Back to school_magazine_2017 by Susan Brewer Service First Real Estate

S A I N T

L O U I S

& HOME AND HAPPENINGS

SUMMER 2017

BETTER BACK-TO-SCHOOL

BUYS pg.6

BACK TO SCHOOL 2017

This special publication brought to you by Susan Brewer Service First Real Estate

www.STLHandHMag.com

EDITOR IN CHIEF Wade Brewer

DESIGN Marie Reid

A note from the editor... Can you believe it is back to school time already? The summer seemed to fly by and now we are all getting ready for the annual end of summer event called back to school shopping. In this issue we have some outstanding information and tips to make this time of year a little easier for you. In addition to back to school advice, we also offer some tips for active summer families, ten ideas for successful gardening as well as some delicious and easy recipes to prepare during this busy time of year.

WEBSITE & FEEDBACK www.STLHandHMag.com Editor@STLHandHMag.com

Self published by Susan Brewer Service First Real Estate. All material herein is copyrighted and all rights are reserved.

2 H&H Magazine | www.STLHandHMag.com

As always, in our Happenings sections we have some great activities for you to do in and around the St Louis area. Here you will find everything from The Festival of the Little Hills in St Charles to the Festival of Nations in Tower Grove Park. Our area definitely has something for everyone to visit and enjoy! If you have an event or story idea for us you can always contact me at Editor@STLHandHMag.com I look forward to hearing from you!

Wade Brewer Editor-in-chief

pg. 8

CONTENTS 4

5 Tips for active summer families

Better back-to-school buys

Back-to-school health check

Best bets for bak to school

Earn an A+

Popular summer snacks

Healthy summer treats make for happy kids

Dare to dream

Saint Louis Happenings

H& Magazine | www.STLHandHMag.com 3

5 Tips for Active Summer Families

Summer is perfect for staying active and spending time outdoors with loved ones, but the frantic pace of the season and overload of activities can take a toll on the entire family. With a little care and pampering, you can enjoy summer to the fullest while still keeping your family rejuvenated.

Eat Well. Food is fuel, and it’s necessary to keep the entire family energized. During warmer weather, cravings often lean toward lighter foods, making it the perfect time to add extra servings of seasonal fruits or vegetables to the family table each night. Also remember to ensure family members are drinking plenty of water as extended time in the sun can lead to dehydration and dry skin if fluids aren’t frequently replenished. Make Sleep A Priority. Sleep is as important to your body as nutrition and exercise, and making it a priority can be beneficial, especially when your family’s calendar is packed with events. Sufficient, high-quality sleep contributes to a healthy immune system and helps repair damage done throughout the day. It also positively impacts metabolism and overall function while contributing to emotional and mental well-being. Most doctors recommend 6-8 hours per night for adults, and kids of all ages typically require even more, so work on getting into a nightly routine to ensure all members of the family are getting the rest they need. Pamper Yourself at Home. Once you’ve completed chores in the heat or spent time enjoying family activities in the 4 H&H Magazine | www.STLHandHMag.com

sun, some simple pampering can be done at home to rejuvenate skin. Start with your hands, which are at the center of everything you do and often the first point of contact with an activity, whether it’s cooking, gardening, crafting or aiding friends and family. The unique formula of Softsoap Hand Wash Plus Lotion liquid hand soap is made with a touch of lotion to lock in moisture for clean, soft hands. Available in Shea & Cocoa Butter, Aloe Water & Lime and Orchid & Coconut Milk fragrances, this innovative formula can make your hands irresistibly smooth, so your touch is always a soft touch. Take Time to Exercise. Even a little activity can have a huge impact. The American Heart Association recommends at least 30 minutes of moderate-intensity activity at least five days a week. Taking time out of your family’s busy summer schedule to go for a walk, ride bikes around the park or neighborhood, or play a game outside together can contribute to maintaining a healthy weight and feeling more energized. Slow Down. It’s easy to spread yourself too thin, especially in the summer when there are often more activities requiring your attention and attendance. When you get caught up in trying to make the most out of every second of every day, it can take a toll on both your family’s physical and emotional well-being. Slow down and take that well-deserved personal time – even just an hour a day – to do something you enjoy with the ones you love. Remember to take small breaks during activities to stretch or take a short walk to help relieve potential stress on your body.

10 Tips for Urban Gardening City dwellers often think gardening is only for those who live in suburbs or rural communities, but planting an urban garden can be easy. Whether you are planting a garden for yourself or your family, you can do your part to create a more sustainable and green future. These simple steps recommended by Arjan Stephens, executive vice president at Nature’s Path Organic Foods, can help you on your way to greening your thumb and the planet: 1. No Space, No Problem: Not everyone has a backyard, roof or balcony. To overcome this issue, start a container garden. While decorative pots can be lovely, they don’t improve the quality of your plants and can be expensive. Instead, you can use a large bucket

from a garden store, which is a lowcost and effective option. Or upcycle containers not in use, such as crates, old toys or paint cans. 2. Plant Selection: There are vegetable, flower and herb varieties that are easy to grow in urban spaces. When planning your garden, think about what to plant – shallow-rooted veggies, such as herbs, lettuce and radishes typically do better in confined spaces. 3. It Takes a Village: In addition to establishing your own garden, another way to plant is by getting involved with community gardens. Each year, Nature’s Path Food’s Gardens for Good program supports community gardens that make fresh, organic food more accessible in local neighborhoods. Three $15,000 grants are available to gardens that demonstrate high community support and a viable plan for the urban agriculture project. 4. Plant Right: Potting your plants takes a few simple steps. Put some gravel in the bottom of your container to help with drainage and fill with soil, tamping it a bit. Leave 1 inch at the top for watering. Tamp the soil after the plants are in place and water gently. 5. Portable Planters: An advantage of container gardens is that they allow you to easily move them in and out of the sun. If your plants seem to dry out in one window area, you can try different areas to adjust to what works best. 6. Grow Up: Small spaces make it ideal to grow vertically, which means planting tall plants like squash, cucumbers, beans and tomatoes. 7. Drain Gain: Whatever container you choose for your garden, remember drainage holes are essential. Without proper drainage, soil can become waterlogged and plants may die. The holes need to be large enough to allow excess water to drain out. 8. Water Wise: Hand water every morning. Once the plants are large and summer is hot, they will probably need watering in the evening, too. A little afternoon shade can keep them from drying out too quickly. 9. Soil Smart: A common mistake urban gardeners make is not making sure their soil is good quality. While those made with pesticides promise great results, they are loaded with chemicals. Go for organic soil and grow well from the beginning. 10. Have Fun: Gardening not only results in food or flowers, it is a great way to relieve stress, have fun and get in touch with nature. Just because you live in an apartment doesn’t mean you can’t experience the joy of eating what you grow. Grab your container, select your seeds and see how beautiful, nutritious and delicious your results could be. H& Magazine | www.STLHandHMag.com 5

hen those first school bells ring and class is back in session for kids of

all ages, make sure you

and your student have everything in hand to help ensure success. Whether it’s tools

for the classroom, supplies for a nutritious lunch, stylish clothes or helpful items for home,

you’ll

need to gear up

for the school year ahead. Find more

back-to-

school solutions

at eLivingToday. com.

