H and H Fall 16 issue

S A I N T

L O U I S

& HOME AND HAPPENINGS

WINTER 2016

pg.18 beat

COOL WEATHER

BOLD and pg.4 blended

elevate

HOLIDAY

ENTERTAINING

pg.14

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

www.STLHandHMag.com

A note from the editor...

EDITOR IN CHIEF Wade Brewer

DESIGN Marie Reid

Can you believe that Thanksgiving is almost here? Our winter issue full of information and ideas that will help to make this hectic time of year a little less stressful for you.

Preparing your home for winter is an important annual task that can help to make the cold months a little easier on your home. Our article Getting Prepped for Winter gives you some helpful hints to get your home ready for the colder months. If you are a technology addict, Starting Your Smart Home Transformation will guide you through some simple steps to convert your home to a “smart” home.

If you find it difficult to gather as a family, our article Family Meals Make a Difference will assist you with planning and enjoying meals together.

As always, we have several delicious recipes for you to try including maple dijon chicken and mixed berry shortcakes.

Any issue this time of year would be incomplete without including some great tips to help with Holiday entertaining and we offer some great ideas and recipes on page 14.

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

In the “Happenings” section we list many opportunities to celebrate the season in our area including the ever-popular Christmas Tradition in Historic St. Charles. If you have never taken in the sites and experience of that event make this the year to do so. Also, we would like to invite you to our annual Photos with Santa event at our Cottleville office on Saturday, December 3 from 10:00 -12:00. We hope that you can join us.

We wish you a wonderful holiday season and can’t wait to share our next issue with you!

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

Wade Brewer Editor-in-chief

PG.

12

CONTENTS

FRESH FLAVORS WITH FRIENDS

4

Bold and Blended

6

Starting Your Smart Home Transformation

8

Get Prepped for Winter

10

Family Meals Make a Difference

12

Fresh Flavors with Friends

14

Elevate Holiday Entertaining

16

Simple Steps to Smarter Snacking

18

Beat Cool Weather

20

Break Through (Digital marketing basics for businesses)

22

Happenings

H& Magazine | www.STLHandHMag.com 3

R

emodeling your home can be a big, and oftentimes, overwhelm­ ing project, but it doesn’t always have to be. Sometimes all

you really need is a fresh coat of paint or smaller upgrades. If you’re not looking to do a whole home renovation, and just want to give your interior a little pick-me-up, consider revamping colors, textures and your home appliances with these simple tips from Mitsubishi Electric Cooling & Heating.

Color Is Key Daring

patterns

and

gaining

favor

homes

try,

especially

in in

the

color

combos

across most

are

the

coun­

used

room

in the house – the kitchen. Give your kitchen a fresh, new look by taking a multi-toned cabinetry approach. Apply different shades to your upper and lower cabinets to create a completely new feel. Opting for colored cabinets, as opposed to a stain, helps develop a broader palette for the space and produces an identifiable color scheme.

A similar approach can be taken for kitchens with islands. Make your island the focal point by opting for a vibrantly colored base or countertop. When it comes to your countertops and backsplashes, you can also achieve a standout look with a high-contrast approach. Pair deeply coloredcounters or backsplashes with more 4 H&H Magazine | www.STLHandHMag.com

subtly hued cabinets and flooring to make a dra­matic

as brick and butcher block can lend a whole new level of style.

statement.

These simple details can make a drastic difference in the feel of your home, no matter what room in the house you’re sprucing

Blend In

Whether your style is big and bold or clean and minimalistic, creating a cohesive look for a space is important. Oftentimes, outdated home appliances get in the way of an otherwise seamless home design. A simple home appliance upgrade can easily change the overall style of a room for the better. With more homeowners tuned into online and televised DIY resources, manufacturers are challenged like never before to deliver high-end products that blend flawlessly into the background of a living space. One example is Mitsu­bishi Electric’s Designer Series indoor units. These units are sleek, stylish, slim and available

up. In the kitchen or bathroom, choosing the right style and material of countertop can make or break your intended design.

