February magazine 2018

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...

February is here, and that bring Valentine’s Day and all that goes with it. In this issue, we offer some great tips to help you celebrate this special day: Everything from creating a playlist of your sweetheart’s favorite songs to preparing a delicious dessert to make their day even sweeter.

The cold days of winter also afford us the opportunity to complete some tasks that on the interior of our home that often get neglected during the warm months of summer. 5 DIY Projects Perfect for Winter Months provides you with ideas to reinvent the rooms inside your home. If you complete all of those projects and want to re-design your home, we have prepared some ideas that help you to Think Like a Designer and Update Your Home Like a Pro.

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

If you have children of grandchildren we have some fun ways to help children enjoy math, science and art with STEAM concepts and five tips to have fun and enhance learning.

The February edition also has some interesting articles on starting your own business, winter driving tips, family safety, fun things to do around town and so much more. I hope that you enjoy this issue and look forward to preparing the March issue for you!

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

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Wade Brewer Editor-in-chief

pg.12

CONTENTS

5 Tips to Have Fun and Enhance Learning

4

Save money through energy efficiency

6

3 ways to throwback style

8

Think like a designer

10

Build a business your way

12

5 tips to have fun and enhance learning

14

Tips for family safety

16

6 ways to fight the flu

18

5 cold weather hacks for winter driving

20

Love is in the air

22

Chow down on championship snacks

24

A simple, family-friendly menu

26

Spoon up tradition

28

Saint Louis happenings H& Magazine | www.STLHandHMag.com 3

A

s much as half of the average homeowner’s monthly utility expenses go toward cooling and heating, according to the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE). For many households, that makes energy the largest home-related expense each month, next to a mortgage payment.

Fortunately, numerous technological advances are making it easier than ever 4 H&H Magazine | www.STLHandHMag.com

to manage home energy use. In fact, the DOE estimates you can save as much as 10 percent a year on energy costs by simply adjusting the temperature up or down when you’re away during the day. Installing a programmable thermostat that never forgets to adjust on a busy morning and kicks back on before you arrive home can help you

earn these savings and reduce energy consumption.

Home Automation Newer smart, programmable thermostats can be controlled remotely by internet-connected devices, such as tablets and smartphones. Some models can also monitor your energy usage and system efficiency, providing data to help you make further adjustments to how

you operate your HVAC system.

Lighting is another major energy challenge. However, smart light bulbs let you adjust your home’s ambiance (and energy usage) with just a couple of quick taps. Paired with motion sensors that detect movement (or a lack thereof) and adjust lighting accordingly, smart bulbs can help reduce the waste of energy caused by lighting unused rooms.

Similarly, smartphone applications that connect to other appliances, utilities and home features offer the best of personalized comfort and convenience while providing tools to help minimize your home’s energy consumption.

Zoned Climate Control If you’re like most homeowners, there are parts of your house that simply don’t get much use or only get used during certain times of the day.

Maintaining the temperature in those uninhabited areas can be costly and wasteful. As an alternative, an option such as zoned climate control allows you to stay comfortable in the rooms you use without spending a fortune on energy bills.

While a zoned system is generally considered a premium home feature, it isn’t unattainable and actually offers long-term savings, due to its energyefficient operation. The home is divided into zones, designated by floors, rooms

or areas – however the homeowner chooses – which eliminates the “all on” feature of traditional air conditioners.

A system like Mitsubishi Electric Cooling & Heating’s Zoned Comfort Solutions offers a true zoning-system with convenient controls and automation, along with whisper-quiet operation. Both ducted and non-ducted units are available depending on the space and occupant needs. Additionally, some models have advanced filtration features to help eliminate allergens, contributing to improved air quality.

For a new build, installing a zoned system from the outset is relatively simple. However, zoned systems are also a possible solution for replac­ ing your home's HVAC system or rectifying a problem with a single uncomfortable room. Pairing the system with sensors or remote app controls can bring operating costs even lower through computerized automation.

Renewable Energy Another option to offset some of your home’s energy and utility costs is generating your own renewable energy through solar or wind power systems. Installation depends on many variables, such as how much energy you use, local codes and standards, and whether the house and surrounding terrain are situated to allow you to capture adequate natural power. For a home under construction, your builder should be able to offer guidance; for an existing home, contacting a local renewable energy organization or state office is a smart first step.

Find more ways to save money on your energy bill at mitsubishicomfort.com.

A

state-of-the-art zoned climate control system can be configured to your specific needs, but all the customization options can make it tricky to predict how much your installation might cost. Taking into account these variables can give you a better sense of how much you’ll be spending.

New equipment. Each system includes an outdoor unit, indoor unit(s), controls and parts including the refrigerant lineset, wiring and electrical accessories.

Conditioning one room or zone comes at a significantly different price than cooling and heating a home with eight or more zones. Generally, new equipment comes in between $3,000-$15,000, depending on the number of zones and size of the home.

Labor. This is what you will pay a licensed HVAC contractor to install the system (and remove your old one, if necessary). Contractors’ labor prices vary widely, but expect to spend an amount roughly equal to your equipment cost, depending on your geographic location and the complexity of the installation.

Additional costs. Depending on your existing system, you may incur costs for items such as electrical work to install a new 240V outlet ($200-$1,000, or more if your electrical panel requires a new circuit); an equipment pad, stand or brackets for the outdoor unit ($50-$300); ductwork (prices vary greatly depending on the home); and controller options (approximately $200-$300 each).

Unique situations. Some homes, such as older homes, high-performance homes and homes in extreme cold-weather regions, often require auxiliary heat or specialized designs or equipment, all of which can impact the cost of the system.

However, with Mitsubishi Electric’s Zoned Comfort Solutions, 100 percent heating down to a 5 F outdoor temperature can be attained.

Rebates. Some states offer rebates for the installation of more energy-efficient appliances, including HVAC systems.

These rebates can help offset some of the upfront costs associated with installing zoned systems. Consider speaking with a professional or researching available rebates in your region before purchasing a new system.

H& Magazine | www.STLHandHMag.com 5

W

hen it’s time for a bathroom or kitchen upgrade, some of the greatest inspiration may come from another time entirely. Some of the most on-trend styles of today are actually throwbacks to bygone eras.

Learn how to make your updated spaces pay tribute to re-emerging trends and add your own modern touches with these three new-again looks.

Retro-Modern A retro-modern design is unique in every way, with elements transitioning from the historically unfitted 1920s to 1950s charm and eccentricity. The result is a space that represents many eras 6 H&H Magazine | www.STLHandHMag.com

and design styles, and the kitchen is the perfect space to bring this look to life.

Start by establishing a focal point for your retro-modern design, such as a functional nod to the past. Long before modern refrigeration, iceboxes were used in many of the homes in the early 20th century to keep foods fresh. It’s possible to mimic this look with the Wellborn Cabinet Premier Series, to achieve an icebox look that actually functions as storage space.

Use contrasting finishes, colors and textures to uniquely define a small space. For example, a modern cabinet scheme in a dark stain or paint contrasts beautifully with stainless steel hardware and a pop of color to break up the cold

nature of stainless steel.

Then bring some uniformity with an option like Shaker decorative legs, which adds to the multi-era design feel. Deriving from the Shaker lifestyle and tradition, the tapering effect offers a beautiful yet simple design feature. Integrate the look across multiple elements, such as a wooden-style tapered leg icebox, along with stainless steel tapered legs on wall and peninsula cabinets, which can pair nicely with stainless-steel hardware and a 1950s Malt Shop grooved countertop.

Accessories are an important part of kitchen design, which is why they should be kept top of mind when building or designing that dream space. Features such as removable under-sink baskets

and a double wastebasket kit lend ultimate practicality.

No matter the era, lighting is a must for a functional kitchen space. A carefully crafted, multi-layered lighting design is an essential component of a dream kitchen. An option like Hafele lighting, now offered through a partnership with Wellborn Cabinet, makes it possible to illuminate cabinetry, delivering ambient, accent, task and decorative lighting to create the right mood for any space.

Elegant A beautiful, ornate bathroom with plenty of traditional features can truly be an interpretation of elegance in design. Plan for an abundance of luxurious, spa-like elements to achieve this look. Incorporate features such as warm hickory covering every inch of the walls and built-in lighting to set the tone for a relaxing atmosphere.

Then incorporate antique-styled mirrors and glass hardware to create contrasts amongst the rich tones and texture.

You can create a distinctive alcove effect by situating the sink vanities directly between matching cabinet ends and recessing two mirrors into the wall. A decorative arch valance can add beauty and function, as this is an ideal place to tuck away lighting that provides depth and visibility.