6 H&H Magazine | www.STLHandHMag.com

Give Gratitude Teachers’ hard work and planning begin long before the school year starts and classes are back in session. Show your gratitude to your children’s teachers with merci Chocolates, a thoughtful collection of fine, European chocolates. Each slim, stylish box contains eight unique, individually wrapped flavors, making it the perfect token of appreciation to teachers for opening minds and touching hearts.

A Helping of Hummus Find the hummus you love in individual, portable containers with Sabra Singles, which are easy to add to a lunchbox when you’re on the move. Each 2-ounce cup of Sabra hummus is non-GMO and contains 4 grams of plant-based protein and 3 grams of dietary fiber with no added sugar. Serve with carrots for an easy and tasty way to increase the veggies in your child’s diet every day.

Sporty Sneakers Send your student to school in style with shoes that fit this season’s “athleisure” trend and kick it up a notch with a hint of sparkle. These retro-inspired Arizona Sparkling Sneakers can add a relaxed, sporty feeling to a wardrobe without compromising on appearance. Help your child stand out from the crowd by finding these and more at JCPenney with styles that are priced to buy and guaranteed to love. Tech Tools for Students Teach students to code with the TI-Innovator Hub from Texas Instruments, which plugs into the TI-84 Plus CE or TI-Nspire CX graphing calculator many students already have. The hub is a palmsized board with a microcontroller that turns a graphing calculator into a STEM tool for back to school. Students can light up LEDs or write a program to play a song using their calculators. Lunchtime Upgrade Give your old-school lunchbox a technology upgrade this school year. The Freezable Classic Lunch Box from PackIt is the only horizontal lunch box that chills healthy food for hours with built-in freezable gel that eliminates the need for ice packs. The lunchbox’s topload design makes it easy to pack flat containers like bento boxes, and a buckle handle clips onto totes, backpacks or sports bags for convenient travel to and from school, day care and extracurricular activities.

Simply Super Storage for Kids Good organizational habits are important to a child’s success in school. That’s why ClosetMaid created KidSpace, a collection of kid-tested and kid-approved juvenile storage furniture ranging from toy chests to storage shelves. This robust line, which was designed with safety and storage in mind, helps parents avoid clutter and create more space for imagination, magic and giggles in bedrooms, playrooms, living rooms and more.

Health

Win the Battle Against Back-to-School Germs

Did you know that, on average, elementary

germs, such as Easy Liner brand shelf liner with

school children get eight to 12 colds or cases of

Clorox antimicrobial protection. The shelf liner

the flu each school year, according to the Centers

features an antimicrobial additive to prevent the

for Disease Control and Prevention? This school

growth of odor-causing mold and mildew on

year, follow some healthy habits to avoid the

the liner. Plus, it can be tossed in the wash for

back-to-school plague.

easy cleaning. Place it in areas of your home or

First, wash hands and other items that you touch,

classroom where school items are stored like

like cell phones or desks, frequently. Cell phones

floors, counters, desks and shelves. For more

carry 10 times more bacteria than most toilet

information, visit duckbrand.com.

seats; and school desks have been found to hold

Help stave off colds and flu all school year with

400 times more bacteria than toilets.

great germ-fighting habits.

Next, pick up school supplies that help fight

PHOTO SOURCE: (c) nellas - Fotolia.com H& Magazine | www.STLHandHMag.com 7

he leisurely days of summer are

or injuries, but the most common scoliosis

healthy

unknown. Scoliosis is most commonly

over and it’s time to re-establish habits

and

back-to-

school routines. In addition to

dental checkups and annual physicals, pediatric medical specialists recommend adding a scoliosis screening to back-toschool checklists.

Scoliosis, a musculoskeletal disorder that causes an abnormal curvature of the spine

or backbone (sometimes resembling an

“S” or “C”), is the most common deformity of the spine, affecting an estimated 6-9 million people in the United States.

Certain conditions can cause scoliosis, including muscle diseases, birth defects 8 H&H Magazine | www.STLHandHMag.com

is idiopathic, which means the cause is

diagnosed between 10-15 years of age, during periods of rapid growth. Although 10 percent of adolescents may have the condition, not all will need care.

“Because most causes are unknown, early detection through routine screen

ings is key to providing the best possible

outcome,” said Amer Samdani, M.D., chief of surgery for Shriners Hospitals for Children® — Philadelphia.

Signs of scoliosis Scoliosis can be hereditary and it is recommended that a child who has

a relative with the condition receive regular checkups for early detection as they are 20 percent more likely to develop the condition. Pediatric medical experts recommend females be screened at least twice at ages 10 and 12 and males at either age 13 or 14. Children and teens with scoliosis rarely exhibit symptoms and sometimes the condition is not obvious until the curvature of the spine becomes severe. In some cases, your child’s spine may appear crooked or his or her ribs may protrude. Some other markers to watch for in a child who has scoliosis are: • Clothes not fitting correctly or hems not hanging evenly. • Uneven shoulders, shoulder blades, ribs, hips or waist. • Entire body leaning to one side. • Appearance or texture of ribs sticking up on one side when bending forward. • Head not properly centered over the body. Diagnosing scoliosis When confirming a diagnosis of scolio sis, a doctor will confer with you and your child while also reviewing your child’s medical history; conducting a full examination of your child’s back, chest, feet, legs, pelvis and skin; taking a series of X-rays; measuring curves; locating the apex of the curve and identifying the pattern of the curve. Treatment of scoliosis According to Samdani, there’s no one-size-fits-all treatment for scoliosis. “Some cases will just need to be watched; others will need physical therapy, bracing or surgical procedures to stop the curve from progressing,” he said. “At Shriners Hospitals, we offer the whole spectrum of treatments under one roof, all working together to get the best possible outcome for each child. We also treat children regardless of the families’ ability to pay, so that often provides a huge relief to parents.”