For exam­ple, the beauty of granite’s natural patterns make it a oneof-a-kind look for your home, while a newer kitchen design trend, stainless steel, provides a distinctive look.

Another easy way to play with the texture in your home is by placing small, decorative objects throughout your liv­ing quarters.

Natural and organic objects, like shells, stones or twigs, can be used to inject an outdoor feel in different rooms.

Most importantly, consider balance when seeking out different textures. Overdoing it can detract from your attempts to liven up your home, making it instead feel cluttered or disorganized.

in three different colors – glossy white, matte silver and glossy black – making match­ing the appliance to the style of a space effortless.

In addition to the aesthetic benefits, these units give homeowners the ability to choose their desired room tempera­ture for each zone in their home, while using 30-40 percent less energy than tradi­ tional cooling and heating systems, and providing better indoor air quality. Learn more at mitsubishicomfort.com.

A Little Texture Goes a Long Way

Also take into consideration textures and materials – tile and stone are the norm, but unexpected pairings such

Find the right features While the aesthetic fit of a new appliance is important, so are the features that ensure your purchase answers the needs of your lifestyle.

When shopping for updated appliances, look at how the models you’re considering perform in areas such as: •

Noise control: Especially if you’re

replacing an older cool­ ing and heating system, you may have been battling the sounds it was emitting for years. You’ll immediately notice the difference with many of today’s appliances, which are designed to offer quiet operation. Some even function

at a sound level lower than a human whisper.

•

Energy management: Look for models

that offer features to help manage your energy consumption. One solution is a timer that allows you to create scheduling options to adjust the temperature, and thus the amount of energy, being used in rooms when they are not occupied.

•

Intelligent comfort: For appliances like

refrigerators and freezers, it’s an automatic assumption that they will maintain a consistent temperature.

You

may

be

surprised

to

discover that other appliances can offer the

same continuity when it comes to comfort.

For example, Mitsubishi Electric’s Designer Series

indoor

units

offer

Econo

Cool,

a

temperature control feature that automatically adjusts airflow speed to maintain the desired level of comfort once it has been established.

•

Programmable functions: With continuous

developments in technology, various home appliances now have the capability to connect to smart phones and tablets. Through these apps, you can regulate multiple settings for your home appliance operations from virtually anywhere with just a click of a button.

H& Magazine | www.STLHandHMag.com 5

W

ith the aid of modern technology, it’s now possible

to

convert

virtually any ordinary

house into a smart home filled with features that make daily tasks more convenient. These technologies allow for greener living, customization of your living space to personal tastes and the peace of mind that you can control key

once viewed as luxury, reserved for the

appliances you wish to automate and

rich and famous and those whose lives

the level of integration you desire are

played out on the big screen. What once

significant considerations. Assuming

seemed impractical for the average

that your home is already wired for a

homeowner is now quite attainable.

high-performance broadband connection, you

When you consider that some smart

can get into the smart home game for

devices, such as light bulbs, have a life

under $100 with a thermostat that you

span of up to 25 years, in the end you

can manage remotely. On the other

may end up even saving money.

hand, adding smart-home technology

How much money you’ll ultimately

throughout the whole house will likely

Set a budget.

spend to create your smart home

cost in the thousands. Pay attention

All of the technology and gadgetry that

depends on numerous factors: the size

to the levels of integration various

of your home, number of systems and

products offer. Purchasing products

home systems with your smartphone.