Let a large soaking tub take center stage between the sink vanity and a custom

makeup area. While you can rely on cabinetry for functional features, it’s also a way to continue adding elegant touches, such as a beautifully crafted tub skirt and arch that complements the vanity area.

No luxury bathroom is complete without a standalone makeup alcove outfitted with unique features like drawer dividers (perfect for hair accessories) and countertop hideaway cabinets. Consider creating a focal point using rounded spindles to create depth and allow the custom makeup section to stand out in the design.

Lastly, embellish the distinguished look with molding options that highlight the feature areas and create a defined line around the room.

An elegant, spacious master bathroom is luxurious and functional, proving that practicality can be used in a glorious way.

Retro Going to the extreme with your aesthetic with a retro design is all about fun, with features such as pops of color in the tile behind the vanities or fun and whimsical

wallpaper. A 1950s-style bathroom lets you play on your childlike senses.

From bright colors to mixed metals and textures, this unique design style pays respect to the era of Car Hops, Airstream Travel Trailers and Lucille Ball.

The key to making a throwback-styled design work for your contemp­ orary needs is all in the modern elements.

Think along the lines of illuminated drawers and cabinets and base pullout wire baskets. These fun twists of technology paired with retro-styled elements make for a winning solution.

When it comes to the vanities and cabinetry, remember that both style and color can bring your retro design together. Don’t be afraid to step outside more traditional wood tones, and use unexpected colors such as the pink hue available in Wellborn Cabinet’s ColorInspire program. For the woodwork, look for details such as conical-styled, slender legs that add to the 1950s feel.

Reminiscent of days past, a fabulous ’50s bathroom is the ultimate definition of an eccentric design.

There’s no time like now to begin planning your on-trend home upgrades.

Explore the latest styles and home design options at wellborn.com.

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Inspiration is everywhere. From a field of yellow sunflowers to unique geometric patterns in the tile of a train station, the littlest things can spark the innovation behind some of the world’s most iconic products and designs.

Over half of Americans (51 percent) say the inspiration for creating a product is important to them when purchasing an item for their home, according to a recent survey from Moen conducted online by Harris Poll among over 2,000 U.S. adults.

When updating your own home’s décor, you can garner inspiration by discovering the creative influences of professional designers.

Go Inside the Minds of the Pros Designers find inspiration just about everywhere. Pebbles in a stream sparkling in the sunlight have inspired smartphone interfaces, while talking computers on “Star Trek” have contributed to the creation of voicecontrolled speakers.

Sometimes designers are inspired by consumers themselves. For example, at Moen, a leading manufacturer of kitchen and bath fixtures, innovation 8 H&H Magazine | www.STLHandHMag.com

is driven by what homeowners say they want and how they interact with products. When determining the sensor placement for new MotionSense Wave touchless faucets, their design team was inspired by the way hands move around the kitchen sink. The fixtures feature a single-sensor hands-free activation on the base’s left side, allowing users to turn the faucet on and off with the wave of a hand. “We also draw creativity from furniture, tools, architecture, music and museums,” says Steven Ward, Moen’s director of global design.

Seek Your Source of Ideas Next time you’re updating your bath or restyling your kitchen, act like a professional by venturing outside the box to get your creative juices flowing, whether it’s turning to a favorite song or a piece of artwork. For example, 16 percent of Americans who have done a home design project look to the outdoors for inspiration when planning home design projects, while 15 percent look to architecture. Maybe you’re struck by the colors of the sunset in your family’s summer beach vacation photos or the amazing brick pattern

you saw wandering through a historic neighborhood. Consider what colors and patterns grab you and evoke the feeling you want to have within your space. And once you find them, snap a photo and reference it as you’re designing.

Curate Inspiration Been a while since you took a vacation?

Don’t live in an architecturally aweinspiring locale? Social media is a great proxy. In fact, of Americans who have done a home design project, 33 percent look to social media for inspiration.

Just like the pros, create a design plan for your space, but make it easy by using a site like Pinterest. Create boards for color combinations, materials and textures that attract your eye, so you can define your ideal look. Many Pins are shoppable, making it simple to purchase your perfect home décor products with just a click.

While making design decisions, don’t worry about being “on-trend.” If you stay focused on what styles speak to you personally -- as well as the functionality your room needs to support -- you’ll create a space that feels uniquely yours.

Cooler temperatures have arrived.

But does that mean it’s time to shelve your DIY aspirations for the rest of the year? Hardly.

•

Colder outdoor temperatures may have forced you indoors, but they don’t have to mark an end to your DIY pursuits.

There is still plenty of work to be done and you can reinvent the rooms inside your home by following through on the simple DIY projects listed below.

•

Make a hardware replacement. Want to remodel your kitchen or bathroom but lack the money and the skill to tackle it right now? Not a problem.

Simple hardware replacements to your cabinets, drawers and towel racks are easy projects that are cost effective and still catch visitors’ eyes. Remember, knobs are preferable for drawers, while handles are the choice for cabinets.

Try to select hardware that supports the overall feel of your space.

•

Choose an image that defines you.

Forgo paint and let your walls really take the spotlight. A custom wall covering or mural adds personality and creates an instant focal point in any space. At Murals Your Way, you can choose from thousands of image options or if none feel quite right, use their Create Your Own feature to highlight a vista from your last vacation, or even a photo of your family.

Shed a new, enhanced light. Like your kitchen or bathroom fixtures, updating the lighting in a room is an easy, inexpensive way to make a significant improvement in your space. The right light can make any space feel warmer and look larger, so explore your creative side and find the lighting solution that appeals to you. Lastly, don’t discount the importance of the bulb. Replacing your existing conventional bulbs with energysaving alternatives can dramatically

reduce •

your

electricity

bill.

Decorate from head to toe. If you want your home to feel larger and provide your guests more visual appeal, employ decoration tactics that speak to the entire space.

Shelving, wall art and photo collages are all popular ways to add real contrast to an empty space.

Start with these four tips and your DIY projects can make a big impression.

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C

reating a business from the ground up is no small endeavor. From planning to financing to putting standard business services in place, there’s a lot to tackle. All of that is in addition to operating the day-to-day business.

To overcome these obstacles, franchising is an ideal solution for many aspiring business owners. It provides the advantages of business ownership, but with the added support of a recognized brand and an established method of doing business. Partnering with a franchise like The UPS Store offers numerous benefits.

Flexibility. Opening a franchise allows 10 H&H Magazine | www.STLHandHMag.com

you to enjoy the freedom and flexibility of making your own business decisions and being your own boss, while working toward your goals of personal and financial independence at your own pace.

Start-up resources. Getting a new business off the ground requires a wide range of activity, from site selection and lease negotiation to hiring and training staff. A franchise can help you navigate these early decisions and needs with a deep pool of experience and knowledge to help overcome the hurdles you may encounter.

Training. Even a well-educated business owner has room to learn. With

a franchise, you have the opportunity to receive in-depth training in areas such as business operations, technical systems, human resources, marketing and financial management.

Networking opportunities. Connecting with other franchisees at area meetings, regional conferences and national conventions helps you stay informed of industry trends, discover new tools and resources, and develop lasting relationships with fellow franchisees. The result is a peer group that has intimate knowledge of your business model that can serve as a valuable resource as your business grows.

Product

development.

Part

of

developing your business is understanding your customers’ needs and introducing new products and solutions. As a franchise owner, you can contribute insight to the process but focus on running your business while development experts dedicate themselves to researching and innovating new products and services that can help you better serve your customers.

Marketing support. Many franchises conduct national advertising campaigns to build brand awareness, while regional efforts and local store marketing can build excitement in your market. A layered marketing plan extends the reach of your marketing budget and lends credibility to your business.

Financing assistance. Funding your franchise according to your unique goals and background can help eliminate many of the financial pitfalls that those without experience or industry expertise may encounter.

Learn more about franchising and the options available to aspiring small business owners at TheUPSStoreFranchise.com.

5 Tips for Creating a Business Plan Once you’ve settled on a business model that meets your needs, developing a business plan is an essential next step. These five tips can help you get started: • Think long-term. A solid business plan should account for your start-up, of course, but also the longer range future of your operations. Consider how you want your business to look five years down the road.

Create goals and build in milestones to chart your progress on that long-term path.

• Write it yourself. No one can embrace your vision as completely as you can and developing the plan yourself gives you a deep understanding of every aspect of the business, which is essential for good management. Even if you hand over certain responsibilities down the road, being aware of each aspect of your business can make you a stronger, more successful leader.

• Review the plan over time. Know that time brings change. The business climate and other variables that influenced your original plan will likely shift over the course of your ownership. That’s why it’s important to revisit your plan at least annually to ensure your original roadmap is still on the right track strategically.