A Life-Changing Discovery

or competitive swimmer Katie Lyons, a love for the sport began at 7 months old when her toes touched the pool’s water for the first time. At age 4, Katie swam in her first meet. Weeks before she turned 10, her coach observed a rib cage protrusion that looked similar to another teammate who had been diagnosed with scoliosis during routine stretching exercises in practice, and contacted her parents. The next day, her pediatrician confirmed the life-changing discovery: she had scoliosis. Within a week of being diagnosed, Katie traveled to Shriners Hospitals for Children — Greenville, where she began treatment for an “S” curvature of her spine and was given a 98 percent chance of needing surgery. She was fitted for a brace, which she wore 20 hours a day and only took off for swim practice and bathing. Now on her fourth brace, she has been removed from the surgical list and hopes to continue to avoid

surgery as she goes through her adolescent growth spurts; which for many scoliosis patients, can send their curves into fast-forward. Early detection gave Katie a wider range of options for the treatment of her scoliosis. The strength of her core and daily stretching from swimming has helped manage and lower her double curves.

App Helps Parents Detect Signs of Scoliosis You can also check your child’s spine for scoliosis with the help of your smartphone through the SpineScreen app – available for free in the iTunes and Google Play stores. For more information on the app and the importance of routine screening, visit straighttalkonscoliosis.org. To be used as an initial at-home check, the app can detect abnormal curves when the phone is moved along a child’s spine and determine if a follow-up visit with a doctor is necessary to confirm a potential diagnosis. If your child has scoliosis or any other orthopaedic condition, Shriners Hospitals for Children has 20 locations in the United States, Mexico and Canada that provide expert care.

636-936-8600 www.Service1stHomes.com H& Magazine | www.STLHandHMag.com 9

Every family needs the right items on hand to ensure students are geared up to succeed in the classroom and on the playing field. These supplies and handy tools are designed to make back-to-school season easy as 1-2-3 for kids and parents alike.

A sticky solution Art projects abound when a new school year begins and the perfect paper crafts require a secure bond that withstands transportation from school to home. An Elmer’s Re-Stick Glue Stick lets little hands fine-tune placement of different pieces for up to five minutes before a permanent bond forms. The sticks apply smoothly and dry clear for a mess-free appearance that is ideal for younger learners, as well as making poster presentations, crafts and more. A cool way to refuel A rigorous morning of academics calls for an energizing and nutritious lunch to power through the end of the school day. Rubbermaid BRILLIANCE Lunch containers are leak-proof with airtight latches and adjustable insert trays and dividers to create custom compartments inside. The ultra-durable material keeps the container stain-free and odor-free. They’re also BPA-free and safe for the dishwasher, microwave and freezer. 10 H&H Magazine | www.STLHandHMag.com

Smart sipping Good hydration is important for overall health and keeping a water bottle by your side is one way to help ensure you’re keeping your intake steady throughout the day. The Contigo AUTOSPOUT Chug Water Bottle enables simple sipping on the go with its patented technology and high flow for quick, one-handed drinking. The vacuum-insulated stainless steel keeps beverages refreshingly cold for up to 24 hours, and a protective spout prevents leaks and helps keep out dirt and germs.

A hard plastic body reduces crayon breakage, making these instruments ideal for children as young as 3 years of age.

Word-wise From creating spaces at home that help organize school paperwork to identifying personal items like laptops or calculators, an electric labeler makes short work of the job. The DYMO MobileLabeler offers Bluetooth connectivity for fast and easy setup, along with a voice-to-text feature and spellcheck to help save time. A free app lets you create the label via a smartphone using a wide variety of colors and font libraries then print the size you need from 1/4 inch-1 inch wide. Learn more at dymo.com.

Artwork for the senses Nothing sparks creativity like engaging all the senses, and an array of bold scents and vivid colors is the perfect combination for some inspired artwork. Mr. Sketch Scented Crayons come in a package of 12 and feature a twist design that means they never need sharpening.

A bright idea Defining important text or keeping track of key calendar dates is easier with Sharpie Clear View Highlighters that feature a see-through tip that allows Organize with color Keeping track of schedules, homework and other activities can be an exhausting chore, but a color-coded dry-erase board is one way to keep everything straight. A highly visible, low-odor ink like the one used in the EXPO Dry Erase Markers with Ink Indicator makes getting organized fun, plus the easy-to-see ink levels ensures youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll never unknowingly run dry. The versatile chisel tip marks broad, medium and fine lines, and six bold and bright colors let you add a little creative flair to your efforts to bring order to the chaos.

for precise highlighting. The versatile blade-style tip draws thick lines for highlighting or thin, defined lines for underlining, while specially formulated ink technology resists smudging of many pen and marker inks. Choose among four bright colors to make your mark and find additional answers to your highlighting needs at sharpie.com.

Certain back-to-school purchases, such as clothing, school supplies, computers, and other items as defined by the statute, are exempt from sales tax for this time period only. In 2017, the Sales Tax Holiday begins at 12:01 a.m. on Friday, August 4, and runs through Sunday, August 6.

H& Magazine | www.STLHandHMag.com 11

ack-to-school season means it’s

impulse buys and forgotten items that

of learning. This year you can ace

with a return trip. Create a thorough list by

time to get back to the business your back-to-school shopping

excursion with these time- and moneysaving steps that can make getting the whole

family ready for a new school year a breeze.

Start with a list. Walking into the store

without a list is an open invitation for 12 H&H Magazine | www.STLHandHMag.com

end up costing you more time and money

categorizing all the items you’ll shop for, such as supplies, electronics and clothing. If you want to take an extra-organized

approach, try color coding items by the section of the store where you would expect to find them.