Converting to a smart home may seem like an intimidating task at first, but if you break the process into manageable steps you’ll find it’s not so hard to choose and install the best smart devices for your home and lifestyle. You can begin turning your house into a smart home by following these three simple steps.

comprise today’s smart homes were 6 H&H Magazine | www.STLHandHMag.com

from brands that partner with many other smart-home

home’s operation and efficiency. Thermostats that auto adjust

device makers will help ensure the products you add in

to designated climate settings are a popular option for many

the future will work with those you install now. Selecting

homeowners because they bring immediate returns in reducing

highly integrated products will save you time during

your overall energy usage. Irrigation systems and power

the installation process, help you avoid unnecessary

management products are also wise investments when it comes

expenses down the road and improve your overall smart-

to optimizing your home’s use of natural resources. Stepping

home experience.

across the threshold to a smart home may feel like a big step,

Brainstorm ideas for each room.

but once you get settled and experience the convenience and

Once you’re past the nuts and bolts of practical considerations, it’s time to start imagining. The key about

control, you’ll likely find yourself exploring ways to incorporate smart technology every place you can.

designing the perfect smart home for you is to remember that the very essence of smart devices is their ability to make your life more convenient. Choosing the products and how you connect them is all about you and your lifestyle – there’s more than just one way to build your smart home.

Go room to room in your home and think about the activities that occur in each space. Consider which of these can become easier or more enjoyable with the support of smart technology. The living room, where you likely have a host of entertainment and audio equipment, offers plenty of obvious benefits, but also look at the kitchen, for example. Did you forget to start the dishwasher on your way out the door? Initiating a wash cycle remotely will let you come home to dishes clean and ready for dinner.

Prioritize what you install.

When it’s time to begin the actual transition to a smart home, it’s a good idea to start with the most important products first.

For most homeowners, those are the devices that you use every day. Opening and closing the garage door is so much a part of your daily routine that it is often hard to remember if you closed it on the way out. Products such as the Chamberlain MyQ Garage upgrade kit, or Chamberlain garage door openers with built-in MyQ technology, put peace of mind in the palm of your hand.

This technology allows you to control and check the status of your garage door from anywhere, at any time, so you know if your garage was left open or if it’s being opened while you’re not there. The innovative technology works with numerous smart-device brands and their devices, such as NEST thermostats and Xfinity home security products. Learn more at chamberlain.com.

With the all-important lead-in to your home covered, you can turn attention to devices that help manage your

SMART DEVICES FOR EVERY ROOM The number of devices that can

which is easy to do with smart­phone

is growing at an accelerated rate,

energy consumption by regulating

be integrated into a smart home

but not all are complex gadgets and gizmos. Some of the simpler options for every room in your home include:

Living Room: Outlet Adapters

Walk into your home late at night

and flip on the lights, the TV or both without searching in the dark for a switch or remote. After your smart

control, can also help manage solar heat.

Kitchen: Coffee Maker

Wake up to your favorite morning

beverage without drowsily scooping

and pouring. A smart coffee maker

can make the right amount of coffee at just the right time through simple settings on your smartphone.

outlet adapter is plugged into the

Garage: Remote Garage Door

the adapter and controlled from a

Open, close and monitor your

wall, appliances can be plugged into smartphone.

Bedroom: Motorized Drapes

Adding motorized drapes to your bedroom allows for an easy way

to adjust lighting and privacy – all

without leaving the comfort of your

bed. Properly adjusting drapes,

Access

garage door anywhere, anytime, with

MyQ technology from Chamberlain.

With remote access to one of the

main entry points to your home, you can ensure the garage door is shut

when you’re out or ready to open when you return.

H& Magazine | www.STLHandHMag.com 7

T

he onset and arrival of colder temperatures means that it’s time once again to brace yourself – and your home – for

everything that winter weather threatens to throw at you. From cool, drafty air wafting into your house to friends and family bringing snow and sand inside with them, it’s important to remember the preparation to go through before winter strikes.

In order to help keep your home warm, cozy and clean throughout the winter months, follow these seven tips to get started: 8 H&H Magazine | www.STLHandHMag.com

Check the Roof With warm days dwindling, it’s never too early to look over your roof for damaged shingles or other various problems. Because winter brings along cold weather and plenty of precipitation, cracks in the roof can cause major issues down the road. If heights and ladders aren’t your thing, try using binoculars from ground level to check things out.