• Share your plan with others. Inviting input from an adviser or experienced friend or colleague is a great way to spur new ideas and identify potential problem areas. Be sure you’re prepared to accept constructive criticism to help shape the best possible business plan.

• Stick to it. After all the sweat equity you invest in creating your business plan, the worst thing you can do is allow it to collect dust on a shelf. Use the plan to guide you in launching and growing your business.

When business is booming and you’re too busy to think strategically, you’ll be grateful to have a wellconceived plan to rely upon.

A Milestone Accomplishment A focus on small business is driving big results for one national retailer. The nation’s largest franchise system of retail shipping, print and business service centers, The UPS Store, Inc., is now 5,000 locations strong.

“The UPS Store network is made up of dedicated individuals and families who are committed to serving small business owners, customers and their communities,” said Chris Adkins, vice president of franchise development for The UPS Store. “We look forward to welcoming more franchisees into our network as we continue to challenge ourselves to find new ways we can bring convenience and value to our customers.”

Over the years, the retail concept has expanded to include a range of solutions for small business owners, creating a one-stop shop for small-business support. Small business owners can find resources such as notary services, shredding, mailbox and locker rental, and, in some cases, even inventory management solutions, as well as the packing and shipping services that business and non-business customers alike can utilize.

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5 Tips to Have Fun and Enhance Learning According to the United States Department of Commerce, 65 percent of jobs for kids today don’t exist yet, which is why it’s important for them to explore the fields of science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM), as those occupations are growing at a rate of 17 percent. This type of education increases science literacy, creates critical thinkers and can prepare the next generation for a bright future.

STEM is educational, but it can also be enjoyable for the whole family. Consider taking your child’s learning further with these five tips that can help create playful experiences and spark educational fun.

Start Early. According to the Joan Ganz Cooney Center at Sesame Workshop, brain and skill-building experiences are critical for child development early in life, and high-quality, early STEM experiences can support children’s growth. Critical thinking and problemsolving skills can even be developed with programming and coding toys that light up and make sounds.

12 H&H Magazine | www.STLHandHMag.com

Encourage Creative Construction.

STEM toys can be fundamental learning tools that can help children build and construct creatively at any age. The world is a canvas for creative construction, as children can draw with tools around the house to build their first masterpieces. If your little one enjoys 3-D building and matching, a toy like the Mega Bloks Big Building Bag is perfect for little builders to explore the concept of construction with big blocks, allowing for endless creativity to build anything they can imagine.

Use Technology to Your Advantage.

With some reports estimating children spend an average of seven hours a day on smart devices, look for ways to turn this time into learning time. Make tech time count with options that teach kids how to code, build apps and make digital projects come to life. Or have them build their own video game from scratch. Kids can build their own levels, heroes and art to make their stories come to life.

Play Your Way. Additionally, STEM toys can be helpful learning tools for everything from sequencing to building and planning. Integrating an activity that your child is already interested in is one way to introduce more education into their play time. With KamiGami, you can inspire future scientists with interactive STEM features where they can build six-legged animal robots and learn programming to create dances with lights, movements and sounds.

Find Resources in Your Community.

Interacting with STEM toys and experiences offers nearly endless possibilities for young children to develop their skills in fun and engaging ways. Try looking for community events centered around science or engineering.

Many local community centers offer classes and may host special STEMfocused events, organizations and science fairs.

Find more information and ways to creatively inspire your children’s learning opportunities at mattel.com.

Chemistry Connection Transform your kitchen into a scientific laboratory with the 40 fun and interactive experiments and simple chemical reactions found in the Discovery Extreme Chemistry Set. From creating temperature reactions to testing your taste buds, these handson experiments are great for parents and kids to do together. Create liquid ice, work through color-changing litmus experiments, create creepy, crawly, slimy worms and more to show children just how connected to chemistry the world around them is.

FUN WAYS TO HELP KIDS ENJOY

MATH,SCIENCE AND ART Science, technology, engineering, arts and mathematics (STEAM) concepts are especially important for young minds.

While these are among the most challenging school subjects, at home, these topics can be brought to life through play.

“Children should be encouraged to endlessly explore their creativity and be provided outlets to continuously discover through creative play,” says Hiu Lee, senior VP of Horizon Group USA, a leader in the creative DIY marketplace.

Consider these items that allow children to put real-world science theories to the test while learning fun facts along the way.

Lab Work A kid’s activity kit gives little scientists an opportunity to start creating. With the Project MC2 Lip Balm Lab, kids can create single- or multi-layer lip balms. This kit includes all of the ingredients required, plus kids can decorate the finished product with science-themed stickers.

Science That Glows Illuminate your child’s knowledge by combining simple chemistry with glowing power. With the Think Box Glowing Science Lab, kids can explore the basics of chemical

compounds and reactions, while creating their own glow-in-the-dark toys and science experiments. The kit includes a ball mold, glow-in-the-dark power ball crystals, zinc sulfate, baking soda, citric acid, guar gum, sodium tetra borate, resealable bags, glow-in-the-dark paint, a mixing stick and a fun poster with instructions.

Bath Time Bubbles Mix together compounds, add color and shimmer, and create a molded bath bomb in the shape of your choice with YOUniverse Galactic Bath Bombs. Once you have made your creations, pop them into the bath tub and watch as they fizz and bubble.

By giving kids the tools they need to explore the world around them, you can make the most of play time.

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How to keep your busy, adventurous family safe

F

amilies are seemingly always on the go. From soccer games and school trips to excursions with friends and vacations with the family, people are constantly on the move, exploring new places and experiencing new things.

In fact, a study by Sfara shows that kids today are using public transportation, going on field trips and taking longdistance road trips at much younger ages compared to 30 years ago. As exciting as these new opportunities can 14 H&H Magazine | www.STLHandHMag.com

be, it’s equally as important to make sure families – and kids – stay safe and protected at home and on the go.

AROUND THE HOUSE Know your neighbors Whether you live in an apartment building, cul-de-sac or the countryside, make it a point to get to know your neighbors. Building these relationships isn’t only neighborly, but can help keep you safe. Not only can you have a stronger community of people to lean on

for small crises, like borrowing forgotten ingredients, and larger emergencies, such as weather-related disasters, but you’ll also have a better understanding of your surroundings.

Help in an instant While security systems deliver some peace of mind, they’re not always foolproof, and they also aren’t transferable to the office, school or your summer getaway. Always on and always available, an app such as Sfara Guardian can help keep you and your family safe, no matter

where you are. By just triple-tapping your phone, even while it’s in your pocket, the app connects you to a live emergency manager who can provide the help you need. If you’re unable to respond, it will dispatch local responders to your exact location immediately.

Accessibility While baby-proofing starts in your children’s earliest years, limiting their access to certain areas or items is important throughout their childhoods. When you have a young child, locks on cabinets and gates across steps may be your focus when it comes to home safety. As kids get older, ensure they do not have unsupervised access to dangerous items like cleaning supplies, prescription medicine or kitchen knives. Make sure to also have open conversations with kids about the dangers of seemingly safe home products so they are equipped to make appropriate choices outside the home.

Fire safety Take the time to ensure your home is properly equipped in case of fire.

Check that you have working fire extinguishers and that windows and fire escapes are not blocked by heavy furniture or other objects. Be sure everyone in your family knows the plan in case of a fire or similar emergency at home, and is aware of how to contact help, if needed.

AWAY FROM HOME Tools to take on the road In the past, families brought the essentials with them when on the go – a first aid kit, snacks and water bottles.

Now, in addition to the basics, make

Driving Safely

M sure you add modern essentials to your packing list when you’re away from home, whether you’re going on a day trip or a long vacation.

Carry a portable phone charger in your bag or in your car to ensure you can always connect to family, call for help if needed or just use your phone’s flashlight in case of a blackout.

Help on-the-go Today, virtually everything is available at your fingertips, right through a smartphone. Now, safety is that accessible, too. Apps, like Sfara Guardian, can connect you to live experts who can help you in virtually any kind of situation.

For example, if you’ve been in an accident, the app can detect you need help and send local responders even if you can’t speak. Learn more at sfara.com.

Stranger danger When in public, be hyper-aware of your surroun­dings and the people around you. Talk with your kids about how they should respond if they are approached by a stranger. It’s a good idea to practice at home so your child feels comfortable giving an emphatic “no” if the need arises. If you’ll be at a crowded location where you may become separated, use your phone to take a photo of your child so you have a current photo and clothing description ready if the unthinkable happens.

ost families spend an ample part of every day in their vehicles, between transport to school, activities, work and various errands. Keeping everyone safe is easier than ever with a slew of safety features that are increasingly available, either straight from the factory or as add-ons to your in-car experience.