Set a budget. Knowing what you can afford to spend ahead of time can save

regret and returns after you shop. Calculate how much you’ll need to cover all the items your students truly need, then tack

on some room for wants. One must-have

is a high-quality backpack, like the High

Sierra Access Backpack, which includes a dedicated storage area for your child’s

laptop, among other features. If your total budgeted expenses exceed your available funds, consider browsing weekly circulars to keep your budget in check. Explore your inventory. It may be buried under a summer’s worth of knickknacks, but digging out the supplies your child cast aside at the end of the last school year may be worth the effort. Items like scissors, rulers and protractors may not need to be replaced every year if they’re still in working condition. Assess what items you have that can be reused and those that need to be replaced for the new school year. Cut extra stops. Dashing all over town to find all the items on your supply list is not only time-consuming, it’s unnecessary. At stores like Office Depot and OfficeMax, you can find all the academic tools and supplies your student needs to head back to the classroom. What’s more, a store that specializes in school supplies will have a broad selection and ample stock of the essentials. Try online shopping. When you know exactly what you need, shopping online is a great time-saving solution. Online shopping makes it incredibly simple to keep tabs on your budget before you make purchases and easily keep track of the items in your shopping cart. If you need to hand-select a few items in person, you can always take advantage of a “buy online, pick-up in store” option. This service lets you do your shopping from home with just a quick stop in-store to pick-up your purchases. Buy in bulk. It may seem counterintuitive when you’re trying to trim your spending, but if you can swing it, go ahead and buy extra items that you’ll likely need to replace mid-year. The sale prices during the back-to-school season aren’t likely to repeat during the

school year, so in the long run you’ll save money and avoid a last-minute shopping trip on a busy school night in the future. Items like Stellar fashion notebooks, which give note-taking a fashionable twist, are great to have on hand throughout the school year. Research specials and promotions. For many stores, the back-to-school shopping season is second only to the holidays. This means you can expect widespread sales, promotions and special deals, such as “deals as low as a penny.” Some states also offer tax-free holidays near the beginning of the school year, which are honored at multiple retailers and generally restricted to school-related purchases like clothing, supplies and some technology. Weigh quality vs. quantity. When you have a lengthy list of items to purchase for each child, it can be tempting to cut corners and skimp on spending. In some cases, being cost-efficient is smart, but do your research beforehand to avoid selecting items based solely on price. Value and quality don’t always

go hand-in-hand and if you buy an item that falls apart or breaks down quickly, you may end up spending more to replace the items later. While it may be simpler for students to use printers and other machines at school, an all-in-one Epson Expression EcoTank Wireless Printer at home can be a convenient solution when late-night homework is bearing down. Make dollars do double duty. While most families expect to spend a sizable amount on back-to-school purchases (nearly $700, according to a 2016 survey by the National Retail Federation), making that money go a little further can soften the blow. You can help improve education in your community by shopping at stores that give a percentage of proceeds back to local schools. Programs vary; in some cases, you can even designate proceeds to the school district of your choice. Take more notes on smart back-toschool shopping ideas and deals at officedepot.com. H& Magazine | www.STLHandHMag.com 13

rom casual gatherings with friends to

outdoor athletic activities and leisurely time at home, all of the best summer

pastimes have one thing in common:

tasty snacks make them more enjoyable.

Light, airy and fresh popcorn is a perfect summer

snack. Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s naturally low in fat and calories, nonGMO and gluten free â&#x20AC;&#x201C; all the makings of an ideal

guilt-free treat. Whether you enjoy it one delicious handful at a time, sprinkled with seasonings or

as an ingredient in fun summertime recipes, popcorn offers plenty of versatility for every occasion.

You can kick up the heat with a zesty popcorn mix or take a sweeter route with a blend of toasted

coconut and bananas. No summer sporting event

is complete without some good old toffee-style popcorn and nuts, and even a favorite like ice

cream sandwiches can only get better with the addition of sweet, crunchy popcorn and candy.

Coconut Monkey Mix Yield: 7 cups

1 cup flaked coconut (unsweetened or sweetened) 6 cups popped popcorn 1 tablespoon butter or margarine, melted 1 teaspoon sugar 1/8 teaspoon salt dash of nutmeg 1 cup dried banana chips Heat oven to 325 F. Spread coconut in 13-by-9-inch baking pan, breaking up any clumps as needed. Bake 10 minutes, or until edges of coconut begin to brown. Spread popcorn over coconut and sprinkle with butter; toss. Sprinkle popcorn mixture with sugar, salt and nutmeg; toss. Bake 5 minutes longer, remove from heat and toss with banana chips. Serve immediately or cool and store in airtight container. 14 H&H Magazine | www.STLHandHMag.com

Popcorn Chipwiches

Yield: 12 1/2 quarts popped popcorn 2

1/2 cups light brown sugar 1 3/4 cup dark corn syrup 1/2 cup butter 1 tablespoon vinegar 1/2 teaspoon salt 1 package (6 ounces) chocolate pieces 1/2 cup chopped walnuts 2 pints brick-style vanilla ice cream Keep popcorn warm. In 3-quart saucepan, combine brown sugar, corn syrup, butter, vinegar and salt. Cook and stir until sugar dissolves. Continue to cook until hard ball stage (250 F on candy thermometer). Pour syrup over popcorn; stir to coat. Add chocolate pieces and nuts; stir just until mixed. Pour into two 13-by-9-by-2-inch pans, spreading and packing firmly. Cool. In each pan, cut 12 rectangles. Cut each pint of ice cream into six slices. Sandwich each ice cream slice between two popcorn rectangles.

Spice Up Summer Snacks

Ballpark Popcorn Crunch

Beach Party Popcorn

1/2 cup butter 1/2 cup brown sugar 3 quarts unsalted popped popcorn 1 cup chopped walnuts Heat oven to 350 F. Cream together butter and brown sugar until light and fluffy. In separate bowl, toss popcorn and walnuts. Add creamed mixture to popcorn and nuts. Combine until coated. Spread on large baking sheet in single layer. Bake 10 minutes, or until crisp.

1 teaspoon soy sauce 1-2 drops hot pepper sauce 1/3 cup melted butter 2 quarts popped popcorn 2 cups assorted seasoned snacks (crackers, pretzels,etc.) 1/2 package (0.56 ounces) bacon-onion dip mix Heat oven to 350 F. Add soy sauce and hot pepper sauce to melted butter. Put popcorn and seasoned snacks in large bowl. Pour butter mixture over popcorn and snacks; toss. Sprinkle with bacon-onion dip mix; toss again. Spread mixture in 15 1/2-by-10 1/2-by-1-inch jelly roll pan and bake 8-10 minutes, stirring once.