Clean the Gutters After the trees shake loose of their leaves throughout the fall, it’s always imperative to keep the gutters clean of

debris. If your gutters fill up with leaves and other junk, the runoff from rain and snow has nowhere to go except in unwanted crevices in your roof.

Seal Leaks Around Windows and Doors Caulk is a cheap, simple solution to one of winter’s most annoying little habits – sending cold drafts into your house. Look closely as you check around windows and doors for small cracks then carefully seal up the problem.

Install Door Sweeps Another way to keep warm air in and

cool air out is to use door sweeps on the bottom of all exterior doors. A door sweep is a simple device that can be attached to the door frame to help seal the space between the bottom of the door and the floor.

Reverse Ceiling Fans While some ceiling fans require flipping blades, most new fans simply have a reverse feature to make the blades spin clockwise. This easy fix can help pull room air upward and cause warm air – which has risen to the ceiling – to be forced back downward.

Keep Out Sand and Snow Rather than sweeping and vacuuming your entryway every evening, place rugs and storage bins close to your front door, garage and any other entrance to the home so that you and your guests don’t track sand and snow into the house when inclement weather hits.

Stock Up on Winter Gear Unfortunately, it’s impossible to know exactly what each winter will bring.

Rather than trying to fight the elements on a snowy day to find salt for your sidewalk or a new shovel to clear the driveway, stock up on these items and other winter essentials long before Mother Nature strikes.

Winter can be a pain, especially for homeowners, but staying on top of your preparation and being ready for cold weather’s reach can help make snow season easier to handle. For more tips to get your home ready for winter, visit elivingtoday.com.

Simple Steps to Maintain Natural Stone

N

atural stone adds elegance and style to any home.

With a nearly endless array of colors, textures and designs, it’s easy to create a one-of-a-kind look for your kitchen or bath. However, without proper care, that carefully selected natural stone may quickly start to show wear and tear.

Not only does natural stone lend a beautifully sophisticated aesthetic, it’s generally regarded as a practical choice because it’s more durable than many other materials.

However, granite, marble, travertine and other natural-stone and quartz surfaces do require proper care and attention to maintain that luxurious finish. Keep your natural stone in top condition with these tips from the experts at Granite Gold.

Clean often. Even if your surface appears clean, the safest bet is to clean it after every meal

preparation. The most miniscule particle could have a detrimental effect on your natural stone.

Avoid common cleaners and abrasives. They can break down the protective seal and you could be faced with costly repair or replacement. Also, give special attention to the scrubbing pad you use; many are too abrasive for expensive stone counters and leave unsightly scratches.

Seal frequently. Frequently sealing granite countertops and all other natural stone surfaces maintains maximum surface protection, pen­ etrat­ ing stone surfaces to provide superior, long-lasting resistance to staining, etching and soil buildup.

If you’re not sure whether it’s time to reseal, it’s easy to test. Pour water (about 3 inches in diameter) on the surface and let it sit for 30 minutes. Be sure to do this in several locations, since the integrity of the seal

could vary from one area to another. If the water beads, then the stone remains sealed. However, if the stone is penetrated – signified by a dark mark or ring created by the water – it is time to reseal.

Polish regularly. Polishing stone provides two great benefits. First, polishing after cleaning will bring out the stone’s natural beauty. Second, it will reinforce the protective seal and provide ongoing protection against water spots and fingerprints.

One time-saving but effective solution after sealing is Granite Gold Clean & Shine, which provides the cleaning power of the line’s Daily Cleaner and the luster from the Polish in one easy-to-use formula.

You can find the products nationwide at Walmart, Lowe’s, Home Depot and Bed Bath & Beyond; check the product locator at GraniteGold.com.