Advanced Navigation: While built-in navigation systems in cars may just seem like an added convenience, they are also a key safety feature. Navigation systems offer easy access to directions and points of interest on the road, which can help eliminate distractions and reduce the possibility of accidents.

Features like voice control can make navigation hands-free and allow you to concentrate on the road.

Smartphone Crash Detection: Today, the technology in your pocket is often more advanced than the cars you drive or ride in. Apps like Sfara Guardian can detect a car crash or incident and dispatch help. Because the technology is on the phone, it works whether you are the driver or passenger and in your car or someone else’s. Roadside assistance has a modern twist, too.

If you need help with a flat or a tow, you can request service on your app and map the driver in real-time as he or she heads your way.

Lock Controls: In some vehicles, an adjustable setting allows you to control which car doors unlock depending on which door you open first or how many times you press the unlock button. This feature can allow a driver to safely enter the car on the driver’s side without unlocking other doors and potentially giving access to an intruder. Similar controls can keep mischievous kids from pushing buttons in the back and unlocking or opening rear doors or windows without your knowledge.

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6 Ways TO

Fight the

As temperatures drop, the spread of cold and flu germs rises. Start the year off healthy and be sure to rid your home of lingering germs that may be hiding in places you don’t expect.

“I always recommend the flu shot – especially when officials are predicting a harsh flu season like this year – good nutrition and plenty of sleep, but there are other healthy habits we can all develop to help keep ourselves and those around us stay healthy during cold and flu season,” said Dr. Tanya Altmann, pediatrician, best-selling author and founder of Calabasas Pediatrics. “Vaccination is important, but there are other preventative measures that we should all keep in mind.”

These tips from the experts at Clorox can help you prevent the spread of germs: 1. Get Vaccinated. Even though it’s well into cold and flu season, it’s still important to get a flu shot if you haven’t already. Vaccination is the first step in flu prevention. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the American Academy of Pediatrics recommend a yearly flu virus vaccination – even if the vaccine’s efficacy fluctuates – for almost everyone 6 months and older.

2. Keep Hands Washed: Hands touch so many things throughout the day. It’s important to wash your hands often, including after using the bathroom and before preparing or serving food. Germs can spread by touching your eyes, nose or mouth after coming in contact with a contaminated surface. Those areas are common entry points to the body for germs, so try not to touch your face or eat until you wash your hands.

3. Stay Home if You’re Sick: Even though you may not want to miss 16 H&H Magazine | www.STLHandHMag.com

Flu

work or school, it’s important to stay home to prevent the spread of illnesses to those around you. Even at home, make sure to cough or sneeze into your elbow or a tissue to prevent the spread of germs to your loved ones. Lastly, try your best to make good use of your time off from work or school to rest, relax, eat well and recover from illnesses.

4. Follow Health Guidelines: It’s important to eat right (fill up with fresh fruit and veggies, vitamin D and probiotics), get some exercise (at least 30 minutes a day of moderate intensity) and get plenty of sleep (at least 8 hours per night) to help boost your body’s ability to fight the effects of cold and flu viruses.

5. Be Aware of Your Environment: Be aware of illnesses going around in your community to take extra precautions to avoid them or to know when to seek medical attention if you do get sick.

6. Disinfect Hard Surfaces: Disinfection is a key step to help prevent the spread of cold and flu germs.

The CDC recommends disinfecting frequently touched, hard surfaces, such as doorknobs, refrigerator handles, light switches and faucets, with an EPA-registered disinfectant like Clorox Disinfecting Wipes. They help kill 99.9 percent of germs that can live for up to 48 hours on hard, non-porous surfaces.

4 Tire Safety Tips for Winter The same temperature you can begin to see your breath – 45 F – is also when the all-season tires on your car can start to lose traction and grip.

traction over all-season tires.

To help stay safe on the road this winter, the experts at Discount Tire recommend following these four tire safety tips:

As temperatures drop, drivers should remember that if you can see your breath, you should think about winter tires. Whether you’re planning a crosscountry trek or simply driving to and from work daily, exposing your vehicle’s tires to colder weather could lead to potential trouble on the road.

1.

Get ready now. It is important to replace all four of your vehicle’s all-season tires with winter tires if you regularly drive in temperatures 45 F or below, snow or no snow. Winter tires are made of a softer rubber that allows the tires to stay pliable and maintain better contact with the road through winter weather conditions.

Snow and ice may be fun to play in, but they make for dangerous driving conditions. Winter tires are built for cold-weather conditions and deliver improved starting, stopping and steering control in temperatures 45 F and below. The difference is the tread compound of winter tires, which stays soft and pliable in colder temperatures for superior traction. Add the tread design of winter tires with thousands of extra gripping edges and you get as much as a 25-50 percent increase in

2.

Don’t forget the wheels. Having a set of wheels specifically for your winter tires can save you money in the long run. Pairing a separate set of wheels with your winter tires can eliminate certain changeover costs and save your everyday wheels from the wear and tear brought on by ice, slush, snow and salt during the winter months.

3.

Know your numbers. Check your tire pressure at least once a

month to make sure tires are at the appropriate inflation level. Temperature changes affect tire pressure – for every 10 degrees of temperature change, tire air pressure changes 1 pound per square inch. Low tire pressure can lead to decreased steering and braking control, poor gas mileage, excessive tire wear and the possibility of tire failure. Also don’t forget to check your spare tire.

4.

Rotate, rotate, rotate. To help increase tread life and smooth out your ride, rotate your tires every 6,000 miles or sooner if irregular or uneven wear develops.

Your safety is important, that’s why Discount Tire encourages drivers to beat the rush by getting winter ready before the first snowstorm or cold streak of the season hits.

To locate a tire store near you, or search for winter tires specific to your vehicle’s make and model, visit discounttire.com.

H& Magazine | www.STLHandHMag.com 17

As drivers bundle up to take on Old Man Winter this season, having a few tricks up your sleeve can be a big help in keeping your cool on the road. Here are five hacks for battling the elements and staying safe on the roads.

Got stuck? Snow problem!

Hazardous winter weather requires that drivers take additional precautions.

According to the latest Hankook Tire Gauge Index, 72 percent of drivers indicated they would not want to drive in icy conditions. Further, 84 percent of Americans recognize the dangers of black ice, the most dangerous weather condition for driving.

If you find yourself stuck in the snow and ice, apply a bag of cat litter or sand under your wheels to provide much-needed traction to get out of a snowy situation.

As an added bonus, the additional weight over the rear axle (especially for trucks and rear-wheel-drive cars) will further add traction. Floor mats can also come in handy. Place them under your tires in the direction you’re looking to travel. The mats create a mini runway of traction for your vehicle.

Here comes the sun When the snow starts to pile on the driveway, nearly a quarter of Americans (24 percent) rely on someone else to dig their vehicles out of the snow, according to the Gauge Index. In fact, 18 percent simply wait for the snow to melt! To help with the backbreaking chore, park your vehicle overnight facing east. The rising sun can help melt the snow before you even get out of bed.

Raid the pantry By using some items commonly found in your pantry, you can make your morning routines that much easier. For example, fit resealable freezer bags over your side-view mirrors to help prevent ice from forming.

Other household items like cooking spray can also help melt ice. Spray it on your mirrors, let it sit for a few minutes, then 18 H&H Magazine | www.STLHandHMag.com

5 COLD WEATHER HACKS FOR WINTER DRIVING wipe off the ice. You also can apply the spray to the rubber seals of your door on particularly cold nights. This will help keep your door from freezing shut or damaging the rubber seals if you force open the door.

Right tools for the job When the going gets rough, it’s important to make sure your car is well equipped for the conditions you’re driving in. As temperatures drop, so can your tire pressure, decreasing about one psi for every 10-degree drop in temperature. If your car was built after 2000, you likely have a Tire Pressure Monitor System that will alert you when pressure drops below the manufacturer’s recommended levels for your vehicle. It’s also important to be able to identify the TPMS symbol, as the Hankook Gauge Index found that 1 in 3 (35 percent) Americans do not know what the warning symbol means.

With 13 percent of drivers unsure of what category tire is on their car, understanding the difference in how a snow tire performs in relation to its summer and all-season relatives can go a long way in terms of safety and performance. For enhanced traction in low-grip situations, tire chains can be

very useful, but as indicated in the Gauge Index, 65 percent of drivers are unsure how to install them. Be sure to practice once or twice at home before venturing out on wintry roads. And when you have chains on your tires, drive slowly - generally no more than 30 mph.

Always carry a spare ... pair of socks!

