough and fresh ingredients have truly won them this honor.

Runner Up: IL Vicino

Sports Bar:

Larry Bud’s Wichitan’s agree that there is no better

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And the winners are . . .

place to meet up with your friends and enjoy the game. Their entertaining menu will keep you coming back again and again.

Shopping!Antique’s:

Two AtticsLocated in Park City, there is almost nothing you can’t find here! Runner Up:Paramount Antique Mall

Art Gallery:

City ArtsFrom classes, to shows and demonstrations, City Arts truly deserves this honor. Runner Up: Wichita Art Museum

Furniture Store:

Furniture On ConsignmentDecorating your home could not be made easier! This store is more than just couches and love-seats. Our readers also love them for mattresses, and decor as well!Runner Up: Horton’s Furniture

Musical Instruments:

Senseney MusicWhether you need a new instrument,

sheet music or even lessons, this one-stop location has been nourishing Wichita students since 1984.Runner Up: Guitar Center

Women’s Casual:

Wild At HeartThere is no other shopping experience like it in Wichita. Talk to their fashion concierge for a truly custom fit experience.

Women’s Formal:

Foggy BottomNo Wichita prom would be complete without a trip to this unique and fun destination.

Schools!Public Schools:

Maize USD 266As one of the fastest growing districts in our community, Maize has earned it’s place as a Wichita area favorite. Runner Up: Derby USD 260

Private Schools:

Sunrise Christian AcademySCA has continued to be a favorite in Wichita rallying around it’s value’s and faith-based missions.

Runner Up: Wichita Collegiate School

Alternative Schools:

Andover eCademyOffering K-12, this public online school offers a traditional and high-quality curriculum for the non-traditional student. Runner Up: Metro Meridian

Entertainment!Art Exhibit:

City ArtsA two-category winner for a reason. Runner Up: Artifacts

Golf Course:

Cherry OaksWichita and surrounding families will find this golf course the perfect location for a day of fun. Runner Up: Sand Creek Station

Live Theater:

Music Theatre of WichitaIt is no surprise that our readers chose MTW as their favorite. The brilliance that pours off their stage summer after summer has entertained Wichitans since 1972.

Runner Up: Crown Uptown Dinner Theatre

Non-Profit Event:

Blarney BreakfastWichita’s most beloved St. Patrick’s Day event comes together every March to benefit Rainbows. Runner Up: WoofstockA benefit for the Kansas Humane Society

Place to Take the Family:

Tanganyika Wildlife ParkWichitans continue to agree that TWP is an experience like no other. Runner Up: Exploration Place

Sports Experience:

Shocker BasketballWichita State University Basketball has taken the nation by storm! Charles Koch Arena continues to offer great excitement and truly remarkable talent. Runner Up: Wichita WingnutsAutomotive!Auto Dealership:

Davis MooreMore than just a dealership, Davis Moore is committed to public service, and making their community a better place to live. Auto Repair:

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Year round learning • Field trips • Pre-k curriculum • Project based learningTypical and special needs children welcome • 2 weeks - Pre-kindergarten

High Quality Early Childhood Program

Call (316) 260-4673 for a tour.Kids’ Point • K-96 & Oliver

Doctor’s Ordersby: Dr. Brett Begnoche

“Did you know that it takes 21 days to develop a habit? That means if you were to do one thing consistently for 3 weeks, you could almost go on autopilot and not even think about it! Flossing is an easy thing to do yet a lot of us struggle with it. So why not set up a daily check off list and monitor yourself for 21 days. You might surprise yourself!”

Autocraft Collision RepairWith 5 locations in the Wichita and surrounding areas, this growing business always takes time to give back to the community.

Other Favorites!Childcare:

La Petite Academy3 amazing Wichita Locations

Retirement Communities:

Asbury Park50 years of caring serviceRunner Up: Presbyterian Manor

Wedding Service:

David’s BridalMaking wedding dreams come true for over 60 years.

Massage:

SerenityThe most relaxing place in Wichita and Derby. Runner Up: Healing Waters

Adoption Agency:

YouthvilleSpecializing in foster care, parent support, residential treatment and counseling.

For more information about all of our Best for Family winners, please visit our

website.

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McAuliffe and Curtis receive national recognition for PTLW classes

Christa McAuliffe Academy and Curtis Middle School have received National

Certification for their Project Lead The Way’s Gateway To Technology programs. Project Lead The Way provides curriculum in pre-engineering and technology. Gateway to Technology is the middle school component of Project Lead the Way. Students learn engineering using hands-on lessons in science, technology, problem-solving and math.

Hadley Middle School received PLTW National Certification last year.