H& Magazine | www.STLHandHMag.com 9

Other studies have shown that children who grow up sharing family meals are more likely to exhibit positive social behavior as adults, such as sharing, fairness and respect. On the other hand, research also suggests

J

The benefits of eating together uggling jobs, kids and the demands of a busy, modern life often comes at the expense of family mealtime at home. Even though life never seems to slow down, now is the perfect time to renew your commitment

to creating and serving meals at home that nourish your kids’ brains and help them flourish.

Not only is time together around the table an opportunity to catch up and reconnect, numerous studies provide evidence of the positive, lifelong benefits of family meals. Regular family meals are linked to the kinds of outcomes that ensure a bright future for children: higher grades and self-esteem, healthier eating habits and less risky behaviors.

For example, according to research published in the “Journal of Pediatrics,” kids and teens who share meals with their families three or more times per week are significantly less likely to be over­weight, more likely to eat healthy foods and less likely to have eating disorders.

10 H&H Magazine | www.STLHandHMag.com

that aside from missing out on the benefits, families that have fewer meals together can also experience adverse effects when it comes to certain risky behaviors. A study on the relationship between certain family characteristics and adolescent problem behaviors, published in the “Journal of Adolescent Health,” found that teens who have infrequent family dinners (fewer than three per week) are 3.5 times more likely to have abused prescription drugs or have used an illegal drug; 2.5 times more likely to have used tobacco and 1.5 times more likely to have used alcohol.

Learn more about the positive impact regular meals at home together can have for your kids’ emotional, intellectual and physical well-being at nationalfamilymealsmonth.org.

Meal Planning Tips Planning for family mealtime can be tough, but it doesn’t have to be. Take the stress out of planning and preparing family meals with these tips and begin reaping the benefits of more time together around the dinner table.

•

Commit to having one additional meal with your family each week at home. It doesn’t matter whether it is breakfast, lunch or dinner. The benefits are the same. After a month, you may be surprised by how easily your new commitment has become a habit for the entire family.

•

Rely on the resources available at your local grocery store. Even when you don’t feel like cooking, there are countless meal planning solutions such as pre-prepped fresh ingredients, delicious ready-made entrees and wholesome heat-andeat dishes.

•

Make meal planning a family affair. List each family member’s favorite foods in each of the main food groups and see how many combinations you can create. Then ask your children to accompany you to the store to help select the ingredients (and use the trip for age-appropriate learning, such as com­paring prices, reading labels, etc.).

•

Save time by engaging the whole family in meal preparation. Even the littlest hands can help with tasks like setting the table.

•

Set a regular meal time so you can plan other activities around it. Sit around the table, turn off the TV and put away phones and electronic devices. Keep the focus on each other.

Make Family Meals Count Gathering the family for a daily meal offers numerous ways to make lasting impressions. Promoting one more family meal each week is an educational program created by the Food Marketing Institute Foundation and the nation’s grocery stores.

Role-modeling. Spending time with adults where they can observe positive behaviors in action teaches kids valuable life skills such as using table manners and taking turns talking without interrupting.

Family values. In a busy home where various activities and demands create divides in time and attention, family

meals let everyone come together to honor the family unit.

Demonstrat­ing value for family and making this together time a priority helps teach youngsters lessons about the importance of work-life balance that they will carry into adulthood.

Time to relax. Not only is mealtime a time to nourish

bodies, it’s a chance to force each member of the family to pause and put a temporary hold on the chaotic pace of life. Kids and grownups alike can benefit from a daily break to recharge not only physically, but mentally as well.

Fond memories. A family meal tradition has all the makings

for fond childhood memories. An activity that plays an important role in the family’s schedule is sure to create a lasting impression for kids when they look back on their formative years.

H& Magazine | www.STLHandHMag.com 11

3/4 teaspoon kosher salt

1/2 teaspoon freshly ground pepper

1 tablespoon unsalted butter 16 Brussels sprouts (about 8 ounces), bottom

N

othing beats a meal filled with flavorful ingredients fresh off the farm – unless you add a table filled with your closest friends to enjoy the bounty. From sides to main dishes to desserts, these recipes show you

how to transform wholesome farm-raised foods into a crowdpleasing menu you can enjoy from start to finish.