Packing emergency clothes in your trunk is always a great idea should you find yourself stranded and in need of extra warmth. Interestingly, your socks may be your most versatile piece of clothing, and drivers can benefit from carrying an extra pair in the glove compartment. When expecting snow, simply lift your windshield wipers off the glass and place a sock over each blade to help keep snow off the blades and ice from forming. Additionally, when socks are put over your shoes (yes, that’s right) they can provide an added level of traction when walking on ice.

Hopefully, some of these tricks can help if you find yourself locked in a battle with the elements this season. Have a favorite winter hack we missed? Let us know at Hankook USA on Facebook or Twitter with the #WinterHack tag!

H& Magazine | www.STLHandHMag.com 19

Sweetheart Dark Chocolate Brownies Prep: 20 minutes Cook: 25 minutes Makes: 10+ servings

Love is in the Air – Every Day! Chocolates? Roses? Been there, done that. Everyone wants to make sure the special someone in their lives knows how much they care. Here are some easy and fun ways to prove that he or she is number one in your book.

Make a Playlist of “Your Songs” Whether it was playing when you first met or is the soundtrack to your favorite movie, every couple has songs that mean something special to them. In the

car, leave a CD or MP3 player stocked with your most memorable tunes as a special surprise and a suddenly-better commute.

Do the house chores. Seriously.

Fix that item you’ve been saying you would fix forever. Empty the dishwasher and clean the bathroom. When they get home, have all the chores done, that way the only thing left to do is enjoy each other’s company.

Put Pen to Paper Hide little notes with heartfelt sentiments on the refrigerator, on the nightstand, taped to the computer screen – any place they might stumble upon it throughout a typical day. Your note might be found after a long meeting or last-minute deadline, providing a moment of reprieve and happiness during a hectic day.

Raise a Glass and Indulge – Together Toast each other with some tasty treats.

Pop some bubbly, then enjoy mixing these recipes together.

20 H&H Magazine | www.STLHandHMag.com

Show Off Your Sweet Side This Valentine’s Day Treat family, friends and co-workers to something they will all love this Valentine’s Day by making easy and impressive cookies. Start with your favorite roll-out cookie recipe or simply dress up storeFor the brownies: bought ones by adding some simple 1/2 cup butter, cut into pieces 4 ounces dark chocolate, details with icing.

chopped 2 eggs, at room temperature 3/4 cup white sugar 1 teaspoon vanilla 1/2 cup all-purpose flour 1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt

For the glaze: 2 ounces semisweet chocolate 1 tablespoon unsalted butter Preheat the oven to 350°F. In small pot over low heat, melt 1/2 cup of butter and 4 ounces of dark chocolate together until smooth.

Add eggs one at a time, and whisk to combine after each addition.

Add sugar and vanilla and stir to combine.

Add flour, cocoa powder and salt and stir until smooth.

Transfer batter into a 9 x 9 aluminum foil lined baking pan and place it into the oven for 25 minutes and bake until done.

From the cupids at Wilton, here are three ways to leave them smitten with sweets this Valentine’s Day:

While brownies are baking, melt together semisweet chocolate and 1 tablespoon of unsalted butter for the glaze. Once melted, set aside.

When brownies are done, let them cool.

Once cooled, drizzle glaze over brownies, and spread it on top using an offset spatula.

•

Barefoot Bubbly Ruby Red Bliss Makes: 2 servings 3 ounces cranberry juice 1/2 ounce lime juice 6 ounces Barefoot Red

Moscato Champagne 2 skewer cranberries for

garnish Place chilled juices in flutes. Top with Barefoot Bubbly Red Moscato. Garnish with cranberries.

Cheers!

•

•

Desserts with dimension. Triple your treats by stacking three decorated cookies in different sizes together and attach them with icing.

Complement with color. A simple piping technique looks stunning when piped in different colors on your cookies.

Get to gifting. Wrap your finished treats in a Valentine’s Day treat bag or box.

For more fun and delicious Valentine’s Day recipes, baking tips and inspiration, visit www.wilton.com.

Stackable Ombre Heart Cookies Each stacked cookie serves 1.

Favorite roll-out cookie recipe Royal icing (recipe on wilton.com) Rose Icing Color Heart Micro Mini Icing Decorations Prepare and roll out cookie dough following recipe directions. Use 3 smallest cutters from 4-piece heart nesting cookie

cutter set to cut out shapes. Bake and cool cookies.

Divide royal icing into three equal portions, and tint 3 shades of rose. Thin a portion of each shade following recipe directions. Use tip 3 and full-strength tinted icing to outline cookies. Use thinned tinted icing in cut decorating bag to fill in cookies; gently tap to smooth icing. Let dry overnight.

Use icing to attach cookies, stacking largest to smallest; place icing decoration on top.

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· Large patio · Local craft beer · Fresh made dough · Herbs fresh from our garden

www.PlankRoadPizza.com COTTLEVILLE COOKIES & CREAM · House made waffle cones · Fresh baked cookies · Locally sourced ice cream

www.CottlevilleCookiesandCream.com Scalloped Heart Cookies Each cookie serves 1.

Favorite roll-out cookie recipe Ready-To-Use White Creamy Decorator Icing Icing Colors: Burgundy, Red-Red and Christmas Red Prepare and roll out dough following recipe directions. Use largest cutter from the 4-piece heart nesting cookie cutter set to cut out shape. Bake and cool cookies.

Divide icing into four equal portions.

Tint one of each portion light burgundy, dark burgundy and combination of redred/Christmas red. Reserve last portion white.

Starting from top edge of heart, use tip 102 and icing in dark burgundy, light burgundy, red and white to pipe V-shaped groups of two petals, one piped from left and one from right, to create row of petals in alternating colors.

Repeat with second row between petals in first row. Continue to repeat pattern until cookies are covered.

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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 21

W

hen the clock ticks down toward game day and you’re putting together a snacking plan of attack, turn to recipes like these that you and your guests can savor for all four quarters of action.

With different choices to draft from, there’s no need for a superstar main course at the center of the meal. Instead, rely on options like customizable brats and pulled pork sandwiches, baked chicken wings and game-day dips for winners all around.

A Game-Day Winner

Game time is no time to mess around when it comes to fast, savory snacks.

Crispy and light, tangy and bold, these wings have you covered for all your game-day needs. These spicy hot wings pair perfectly with Litehouse Chunky Blue Cheese or Homestyle Ranch Dressing and may result in another game day rivalry: blue cheese vs. ranch.

Whether you’re hosting the game-day party or bringing a dish to a friend’s bash, these wings can make mouths water from the opening kickoff to the final whistle. Find more game-day recipes at litehousefoods.com.

Crispy Baked Buffalo Chicken Wings Total time: 1 hour, 25 minutes Serves: 8 4 2

1

pounds chicken wings tablespoons baking powder teaspoon salt nonstick

22 H&H Magazine | www.STLHandHMag.com

4

1/2 1/2

cooking spray tablespoons unsalted butter, melted cup hot sauce cup Litehouse Chunky Blue Cheese or Homestyle Ranch dressing 1/3 cup Litehouse Blue

Cheese Crumbles carrots

celery Lay wings on rack on rimmed baking tray and let dry in refrigerator overnight, or pat dry with paper towels.

Heat oven to 250 F. Put one oven shelf in lower quarter of oven and one in top quarter.

Place wings in large re-sealable bag.

Add baking powder and salt. Shake bag to coat wings evenly.

Line tray with foil. Spray rack on baking tray with nonstick spray. Place wings skin side up on rack. Bake on lower shelf 30 minutes.

Move tray to higher shelf and turn oven up to 425 F. Bake 40-50 minutes, rotating tray halfway through. Wings are done when they are dark, golden brown and skin is crispy.

While wings bake, whisk together butter and hot sauce; keep warm.

Remove wings from oven and toss with hot sauce; sprinkle immediately with blue cheese crumbles. Serve with blue cheese or ranch dressing, carrots and celery sticks.

Find more recipes for hosting game day at Culinary.net.

Top Your Tailgate

Take your tailgate or home viewing party to the next level by setting up a topping station with a variety of both traditional and unexpected condiments and garnishes to let your fellow fans customize their grilled fare. Include options such as: • Ketchup and mustard (with flavor variations for added zing) • Sauerkraut or cole slaw • Chopped fresh and grilled onions • Chili (homemade or from a can) • Pickle spears and relish • Barbecue sauce • Sriracha • Assorted shredded and crumbled cheeses • A variety of peppers

A Heaping Handheld

Snack like a champion during the big game with recipes that please palates without overfilling like these Smoked Pulled Pork Sandwiches. Since guests can pile their sandwiches as high as they like with sweet pork and optional toppings, there’s no need to worry about serving sizes. Find more honey-infused recipes for tasty meal solutions at honey.com.