Yield: 3 quarts

Yield: 2 1/2 quarts

Freshly popped popcorn is a light snack perfect for summer, and you can add just about any flavor to satisfy whatever you may be craving. Start by sampling these topping favorites then taste your way to other creative combinations. • Garlic salt • Parmesan cheese • Cumin • Oregano • Dry taco seasoning mix • Dry ranch-style seasoning mix • Lemon pepper • Italian herbs: oregano, basil, marjoram, thyme and crushed rosemary • French herbs: marjoram, thyme, summer savory, basil, rosemary, sage and fennel • Cinnamon • Brown sugar • Nutmeg

Search Service1stHomes on your favorite social media site or bookmark Service1stHomes.com Looking for a place to see some great ideas on home improvement, decorating tips, and real estate information? Want to be the first to know when our Easter egg hunt, pumpkin patch and Santa photos are? H& Magazine | www.STLHandHMag.com 15

Healthy Summer Treats Make for Happy Kids Parents know raising healthy and successful children means more than encouraging learning and praising positive behavior. It also means instilling smart habits from the earliest years to create lifelong practices that promote overall health and good nutrition. If getting your kids on board seems like a daunting challenge, try these tips from the fresh produce experts at ALDI for bringing more fruit, veggies and other healthy foods to your family’s table without busting your budget: One smart cookie. For “cookies” you can feel good about giving your kids, cut an apple to create round slices then slather the slices with their favorite nut butter (peanut, almond or cashew) and top with raisins, yogurt bites or chocolate chips. Fresh and fruity. Swap sugary drinks for fresh, fruit-infused water. Let kids pick their favorite flavor combinations each evening and refrigerate water to infuse overnight so it’s ready to enjoy the following day. Icy sweet treats. Make your own frozen pops using ingredients like fresh fruit, yogurt or milk. Use store-bought molds or substitute small paper cups covered with plastic wrap. Just poke sticks through the plastic to hold them in place until the mixture freezes. Hands-on helpers. Getting kids in on the action is a great way to encourage healthier eating habits. After all, if they helped make it, it has to be good. Once all the ingredients have been sliced and diced, a recipe like these Grilled Balsamic Vegetable Pops is easy for kids to assemble. Just ask them to thread the skewers in their favorite color and flavor combinations. It takes a village. Learning about the benefits of healthy eating can be fun, especially when you take advantage of programs in your community, such as those offered by libraries, community centers and schools. Through partnerships like the one ALDI has with Action for Healthy Kids, families and schools have increased access to nutrition education and physical activity tools that make living and eating healthy fun.

16 H&H Magazine | www.STLHandHMag.com

Grilled Balsamic Vegetable Pops

4 wooden skewers 1 zucchini, cut into rounds 1 yellow pepper, chopped 4 mushrooms, halved 4 cherry tomatoes 1 ear sweet corn, cut into rounds 2 tablespoons Carlini Pure Olive Oil 1 teaspoon Stonemill Iodized Salt 1 teaspoon Stonemill Ground Black Pepper 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar Soak wooden skewers in water for 10 minutes before grilling. Heat grill to medium-high (400-425 F.) Pierce vegetables with skewers and drizzle with oil. Sprinkle with salt and pepper, and place on hot grill. Turn frequently to prevent burning. Vegetables should be golden and tender after 10-15 minutes. Remove from heat and drizzle with balsamic vinegar.

A Sweet Cherry Season

a tasty way to satisfy hunger cravings. Plus, they boast melatonin, which helps regulate circadian rhythm and promote healthy sleep patterns. Fresh cherries should be kept in a sealed bag or container, and keep for approximately two weeks when refrigerated. To extend the cherry season and enjoy their health benefits after summer fades, buy an extra bag or two and preserve cherries by rinsing, packing and freezing them.

Basic freezing instructions

Whether fresh cherries are a favorite or a treat you’ve yet to try, the time to enjoy them is now. Orchards in the Pacific Northwest, the nation’s largest growing region, experienced a long, cool spring, which often translates into more time and energy a tree can put into the fruit. When combined with the superior growing conditions characteristic to the area, this season’s fruit showcases what Northwest cherries are known for: their large size and sweet flavor profile. Popular varieties grown in the Northwest include the mahogany-red Bings and super-sweet, yellow Rainiers. Rainier cherries, with their unique golden color and red blush, tend to ripen earlier in the year. Growers pick Rainier cherries over multiple weeks, selecting the ripest fruit each time. Other varieties include the early-ripening Chelans and Tietons, followed by the often larger and darker Skeenas, Sweethearts and Lapins. Aside from the light-hued Rainier (which has juice that doesn’t stain) you can typically spot sweet cherries by their dark red skins – in general, the darker, the sweeter. Great taste aside, sweet cherries are a healthful addition to summer picnics, parties and barbecues thanks to their fiber, antioxidants and anti-inflammatory power. They make for a snack that both grownups and little ones can enjoy straight out of the bowl thanks to their stem “handle” and can perk up appetizers, salads, desserts, sweet or savory sauces and more. Outside of summer get-togethers, cherries make for a better-for-you late-night snack option as well. A cup of fresh, sweet cherries contains only 90 calories along with a low glycemic index of 22 making their cold, sweet crunch

1. Select 3-5 pounds of firm, ripe, Northwest-grown sweet cherries. 2. After rinsing and draining, spread whole cherries with stems in a layer on a baking sheet. 3. Place in freezer until firm then pack into freezerproof containers or plastic freezer bags. Remove excess air and cover tightly. 4. Add frozen cherries to smoothies or juices, or defrost and put in hot cereal, pies, turnovers, cobblers and more. Or enjoy as a frozen, sweet late-night treat. To create a festive cherry dish for the summer season, try this Cherry Bruschetta as a snack or appetizer. Find more recipes and cherry tips at nwcherries.com.