Mayberry students use Minecraft to learn math

Students at Mayberry Cultural and Fine Arts Magnet are using the popular video game

Minecraft to learn math and p

problem solving, although they may not realize it. Technology teacher David Maneth discovered an educational version of Minecraft and created the Mayberry Miners Club for students who wanted to meet after-school and enhance their math while playing their favorite game. Maneth expected around 20 students to sign up,

but wound up having enough students for two separate groups.

Maneth has reached out to Mayberry’s math and science teachers to come up with problem-solving topics that will

be implemented into the different Minecraft worlds he creates. He has even created a virtual world of Mayberry.

Seltzer, Enders and GPA students meet real D.W.

Students at Seltzer, Enders and Gordon Parks Academy got to meet the inspiration to one of the

characters in the popular Arthur book series. Kim Brown, sister of author Marc Brown, the creator of the “Arthur” series, shared how she is the real-life inspiration

for the character D.W., Arthur’s sister. She talked about how her

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News and Information from our partners at Wichita Public Schools

McAuliffe technology teacher Shane Koranda helps a student create a circuit.

but wound up having enough students for two separate groups.

Maneth has reached out to Mayberry’s math and science teachers to come up with problem-solving topics that will

be implemented into the different Minecraft worlds he creates. He has even created a virtual world of Mayberry.

Seltzer, Enders and GPA students meet real D.W.

Students at Seltzer, Enders and Gordon Parks Academy got to meet the inspiration to one of the

characters in the popular Arthur book series. Kim Brown, sister of author Marc Brown, the creator of the “Arthur” series, shared how she is the real-life inspiration

for the character D.W., Arthur’s sister. She talked about how her

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News and Information from our partners at Wichita Public Schools

Mayberry has formed the after-school Mayberry Miners Club to have students learn math and problem solving using the popular video game Minecraft.

brother developed Arthur and how many characters were inspired by people in his life.

Brown shared how the first Arthur book was a bedtime story he made up to tell his children and they repeatedly requested to hear it. That inspired him to write and illustrate the story and have it published.

The students were read the story, D.W. The Picky Eater, and had a lesson on how to draw Arthur. The students’ artwork was stamped with a special D.W. stamp that included Marc Brown’s signature.

product picks

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the tools . . .

It’s cooking season, and we at WFM have chosen our favorite tools, and treats to make anyone’s kitchen the best room in the house.

Key Ingredient Recipe ReaderThere will be no more sifting through the recipe box with messy fingers with this amazing tool. The “kitchen proof ” recipe reader not only holds all of your recipes, but is also has three kitchen timers that can run simultaneously!(www.keyingredient.com $149.99)

Chip-Tastic by RoncoPotato chips in the microwave? YES! This has become a favorite took in our home. In just a few minutes, my kids love to make, and season, their own potato chips. The best part is that compared to a store brand chip that has nearly 13 calories per chip, these chips have only 3!!(www.buychiptastic.com $19.99)

Grilled CheesusBring little grilled miracles to your table with this divine new kitchen tool. The non-stick plates make this sandwich griller an easy clean-up as well! Make sure to visit the OMR website . You’ll find products like the “Rise with Jesus” Mug and even a spice mix cleverly called, “Jesus H. Spice.” (www.omrgoods.com $39.95)

YonanasIf you like ice-cream as much as I do, then this may be the perfect tool for your kitchen. Use freshly frozen fruits to make a creamy soft serve that is not only delicious, but super healthy!(www.yonanas.com $49.99)

T-fal ActifryWatch out people, this kitchen tool is sure to change your life. My family has recently discovered the Actifry, and I will never let it go! This tool makes chicken wings that are better than our local restaurant! What’s better, THEY’RE HEALTHIER TOO! You’re Wichita family can enjoy their favorite fried foods using only a couple tablespoons of oil. Trust me. This is a kitchen “must-have.”(www.bedbathandbeyond.com $199.99)

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the treats . . .

Healthy SurpriseThere are hundreds of subscription boxes out there. We have found one that can actually improve your health! The Healthy Surprise box comes straight to your door containing healthy snacks for up to 6 people! These snacks are all natural, vegan, gluten free, soy free, corn free, and even wheat free. Great for families with food allergies too. (www.healthysurprise.com $33.99 & up)

Cow Wow Cereal MilkAre you Cereal?! Now you don’t have to wait until you finish your cereal to enjoy the great flavor or cereal milk. Cow Wow has recently come to Wichita and let me tell you, it’s not only delicious, but it’s organic and low-fat too!

(now available at Dillons!)