Heat oven to 300 F. Remove pork from grill and place in turkey-size oven bag set in large, shallow baking dish. Add water and seal well; pierce bag several times with small knife. Cook 3-3 1/2 hours, or until meat is tender and pork bone can be removed easily.

Remove from oven. Remove bone and set aside until cool enough to handle.

Shred meat into small pieces, removing fat. Add juices from cooking bag, skimming off excess fat.

In separate saucepan, stir together barbecue sauce, honey and ketchup, cooking until hot and honey has dissolved. Stir most of sauce into shredded pork and mix well.

Serve on rolls and drizzle with remaining sauce. Top with jalapenos, onions and pickles, if desired.

Smoked Pulled Pork Sandwiches with Honey Barbecue Sauce Recipe courtesy of the National Honey Board Servings: 8-10 Pork Rub:

1/4 1 2 1 1/2 1 1/2 1 1/4 1 1 1 1/4

1

2 1 1 1/2 1 1/2 1 8-10

cup sugar tablespoon chili powder teaspoons paprika teaspoons seasoned salt teaspoons garlic powder teaspoons onion powder teaspoon salt teaspoon ground cumin teaspoon pepper teaspoon cayenne pepper

bone-in pork shoulder roast (4 pounds) cups hickory chips cup water cups barbecue sauce cups honey cup ketchup rolls chopped jalapeno peppers (optional) chopped onion (optional) chopped pickles (optional)

To make Pork Rub: Stir together sugar, chili powder, paprika, seasoned salt, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, cumin, pepper and cayenne pepper.

Massage Pork Rub over surface of pork and let stand 30 minutes.

Soak hickory chips in water; drain well. Wrap chips in foil; punch holes in foil and place on top of gas grill set on high.

When chips begin to smoke, place pork on grill and cook until well browned on all sides with lid closed, about 30-45 minutes.

Dip into Game Day

Game day is about huddling up with friends and family, and feeling good about the food you share. Kick off the big game with Sabra, the official dip of the NFL, and help the crowd go wild when you put a twist on traditional hummus by topping it with bruschetta. Available in more than a dozen flavors, Sabra Hummus is made with fresh chickpeas, a touch of garlic and smooth tahini, making it a wholesome and delicious accompaniment for your favorite game-day chips, crackers and veggies. Find more big-game recipes at sabra.com.

Bruschetta-Topped Hummus Prep time: 5 minutes Bruschetta:

2 1 10 1

cups multi-colored cherry tomatoes clove garlic, minced fresh basil leaves, chopped tablespoon olive oil, plus additional (optional) salt, to taste

1 container Sabra Classic Hummus (10 ounces) To make bruschetta: Cut cherry tomatoes into quarters or eighths, if large. Place in small mixing bowl. Stir in garlic, basil and olive oil, and season with salt, to taste.

Scoop hummus out of container and swirl onto serving plate.

Top with bruschetta and drizzle with touch of olive oil, if desired. Serve with fresh vegetables or pita chips.

H& Magazine | www.STLHandHMag.com 23

F

or many households, there are some requirements when you make time to prepare a family meal. Each component must be something you can prepare quickly around extra-curricular activities and homework, and it must feature foods that even the pickiest of eaters will happily devour.

These simple recipes can help you focus that precious time on catching up around the table together. Find more family- friendly recipes at Culinary.net.

A Sweet Dinner Idea

Chicken is a favorite for all ages, and this recipe gives crunchy chicken a sweet twist that’s sure to earn clean plates.

Baked, not fried, these tenders are a healthier take on traditional dippers. The tangy barbecue sauce and sweet honey mixed right into the breading makes them tasty on their own, but even better dipped in a sweet honey barbecue sauce that complements those flavors. Look for more sweet meal ideas at honey.com.

Honey Barbecue Baked Chicken Tenders Recipe courtesy of The National Honey Board Servings: 4 2/3 cup whole-wheat flour 2 1/2 cups whole-wheat panko

breadcrumbs 1/2 teaspoon salt 1/2 teaspoon pepper

1/2 1/3 2 1/4 2

cup barbecue sauce cup milk eggs, beaten cup honey pounds skinless, boneless chicken tenders chicken tenders nonstick cooking spray

Honey Barbecue Dipping Sauce: 1/4 cup barbecue sauce 2 tablespoons honey Heat oven to 400 F. Cover baking sheet with parchment paper. In large bowl, mix flour and panko with salt and

Create Lifelong Memories in the Kitchen

Give your family an opportunity to spend quality time together in the kitchen by engaging little ones. Simply involve them in the process to teach them some lifelong kitchen skills while having fun.

Turn cooking time into family time with these tips from Uncle Ben’s “Ben’s Beginners” campaign.

1. Have Kids Set the Table. Convince your kids to help set the table by putting out utensils, plates and napkins. It’s a simple task to get 24 H&H Magazine | www.STLHandHMag.com

pepper. In another large bowl, whip together barbecue sauce, milk, eggs and honey. Dip tenders in wet mixture then generously roll chicken tenders in panko mix. Spray tenders with nonstick cooking spray.

To make Honey Barbecue Dipping Sauce: Combine barbecue sauce and honey, stirring together until fully mixed.

Place chicken strips on baking sheet.

Bake 10 minutes. Flip tenders and bake until cooked through and outsides are crisp, about 10 minutes. Serve with Honey Barbecue Dipping Sauce.

2.

3.

4.

5.

children of any age involved in family routines.

Let Them Stir. Give those fidgety fingers something to do by letting kids stir ingredients.

Get Clean. Use this time to teach food safety as your children help you scrub produce. As a bonus, it also helps reinforce washing hands.

Count on the Counter. Put your kids to the test to help count and measure ingredients as you add them to the recipe.

Rock ’n’ Roll. Blast some fun tunes.

This can help hold kids’ attention while working.

6. Share the Joy. Make every moment sharable by staging the final product for a quick photo shoot.

7. Have Fun. Dress for the occasion with matching aprons and chefs’ hats. Tweak recipes to embrace your family’s interests and make dinner something to smile about.

For more tips and tricks on getting kids in the kitchen, and for recipes the entire family can cook together, visit beginners.unclebens.com.

Easy Rice Prep time: 30-45 minutes Servings: 6 1 box Uncle Ben’s Long

Grain & Wild Rice,

Original Recipe 2 1/4 cups water 2 tablespoons unsalted

butter, divided 2 cups chopped leeks (white

parts only) 1/2 cup orange juice 1 tablespoon lemon juice 1 tablespoon finely

chopped fresh sage 1 large clove garlic, passed

through press salt, to taste

pepper, to taste pepper, to

taste 1/8 teaspoon ground

cinnamon In 2-quart saucepan, add rice and spice packet, water and 1/2 tablespoon butter. Bring to boil, cover and reduce heat to simmer. Cook 25 minutes.

In large skillet, melt remaining butter.

Add leeks and cook over medium heat 15 minutes, stirring, until soft and golden. Add orange juice, lemon juice, sage and garlic. Cook over high heat 2 minutes, stirring constantly. Add cooked rice to skillet and stir 1 minute until rice is hot. Add salt and pepper, to taste, and cinnamon.

Delicious Dessert in Minutes

These no-bake frozen cupcakes are the perfect size for a light and refreshing after-school or evening dessert. Creamy and tart, they’re just the right blend of flavor for a treat the whole family can enjoy. Even better, the prep time is minimal so you can whip up a batch after bedtime and have them ready to enjoy the next day. Or ask your little ones for help with making the cakes for a fun activity together. Find more desserts you can share together at nestleusa.com.

Frozen Lemonade Cupcakes Recipe courtesy of Nestlé Kitchens Servings: 18 1

1

1

1

light whipped topping, thawed grated lemon peel (optional)

Prepare 18 muffin cups with 18 liners.

Cut pound cake into 18 slices. Using 1 3/4-inch round cookie cutter or appropriate size to fit into paper liners, cut slices into rounds; discard cake scraps or save for another use. Place cake rounds into paper liners.

In large bowl, combine sweetened condensed milk and lemonade concentrate; stir well. Stir large spoonful of whipped topping into mixture. Fold in remaining whipped topping. Spoon evenly into liners.

Freeze 2 hours. Cover; freeze several frozen pound cake (10 hours, or overnight, before serving.

3/4 ounces), reduced-fat or Garnish with lemon peel, if desired. fat-free can (14 ounces) Nestlé La Lechera Fat Free Sweetened Condensed Milk or Nestlé Carnation Sweetened Condensed Milk container (6 ounces) frozen lemonade or limeade concentrate, partially thawed tub (12 ounces) frozen H& Magazine | www.STLHandHMag.com 25

1

W

hen cooler temperatures call for something to warm you up, good, oldfashioned soups and stews may be just what you need.