Cherry Bruschetta Serves: 8

18 slices (1/2-inch thick) small baguette-style bread 1 tablespoon olive oil, divided 1 1/2 cups pitted Northwest fresh sweet cherries, coarsely chopped 1/4 cup chopped cilantro 1/4 cup diced yellow sweet pepper 2 tablespoons finely chopped green onions 2 tablespoons lime juice 1 teaspoon grated lime peel 1/2 teaspoon garlic salt 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper 2 ounces fresh mozzarella cheese 1 tablespoon thinly sliced fresh basil Heat oven to 350 F. Arrange baguette slices on cookie sheet and toast one side 5 minutes. Turn slices, brush with 1/2 tablespoon olive oil and bake 5 minutes longer. Combine cherries, cilantro, sweet pepper, green onions, lime juice, lime peel, garlic salt, pepper and remaining olive oil; mix well. Top each baguette with thin slice of cheese, 1 tablespoon cherry mixture and sprinkle of sliced basil. Serve warm or cold. H& Magazine | www.STLHandHMag.com 17

urning your home into the living space of your dreams takes effort and commitment, but while the weather is warm and motivation is on your side, it’s time to put your visions to the test.

Whether you choose to start your renovation project on the inside or outside, for fun or for function, the important part is committing to getting it done and doing it right. That includes finding the right materials and products to suit your specific needs and style, whether it’s for closet organization, a beautiful kitchen upgrade, adding features like skylights or anything in between. Your dreams and desires for your home are attainable and within your reach, so long as you’re devoted and willing to put in the time. Find more home upgrade tips and tricks at eLivingToday.com. Versatile Home Storage It’s time to get organized. Turn any closet or area in your home into a designer-inspired storage showcase with ClosetMaid’s SuiteSymphony line. This affordable, DIY system is available in multiple finishes and styles, and offers accessories such as doors, drawers, shoe shelves and expandable hang rods for total customization. Find free design, inspiration and organization solutions at closetmaid.com/suitesymphony.

18 H&H Magazine | www.STLHandHMag.com

Functional Furniture Ideal for enjoying a serene cup of coffee or welcoming guests for some outdoor fun, you can liven up your backyard space with a patio furniture set to help both aesthetically and functionally. The right set for your deck, patio or yard can lend a pleasing element to the eye and a comfortable spot to sit and eat, drink or rest after a friendly game of whiffle ball. Available in myriad colors and combinations, look for patio furniture that matches your style and personal preferences.

Backyard Getaway Find a comfortable temperature and enter your most relaxed state at any time with your own backyard hot tub. The gateway to a restful opportunity, a hot tub gives you a chance to close your eyes and unwind whether itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s the end of a long day or starting out your Saturday morning. With varying options like in-ground or above and a multitude of sizes, plus the ability to tune individual jets to your liking, a backyard hot tub can be the perfect personal oasis.

Natural Light and Fresh Air from Above You can brighten your space in an eco-friendly way with Energy Star-qualified, solar-powered fresh air skylights from Velux America, which provide natural light and ventilation to reduce energy costs. Adding solar-powered blinds can further increase energy efficiency. The skylights carry a 10-year, no-leak installation warranty and, along with the blinds, operate by remote control, closing automatically when it rains. Both products, along with installation costs, qualify for a 30 percent federal tax credit. To find certified installers, visit whyskylights.com.

A Finishing Touch

Bring everything together in a kitchen or bathroom with the subtle feature that can sometimes be forgotten â&#x20AC;&#x201C; the faucet. Extravagant or simple, modern or classic, the faucet can serve multiple aesthetic purposes like catching attention upon entering the room or simply complementing the design elements around it. Adding the final touch with the right faucet can be a beautiful way to wrap up a room.

H& Magazine | www.STLHandHMag.com 19

Create a Plan for Crisis

isasters can happen anywhere and at any time, and the emergency situations that follow can typically involve life-altering decisions, actions and consequences. No matter what region you and your family live in and regardless of which large-scale threat your area could be subject to, being prepared is crucial to handling these frightening situations in a proper manner. Following these tips can help you be ready for emergency scenarios. Understand potential threats. The starting point for building a preparedness plan is knowing 20 H&H Magazine | www.STLHandHMag.com

what to prepare for depending on your geographical region, time of year and many other factors. For example, some families may need to be ready for an earthquake while people thousands of miles away need to think about the possibility of tornadoes. Communication is key. Put into place a family communication plan that everyone frequently reviews for understanding. Knowing where to be, where your family members are and what everyone needs to do can be the difference between thinking clearly and making poor decisions. This also includes making

certain that all family members have important phone numbers written down, saved or memorized. Create a kit. What belongs in your emergency kit depends largely on the scenario youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re preparing for, but regardless of the situation, having the necessary supplies in one place can come in handy. Material items like flashlights, batteriesm cellphone chargers, extra cash, maps, blankets and medical supplies are nearly universal in their usefulness for emergencies. Adding a similar emergency kit to your car could be useful, as well. Prepare nutrition. Keep a ready

supply of non-perishable snacks and drinks. If you were to lose power, you’ll want to avoid opening the refrigerator, which releases trapped cold air and reduces the amount of time food will store safely without spoiling. After most perishables are exposed to temperatures over 40 F for two hours, you’ll need to discard them, though a full, sealed freezer can hold its temperature for up to 48 hours. Learn safety practices. All members of the family can learn how to administer first-aid or CPR in case of a helth emergency or situation that requires quick medical attention. Emergencies can easily go from bad to worse wothout proper training. Store important documents.Keeping important paperwork and documents in a secure, accessible location is vital in case of an emergency that would cause evacuation. Birth certificates, insurance policies, deeds and titles, plus any other financial documents could make an evacuation, shortterm or long-term, that much easier to handle. Ideally, they should be stores in a fire-proof safe in an easily accessible area of the home. Stay informed. When it appears that an emergency could be looming, such as a severe weather situation, make sure to turn on a TV for news updates or a weather radio to stay in tune with your surroundings. Finding information online with a laptop or cellphone can be helpful as well, but make sure to keep devices charged in case of a power outage. While disasters and the emergencies that accompany them can be difficult to think about, planning for them is one of the best ways to keep your family safe.

Severe Storm Prep

torm season may bring welcome rain,, buit some storms are strong enough to pack a dangerous ounh. Planning ahead for this year’s wicked weather can help ensure you’re ready to weather whatever Mother Nature throws at you.