Hint WaterLet’s face it, water can get boring. As a mother of a diabetic child, this water has given my daughter something delicious to drink without putting sugars, and artificial sweeteners into her body. With just a hint of added natural flavors, this healthy beverage is a tasty alternative to the average fruity drink. (www.drinkhint.com $15.38/12)

UNREAL CandyWe all love candy, but with all of the additives put in to give it a longer shelf life, is it really worth it? UNREAL brand was created by a boy just trying to prove it could be done! With no artificial “stuff,” no corn syrup, no preservatives, and gluten free ingredients, we can all enjoy candy and “unjunk” our lives. (www.target.com $3.99)

Plum OrganicsThis baby food company goes above and beyond just feeding our children healthier and more delicious foods. Partnered with several organizations, such as Healthy Child Healthy World, Plum Organics has followed it’s mission to help feed children in need. I might also mention that my son loves their delicious foods! I love their easy to use, and attractive packaging. I also love their commitment to “baby-sized” footprint on the earth. (www.plumorganics.com $1.52)

nurturemeDon’t forget the little one’s this holiday season! This baby food is like no other. Nurtureme is freeze dried to help maintain it’s nutritional value by not using high heat, or additives. One of the great things about this food is that it is gluten-free, organic, and even kosher! (www.target.com $19.99/16)

National Adoption Month408,000 children are currently in foster care in the United States. Of that number, 5,865 of them are Kansas kids. 958 children in the Sunflower State are waiting to be adopted. You can help.

November is National Adoption Month-a time to call attention to the need for foster and adoptive families.

Department for Childrenand Families

Strong Families Make a Strong Kansas

A Live Turkey or a Live Comet: Which one are you more likely to see on Thanksgiving?Tips for viewing Comet ISON with your family this ThanksgivingBy Michael E. Bakich, Senior Editor, Astronomy magazine

Americans love to celebrate Thanksgiving as a literal parade of traditions: the

turkey at the dinner table, Grandma’s pumpkin pie, Dad’s afternoon football game. This Thanksgiving, however, families may enjoy an unusual bit of halftime or after-dinner entertainment, when Comet ISON reaches its brightest point at 1:41 p.m. EST. Unfortunately for observers across the United States, that means the comet will lie dangerously close to the Sun, so we’ll have to content ourselves with televised views from observatories with the

proper equipment to image it. Many observers are hoping Comet ISON will be the “comet of the century,” anticipating that it could grow to be several times as bright as the planet Venus—so who better to follow it with than your son or daughter?First, here is some background to enrich your viewing experience: Comets are small, irregularly shaped bodies made up of dust grains and frozen gases. Many travel along stretched-out orbits that occasionally bring them close to the Sun and then take them deep into space. When far from the Sun, the gas around a comet’s core, its nucleus, is frozen solid.

Comets shine because sunlight reflects off them. The closer they get to the Sun, the more ice changes to gas. The result is that the comet gets bigger, so it appears brighter. Closer yet to the Sun, comets develop a tail. Here are some tips to make the most of ISON:For most bright comets like ISON, binoculars provide the best views. Binoculars offer some magnification, darken the sky background a little, and have a wide field of view.Get outside the city. From an urban setting, the comet appears faint because of light pollution. So, the darker the site, the better the comet (especially the tail) will look.Observe the comet like a

scientist. Ask questions like, “How high is the comet in the sky?” “In which constellation(s) does it lie?” “Is the tail visible against the background of the Milky Way?” Note the comet’s apparent size. As it approaches the Sun, a comet can develop two types of tails—dust and ion. Can you see both the yellow dust tail and the bluish ion tail?As ISON travels toward the Sun and approaches its brightest point on November 28, your family should plan to add viewing this astronomical event in the morning sky before sunrise in November and December. No matter what the age, this once-in-a-lifetime experience is coming our way soon.

MAP OF ISON

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National Adoption Month408,000 children are currently in foster care in the United States. Of that number, 5,865 of them are Kansas kids. 958 children in the Sunflower State are waiting to be adopted. You can help.

November is National Adoption Month-a time to call attention to the need for foster and adoptive families.

Department for Childrenand Families

Strong Families Make a Strong Kansas

scientist. Ask questions like, “How high is the comet in the sky?” “In which constellation(s) does it lie?” “Is the tail visible against the background of the Milky Way?” Note the comet’s apparent size. As it approaches the Sun, a comet can develop two types of tails—dust and ion. Can you see both the yellow dust tail and the bluish ion tail?As ISON travels toward the Sun and approaches its brightest point on November 28, your family should plan to add viewing this astronomical event in the morning sky before sunrise in November and December. No matter what the age, this once-in-a-lifetime experience is coming our way soon.

MAP OF ISON

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