You can create delicious, steaming pots that taste like they’re straight out of mom’s kitchen with flavorful, convenient ingredients such as Aunt Nellie’s Pickled Beets and READ Salads to help streamline preparation. With these contemporary recipes, you’re in and out of the kitchen in under an hour without any long simmering required.

Find more recipes to warm yourself from the inside out at AuntNellies.com and READsalads.com.

Add onion to pan. Cook about 2 minutes, until tender, stirring frequently.

Add garlic; cook and stir about 30 seconds. Add red cabbage and liquid from jar, broth and chopped apple.

Stir in cinnamon, allspice and cloves.

Bacon-Apple Red Cabbage Soup Bring to boil. Reduce heat and simmer, Prep time: 15 minutes covered, 10 minutes. Add water, 1/2 cup Cook time: 20 minutes at a time, if soup is too thick. Add bacon to pan. Continue simmering about 3-5 Servings: 4 2 slices thick-cut bacon, minutes, until apples are tender and soup reaches desired consistency.

chopped 1 medium red onion, Spoon into bowl. Garnish with apples,

chopped (about yogurt and crumbled bacon, if desired.

1/2 cup) 1 clove garlic, minced 1 jar (16 ounces) Aunt

Nellie’s Sweet & Sour Red Cabbage, not

drained 2 cups low-sodium, fat-

free chicken or vegetable broth 1 medium apple, chopped

(about 1 cup), plus

additional for garnish

(optional) 1/4 teaspoon ground

cinnamon (optional) 1/8 teaspoon ground

allspice (optional) Rustic Vegetable Beet Soup 1/8 teaspoon ground cloves

(optional) plain yogurt Prep time: 30 minutes Cook time: 15 minutes

or sour cream (optional)

crumbled cooked bacon Servings: 6

(optional) 1 jar (16 ounces) Aunt

Nellie’s Whole Pickled In large saucepan or Dutch oven over

Beets, drained medium heat, cook bacon 2-3 minutes, 2 tablespoons olive oil or until cooked through and crisp.

2 medium onions, coarsely Remove bacon from skillet; reserve.

chopped Drain drippings; return 1 tablespoon to 2 medium carrots, pan; discard remaining drippings.

26 H&H Magazine | www.STLHandHMag.com

coarsely chopped medium sweet potato, peeled and chopped 2 large cloves garlic,

minced 2 zucchinis (about 5

ounces each), coarsely

chopped 2 cans (about 14 ounces

each) vegetable broth 1 teaspoon seasoned salt (optional) 1 can (15 1/2 ounces)

chickpeas, drained and

rinsed salt, to taste

pepper, to taste 2 tablespoons finely

chopped fresh parsley 2 tablespoons finely

chopped fresh dill

Gremolata (optional)

Gremolata:

1 tablespoon minced

fresh parsley 1 tablespoon minced

fresh dill 2 cloves garlic, minced 1 teaspoon grated lemon

peel Coarsely chop beets; set aside.

In large saucepan, heat oil over medium heat. Add onions; cook about 5 minutes, or until softened. Add carrots, sweet potato and garlic. Cook 3-5 minutes, or until vegetables begin to soften, stirring occasionally.

Add zucchini, broth and seasoned salt, if desired. Bring to boil. Reduce heat and simmer, partially covered, about 15 minutes, or until vegetables are tender.

Add chickpeas; heat through. Season, to taste, with salt and pepper.

To prepare Gremolata: In small bowl, combine all ingredients.

Stir in parsley and dill. Stir in beets.

Serve immediately; top with Gremolata, if desired.

German Potato Salad Soup Prep time: 15 minutes Cook time: 15 minutes Servings: 4 1 1

1 2

1

3/4 fat 6

1/2 1/4 1

cup chopped onion cup chopped red bell pepper tablespoon olive oil cans (15 ounces each) READ German Potato Salad, chopped bottle (12 ounces) light beer cup reduced-sodium,

free chicken broth ounces (1 cup) diced ham, smoked turkey or sliced smoked sausage (optional) teaspoon salt (optional) teaspoon pepper tablespoon chopped parsley rye croutons

(optional) crumbled bacon (optional)

In Dutch oven or 3-quart saucepan over medium heat, cook onion and bell pepper in oil until onion starts to brown, 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally.

Add potato salad, beer, broth and meat, if desired, and stir to combine.

Bring to boil, reduce heat and simmer, uncovered, 10 minutes, stirring occasionally. Add salt, if desired, pepper and parsley.

Serve topped with rye croutons and bacon, if desired.

Tex-Mex Bean and Butternut Squash Stew Prep time: 30 minutes Cook time: 10 minutes Servings: 4 Stew:

1

Salad, divided 1 teaspoon ground

cumin 1/4-1/2 teaspoon chipotle

chili powder 1 clove garlic, chopped 2 cups cubed or

chopped butternut

squash, fresh

or frozen (about

1/2-3/4-inch pieces) 1 can (14 1/2 ounces

no-salt-added

diced tomatoes 1 1/2 cups low-sodium

vegetable or chicken

broth 1 teaspoon lime zest,

plus additional for garnish (optional)

Chipotle-Lime Crema

chopped cilantro

(optional) Chipotle-Lime Crema: 1/4 cup plain nonfat

yogurt or sour cream 1 teaspoon lime zest 1/8 teaspoon chipotle

chili powder To prepare stew: Place half of canned bean salad, cumin, chili powder and garlic into bowl of food processor. Puree until blended but still slightly chunky.

Add remaining bean salad to large saucepan. Stir in butternut squash, tomatoes, broth, pureed bean salad mixture and lime zest. Bring to boil. Reduce heat and simmer 10 minutes, or until squash is tender and stew reaches desired thickness.

To prepare crema: In small bowl, combine yogurt, lime zest and chili powder.

Serve topped with Chipotle-Lime Crema, cilantro and lime zest, if desired.

Notes: If using frozen butternut squash, add to stew during last 2-3 minutes of cooking to prevent overcooking.

Orange zest can be used instead of lime zest, if desired. Recipe can be doubled.

can (15 ounces) READ Southwestern Bean H& Magazine | www.STLHandHMag.com 27

SAINT

LOUIS

HAPPENINGS 2018 FEBRUARY

Steinberg Skating Rink

January 18, 10:00 am - 9:00 pm |Recurring Event 400 Jefferson Drive St. Louis, MO 63110 (314) 361-0613 | $7

The Marvelous Wonderettes

January 18, 8:00 pm - 11:00 pm |Recurring Event The Loretto-Hilton Center for the Performing Arts at Webster University 130 Eager Rd. Webster Groves, MO 63119 (314) 968-4925 The pop doesn’t stop in this smash hit musical! A high school prom in 1958 and a 10-year reunion in 1968 provide the backdrop for some of the biggest hits of both decades, performed by an irrepressible quartet of young women. Featuring a stacked playlist that includes “Mr. Sandman,” “It’s in His Kiss,” “Respect,” “Son of a Preacher Man” and more, it’s a joyous snapshot of a musical era.

Steinberg Skating Rink is the largest outdoor ice skating rink in the Midwest, offering public skating all day, everyday— including all holidays. We are always open no matter what the temperature is. Your skate admission is valid for all day. You may arrive at anytime during business hours & skate as long as you like. We do not have sessions. We offer open public skating all day, everyday.

We do not close for private events.

Snowflake Cafe offers appetizers, sandwiches, snacks, burgers, soda, hot chocolate, beer and wine and is open during hours of operation. Steinberg Skating Rink offers a great atmosphere for a wonderful skating experience!

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Thomas Struth: Nature & Politics

Thomas Struth: Nature & Politics | November 5 — January 21, 2018 Main Exhibition Galleries, East Building $12 adults, $10 seniors and students, and $6 children ages 6 to 12, Free for members | St. Louis, MO 63110 (314) 721-0072

Thomas Struth: Nature & Politics is a photographic exploration of cuttingedge industrial and scientific research spaces. In over 35 works created within the past decade, the celebrated German artist Thomas Struxth ambitiously takes technology and engineering as his overarching subject. With vivid color and monumental scale, he investigates the fascinating complexities of sites where knowledge, ambition, and imagination are advanced.

The featured works are drawn from the artist’s visits to Europe, America, Asia, and the Middle East. Struth takes viewers into spaces normally kept from public view, such as aeronautical centers, robotics laboratories, and nuclear fusion facilities, examining humanity’s attempts to understand and harness forces of nature, often at great cost of resources.