Make sure your famuly is ready for bad weather and potential power loss with these tips:

1. Ensure there is a working flashlight in every room, so you can safely navigate no matter what time of day the power fails or where you are. Check the battery terminals for any signs of damage or corrosion, and replace old batteries to give you the fullest charge possible. Also invest in a quality lantern or two, so if you have to hunker down for a while, you can do so with comfort of some far-reaching light. After all, reading or playing board games is no fun by flashlight. 2. If you have advance warning of a coming storm, unplug devices that are especially susceptible to power related damage, such as TVs and computers. In the event of storms that crop up suddenly or while you’re away from home, it’s best to keep major electonics like TVs, computers and printers plugged into a surge protector to prevent damage from flickering power or surge when the power is restored. 3. Add a backup power source. Portable generators can provide essential power during a sustanined power outage. An option like the Briggs & Stratton Q6500 QuitePower Series inverter generator delivers plenty of power to Keep essential appliances and electronics running for up tp 14 hours on a single tank of gas. The quiet, lightweight generator has four GFCI 120V-20A outlets, one 120V-240V locking outlet and two USB outlets for flexibility to power whatever you need most. Learn more at briggsandstratton.com and visit TakeYourGeneratorOutside. com to learn more about safely operating a portable generator. 4. Durring a storm, keep the family together in one safe location. That way you can quickly communicate if you need to make an abrupt change, such as taking more protective cover. It also minimizes the possibility of injury from making your way throuh the home in the dark trying to locate family members. Severe seasonal storms are the norm across many parts of the country. Planning ahead for potential problems, like power outages, can help ensure you weather the storm safely.

H& Magazine | www.STLHandHMag.com 21

SAINT

LOUIS

HAPPENINGS 2017

SUMMER

The Novel Neighbor | Price: Free Free Story Time Tuesdays & Saturdays Saturday, August 05, 2017 10:30 am - 11:00 am 314-738-9384

The Missouri Botanical Garden will play host to floral glass Every Tuesday and Saturday! Featuring a different story each week. All ages welcome!

Statehood Day Celebration | Price: Free August 10, 2017 - August 10, 2017 First Missouri State Capitol State Historic Site 10:00 AM to 3:00 PM First Missouri State Capitol State Historic Site 200 S. Main St., Saint Charles, MO 63301 636-940-3322

Come help celebrate the 196th anniversary of Missouri becoming a state. First Missouri State Capitol State Historic Site will host special demonstrations and an open house as part of the festivities. The public is invited to view the buildings where our first legislators and senators met from 1821-1826 to go about the business of operating as a new state. Learn about our road to statehood while visiting with the site’s interpreters and enjoy some free cake and refreshing lemonade!

Jazz Night | Price: Free

Thursday, August 17, 2017 8:00 pm - 10:00 pm The Pat Connolly Tavern 6400 Oakland Avenue St. Louis, MO 314-647-7287 Enjoy live jazz, kicking off after 8pm. Half price wine bottles and $5 classic cocktails, followed by a great late night happy hour after 10pm.

Festival of the Little Hills

August 18, 2017 - August 20, 2017 Frontier Park / Main Street 230 S. Main St., Saint Charles, MO 63301 636-940-0095 The largest festival of the year, activities include over 300 craft booths, with some demonstrations by crafts people and artisans. Also includes numerous food & beverages booths along with live music and other entertainment and Kids Corner. For Entertainment, shuttles, & more, click “Visit Website” above. Times: Friday 4pm-10pm, Saturday 9:30am-10pm, Sunday 9:30am-5pm. 22 H&H Magazine | www.STLHandHMag.com

Outdoor Days | Price: Free

August 26, 2017 - August 26, 2017 From: 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM Frontier Park 500 S. Riverside Dr., Saint Charles, MO 63301 Outdoor Days Saint Charles, MO is an open to the public, annual FREE event, complete with an array of diverse outdoor activities with a special emphasis that coincides with the yearly theme of the Missouri/Mississippi River Connection Collaborative; the 2015 theme was “Year of Fishing”, the 2016 theme was “Year of Birding”, and the 2017 theme is “Year of Camping”. The 2017 event will host an array of hunting, fishing, and camping themed activities, programs, display interaction, demonstrations, and shows etc.

AppleFest - Belleville

Saturday, September 02, 2017 10:00 am - 5:00 pm Eckert’s Country Store 951 South Green Mount Road Belleville, IL 618-233-0513 Wagon rides, live entertainment, great festival foods, children’s activities and much more make this an apple pickin’ good time for everyone! Whether riding a pony or feeding a goat, your young ‘uns will enjoy getting acquainted with common farm animals. Children’s carnival and/or activities at the Belleville farm. Funnel cakes, caramel apples and more to tempt your taste buds.

Eureka Farmers’ Market | Price: Free For General questions about the Great Forest Park Balloon race, write us at: info@greatforestparkballoonrace.com

Thursday, September 28, 2017 3:30 pm - 7:00 pm 394 South Central Avenue Eureka, MO stlblues1967@gmail.com

The inaugural season of the Eureka Farmers’ Market will be held at 394 South Central Avenue, Eureka, MO 63025 on the last Thursday of the month, April-October from 3:30pm-7:00pm. Please come out and join us in supporting local agriculture and small businesses!

Wheneverland | Price: Free

September 22nd – 24th Friday 3pm-7pm, Saturday 10am-7pm, and Sunday 10am-7pm 2023 Lafayette Ave, St. Louis, MO 63104 Shop from 200 indie makers, designers, and artists while listening to the smooth sounds from 12 of our best local bands. Go on The Hunt for Craft October. Relax at The Glampgrounds. Meet people you are friends on Facebook with in person. Eat, drink ( our exclusive beer brews on tap ), and be sweary. Whatever. Just have fun. We’ll tell you more about Wheneverland, well, whenever! What’s the hurry?

Blooming Daisy Marketplace Outdoor Market BLOOMING

3rd Saturday of each month 10:00-2:00 Located in Historic Cottleville.

Friday, September 29, 2017 | Price: Free 11:30 am - 1:30 pm Old Post Office Plaza 8th and Locust St. Louis, MO printern@downtownstl.org Lunchtime Live is Downtown’s premier outdoor lunchtime party that features live bands, food trucks and great networking opportunities. These lunchtime concerts will be held every Friday, May – September, 11:30 am – 1:30 pm at the Old Post Office Plaza. H& Magazine | www.STLHandHMag.com 23

Voted BEST PIZZA In St.Charles · Large patio · Local craft beer · Fresh made dough · Herbs fresh from our garden

www.PlankRoadPizza.com COTTLEVILLE COOKIES & CREAM · House Ho made waffle cones · Large La 100 person patio · Fresh Fr baked cookies Locally sourced ice cream · Lo

AppleFest - Belleville

www.CottlevilleCookiesandCream.com BLOOMING

Historic Cottleville’s Newest Destination . Local Artisans . Home Decór Items . Fashion & Jewelry . Visit our farm animals

Come for the shopping, stay for the fun!