Nature & Politics intersperses Struth’s technological subjects with other recent work, including images of the fantasy environments of Disneyland and the politically contested landscape of Israel and the Israeli-occupied West Bank.

This poses intriguing questions about the relationship between nature and humanity in our increasingly fabricated world, as well as drawing attention to the financial and political ambition that underscores the massive technological endeavors of our present day.

Thomas Struth: Nature & Politics is co-organized by the Museum Folkwang, Essen; Martin-Gropius-Bau, Berlin; and the High Museum of Art, Atlanta, in collaboration with the Saint Louis Art Museum. The St. Louis presentation is supported by a grant from the Robert Mapplethorpe Foundation. Financial assistance has been provided by the Missouri Arts Council, a state agency.

The project is supported in part by an award from the National Endowment for the Arts. The exhibition is curated for St. Louis by Eric Lutz, associate curator of prints, drawings, and photographs.

GREAT TRAIN SHOW

January 27, 2018 - January 28, 2018 Recurring daily 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM Saint Charles Convention Center One Convention Center Plaza, Saint Charles, MO 636-669-3000 | $11.00 Adults Saturday, $10.00 Adults Sunday, Kids 11 and under free The Great Train Show is the nation’s only coast-to-coast model train show.

The show is designed for the general public, modelers, hobbyists, families, and the just plain curious. Each show features hundreds of tables of trains and accessories for sale, huge operating exhibits, activities for kids, and more.

All aboard!

Don’t miss our annual show. 300+ tables of trains for sale and 50+ exhibitors from across the country.

St. Louis Mardi Gras: Family Winter Carnival

January 20, 12:00 Pm To 4:00 Pm Bud Light Party Centre in Soulard Market Park | Free Bring your little ones along to the Family Winter Carnival!

This free, family-friendly event will keep the kids busy with bounce houses, story time, fire trucks, and police vehicles.

Kids can also check out fun interactive displays provided by local artists and organizations. The whole family can pick out festive crowns, masquerade masks, and face paint to get in the Mardi Gras spirit!

Huge Operating Model Train Displays, including: New Switzerland Model Railroad Club - 30’ x 40’ - HO Scale, Boeing Employees’ Railroad Club - 20’ x 40’ - N Scale, Gateway NTrak - 30’ x 40’ - N Scale, St. Louis Lionel Railroad Club - 8’ x 30’ - O Gauge, American Flyer S-Gaugers - 11’ x 26’ - S Gauge, Mississippi Valley N Scalers - 20’ x 30’ - N Scale, St Louis T-Trak - 16’ x 24’ - N Scale.

AWESOME LEGO LAYOUT, Riding Train for Kids, RE Estill’s Incredible 20’ x 35’ Carnival Display!

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SHEN YUN

Feb 25 - 26 , 2017 Tickets $150, $120, $100, $90, $80 & $70

SHEN YUN. For Chinese, the words evoke a sense of wonder, magic, and the divine. To audiences who have seen it, they recall the experience of a lifetime—a moment so powerfully beautiful it touches the soul.

Discover the glory of a fantastically rich culture, that of classical China, brought to life through brilliantly choreographed dance and mesmerizing, all-original orchestral compositions.

Magnificently costumed dancers—the world’s elite—move in poetic arrangements that evoke pastoral beauty, imperial drama, and the glory of an ancient civilization.

This season, discover what art was meant to be. Discover Shen Yun. REVIVING 5,000 YEARS OF CIVILIZATION

The Price is Right Live!

February 13 - 14, 2018 Tickets $55, $45, $35

Second show added due to popular demand! February 14th, 7:30pm.

The Price Is Right Live™ is the hit interactive stage show that gives eligible individuals the chance to hear their names called and “Come On Down” to win. Our host for the evening will be TODD NEWTON. Prizes may include appliances, vacations and possibly a new car! Play classic games just like on television’s longest running and most popular game show...from Plinko™to Cliffhangers™ to The Big Wheel™ and even the fabulous Showcase.

For 5,000 years in China, culture was heralded as a divine gift. Its glory was long the inspiration of countless artists and poets, until this heritage was nearly lost…

Based in New York, Shen Yun Performing Arts seeks to revive this once-majestic tradition by creating a production worthy in its beauty of this noble history— something that enriches the lives of audiences in powerful, lasting ways.

Tickets may be purchased at the Scottrade Center Box Office, all Ticketmaster Ticket Centers, by phone at 800-745-3000, or online at ticketmaster.com. There is a facility fee on all tickets purchased at all locations, including at the Scottrade Center Box Office. Additional Ticketmaster service charges and handling fees apply to all tickets purchased through Ticketmaster outlets, by phone or online. For disabled seating, call 314-622-5420.

Playing to near sold-out audiences for more than 14 years, the Price Is Right Live™ has entertained millions of guests and given away more than 12 million dollars in cash and prizes.

49th Annual St. Patrick’s Day Parade

NO PURCHASE NECESSARY. Open to US & Canada legal residents, 18+ (Residents of PR & Quebec ineligible to participate as contestants). For complete rules & regulations, including eligibility requirements & free method of entry, visit or call the box office. Sponsored

by Good Games Live, Inc. Void where prohibited. Price is Right Live™/©2018 FremantleMedia. All Rights Reserved.

The 48th annual St. Patrick’s Day Parade took place on Saturday, March 11, 2017, at 12:00 pm in downtown St. Louis. The parade always takes place “rain or shine.” It began at 20th and Market streets, and proceed east to its conclusion at Broadway and Clark streets. Visit the Parade Route page for additional route details.

Regularly noted as one of the top in the country, the parade was comprised of over 120 units, including marching bands, floats, huge cartoon-character balloons, 5000+ marchers, and lots of clowns. Over 250,000 spectators regularly attend, the largest of any event in downtown St. Louis, packing the streets with smiling Irish eyes and festive green attire.

We welcomed our dignitaries, from Ireland and the St. Louis area. Our guests were joined by the Mayor of St. Louis, the St. Louis County Executive, other local and regional officials, and the parade’s general chairman in leading our parade.

If you’re a fan of The Price Is Right™ on TV, you’ll no doubt love this exciting, live (non-televised), on-stage version of the show!

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Saturday, March 17, 2018 12:00 pm | Downtown St. Louis

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

Brittany@Service1stHomes.com

Stacy Iffrig 636.734.1364

Stacy@Service1stHomes.com

Fred Figura 314.277.1925

Fred@Service1stHomes.com

Wendy Halamicek 636.634.1152

Wendy@Service1stHomes.com

Steve Savory 314.604.3999

Steve.Savory@Service1stHomes.com

Heather Patten 402-350-7490

Heather.Patten@Service1stHomes.com

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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

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

100 Holman Way Property is being sold as a 7.75+/- lot with house, inground pool & barn OR buy a 2.75 acre lot on barn side of property.$899,900

9011 Spy Glass Hill Dr Exquisite Home featuring 5 Bedrooms & 8 Baths Professionally Finished Walk Out LL. 6 Car Oversized Garage $799,900

4006 Austin Dr Beautiful 5 Bedroom 5 Bath 2 Story Home with finished LL. Gorgeous INGROUND POOL and Basket Ball Court. 3 car garage. $798,900

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. $724,500

5418 Guinevere Ct Beautiful home sits on a quiet culdesac.

This custom brick home offers over 6000 sq ft.

5 bedrms & 5 baths. 3 car garage. $715,000

1019 Keystone Trail Dr 4 bedrm 5 bathrm home in the Wilderness at Wildhorse subdivision. Wonderful back yard backing to trees.

3 car oversized garage. 505,000

110 Kersting Farms Dr Gorgeous details in this lovely home nested on a 4 plus acre level lot. 4 BR, 3 Bathrm w/ 3 car garage.

BONUS room above garage. $475,000

Heather Patten

Call 402.350.7490 5860 Hidden Creek Dr Outstanding brick 2 Sty in desirable Hidden Creek subdivision. 5 Bedrm, 4 Bathrm with 3 car garage. $469,000

312 Laramie Dr This well maintained updated two story home is clean & crisp. 4 Bedrm 3 Bathrm Backs to trees, nice private yard. $275,000

573 Muirfield Dr Absolutely Gorgeous, Updated Home in Desirable Subdivision. 4 Bedrm, 4 Bathroom Finished Lower Level-Rec rm. $397,500

68 Lighthouse Rd Furniture, decor and supplies included so that all you need to do is come and have fun!

3 Bedrm & 3 Bath. $218,500

208 Greenburn Dr Cluster home nested in desirable Whitmoor Country Club. 4 BR, 3 Bathrm w/ finished LL and 2 car garage. $325,000

Your Home Here!

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