BloomingDaisyMarketplace.com Several blocks of North Main Street in Historic St. Charles will play host at the 23rd Annual MOSAICS Missouri Festival for the Arts on September 15-17, 2017. This FREE Arts Festival is a family-friendly weekend event, with activities for everyone including fantastic art, great entertainment and the opportunity for children to create their own artwork.

MOSAICS Fine Art Festival | Price: Free

September 15, 2017 - September 17, 2017 (Recurring daily) Friday 4-9PM, Saturday 11AM-9PM, Sunday 11AM-5PM Historic Main Street 100 N. Main St., Saint Charles, MO 63301 Contact: Richard Baum 314-482-5476 24 H&H Magazine | www.STLHandHMag.com

The MOSAICS Missouri Festival for the Arts runs from 4:00 to 9:00 pm on Friday, September 15th; 11:00 am to 9:00 pm on Saturday, September 16th; and 11:00 am to 5:00 pm on Sunday, September 17th. The three-day festival includes:

H& Magazine | www.STLHandHMag.com 25

MEET OUR TEAM OF DEDICATED AGENTS Susan Brewer 314.540.0734

Susan@SusanBrewer.com

Mike Lampe 636.751.4442

Mike@Service1stHomes.com

Tammie Meyer 636.578.4399

Tammie@Service1stHomes.com

Julie Alsup 314.378.5146

Julie@Service1stHomes.com

Lori Pisani 636.578.7781

Lori@Service1stHomes.com

Andi Stopke 636.284.1019

Andi@Service1stHomes.com

Tom Budde 636.734.4414

Tom@Service1stHomes.com

Our team of Independent Realtors is ready to help you achieve your Real Estate dreams! At Susan Brewer Service First Real Estate, our goal is to help you realize your real estate goals while giving you the highest level of service possible. Our office utilizes the very latest in technology and by using our proven marketing strategies and unique concepts, we can sell our listings for higher dollar and in a shorter amount of time than our competitors - no matter what their size. Give us a call today and let us show you the

Service First Difference!

Heather Harris 636.284.1337

Heather@Service1stHomes.com

Brittany Hale 636.399.6419

Wendy Halamicek 636.634.1152

Stacy@Service1stHomes.com

Wendy@Service1stHomes.com

Russ Schmidt 636.634.6558

Fred Figura 314.277.1925

Brittany@Service1stHomes.com

Russ@Service1stHomes.com

Fred@Service1stHomes.com

Noel Schreimann 636-734-4022

Steve Savory 314.604.3999

Heather Patten 402-350-7490

Noel@Service1stHomes.com

26 H&H Magazine | www.STLHandHMag.com

Stacy Iffrig 636.734.1364

Steve.Savory@Service1stHomes.com

Heather.Patten@Service1stHomes.com

Wendy Halamicek

Call 636.634.1152

1 Upper Whitmoor Dr

Exquisite 25,000 sq ft estate on 7 acres on a private gated street in a golf community-smart home technology, elevator. $4,400,000

4006 Austin Dr

Beautiful 5 Bedroom 5 Bath 2 Story Home with finished LL. Gorgeous INGROUND POOL and Basket Ball Court. 3 car garage. $899,900

4413 Austin Pass Dr

4 br, 4 Bathrm Home. Fantastic screened in porch, dual decks & view of nature, woods & mature trees. Finished LL. Oversized 3 car garage. $659,900

1048 Brook Mont Dr

Fantastic 5 bedroom, 5 bathroom 1.5 story home with over 4500 sq foot of finished living space with 3 car garage. $525,000

1222 Cold Spring Dr

Well cared for 1.5 story home offers 4 Bedrm 4 Bathrm. Finished lower level features a large rec room w/built in lighted shelving. $278,500

220 Northlind Dr

Exquisite design, elegant details in this gorgeous custom built estate, 3 car oversized Garage & detached 52 x 40 Garage. $1,290,000

9 Windcastle Place

This 3 Bedrm, 3 bathrm home offers upgrades throughout, no detail has been missed creating a true custom home. 3 car garage. $749,900

4018 Austin Dr

Private Gorgeous Lot, 5 Bedroom, Walk out Finished LL, 3 car Oversized Garage. Lovely screened in porch and patio. $659,000

178 Blackrock Lane

Exquisite home in beautiful Whitmoor Country Club. 4 Bedroom, 4 Bathroom. 3 car oversized side-entry garage. $468,500

11 Ladue Ct

Exquisite details throughout. Brick & stone elevation, custom stone pavers. Elegant designer chandelier. 3br, 5bathrm with 3 car garage. $1,250,000

734 Crown Pointe Farms Dr

1.5 story home nested on 3 acres. 4 car side entry garage. Finished ll w/game room, bar area & recreation space. $699,900

86 Tuscany Trace Drive

5 BR, 5 Bathroom with open floor plan, finished LL. Outstanding yard with your own resort style pool, patio & deck. 3 car garage. $650,000

2312 Canyon Dr

Quiet culdesac, backs to trees & woods. Well designed 1.5 story home offers 3 levels of living. 4 BR 4 Bathrm w/ 3 Car side entry garage. $435,000

5411 Guinevere Dr

Welcome to Camelot! This home sits on a 1-acre lot with in-ground pool, outdoor kitchen, hot tub and fire pit. 4 br, 5 bathrm w/ 3 car garage. $949,000

616 Bemis Heights Rd

Exquisite home nested on beautiful tree lines. 4 brm 5 bathrm on private street. 3 car garage. $689,900

15 Charlemagne Ct

Gorgeous home w/stunning brick & stone elevation shows like a display. Finished LL, 4 Bedroom, 4 Bathroom. $615,000

650 Glen Summit

"Wow" an entertainers dream home with over 4000 SF of finished living space. 4 bedrooms, 5 baths. 3 Car oversized garage. $424,500

Your Home Here!

104 Raymond Drive

Great Updated 3 bedrm, 2 bath ranch home in North O'Fallon Area. Over 1600 sq. ft on the main level with a partially finished LL. $189,900

To view all of our current listings scan this code with your smart phone.