Make Chicken the Centerpiece

Center your home-cooked meal around a hearty dish such as Pan Roasted Maple Dijon Chicken with Butternut Squash and Brussels Sprouts to ensure that none of your guests leave the table hungry. To find more main dish ideas for entertaining, visit eatchicken.com.

Pan Roasted Maple Dijon Chicken with Butternut Squash and Brussels Sprouts Servings: 4

1 tablespoon olive oil 4 chicken thighs 4 chicken drumsticks

12 H&H Magazine | www.STLHandHMag.com

trimmed, outer leaves removed and halved

2 cups diced (1/2 inch) butternut squash 1 1/2 cups chicken stock 2 tablespoons maple syrup 2 teaspoons Dijon mustard

In saute pan large enough to hold chicken in single layer, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Season chicken with salt and pepper. Add chicken to pan, skin side down, and saute about 4-5 minutes per side, or until chicken is browned.

Remove chicken from pan and reserve. In same pan, add butter. Allow butter to melt over medium heat. Add sprouts and squash to pan and saute, tossing occasionally, until outsides are golden brown, about 3-4 minutes. Remove from pan and hold separately from chicken.

Turn heat to high and add stock, syrup and mustard. Stir and bring to boil, stirring to scrape up brown bits on bottom of pan. Add chicken back to pan, cover and reduce heat to medium-low. Cook over medium-low heat 20-25 minutes, or until chicken registers 170 F with instant read thermometer.

Add vegetables back to pan, cover again and cook another 8-10 minutes until vegetables are tender. Move chicken and vegetables to serving platter, placing vegetables around chicken. Turn heat to high and boil sauce until it is reduced and slightly thickened, about 2-3 minutes. Spoon sauce over chicken and serve.

Potatoes Perfect for a Party

Perfect as a crowd-pleasing appetizer or side dish at any festive party, simply grill or bake Wisconsin potatoes and top them with your favorite flavors, like bruschetta or a combination of ingredients such as Greek yogurt, cheese, herbs, olives and tomatoes. Find more potato recipes at eatwisconsinpotatoes.com.

Festive Papas Tapas Prep time: 10 minutes Cook time: 20 minutes Servings: 6 2-4 medium Wisconsin russet or gold potatoes 2 tablespoons olive oil 1/4 teaspoon pepper 1/2 teaspoon sea salt Heat grill or oven to 400 F. Thinly slice potatoes lengthwise to 1/4-inch thick, discarding ends.

Toss with olive oil, salt and pepper.

Place on grill or prepared baking sheet in single layer. Cook 10 minutes on each side. Add toppings.

Topping Ideas

Bruschetta: In bowl, mix together 2 medium tomatoes diced, 1/4 cup chopped fresh basil leaves, 2 cloves minced garlic and 1 tablespoon olive oil and spoon on top of potatoes.

Baked Potato: In bowl, mix together 1/2 cup plain nonfat Greek yogurt, 1/4 cup shredded reduced-fat cheddar cheese, 2 tablespoons fresh chives, chopped, and spoon on top of potatoes. Garnish with 1 tablespoon chives.

Mediterranean: In bowl, mix together 1 con­tainer (6 ounces) feta cheese; 1 can (2 1/4 ounces) sliced olives, drained; 1 medium tomato diced; salt and pepper, to taste; and spoon on top of potatoes.

Creamy Greek Yogurt with Lemon and Herbs: In bowl, mix together 1/2 cup plain nonfat Greek yogurt; 2 tablespoons chopped fresh dill; juice from 1/2 lemon; salt and pepper, to taste; and spoon on top of potatoes. Garnish with dill sprigs.

Better with Berries When dinner settles, end your gathering on a high note with Mixed Berry Shortcakes. These palate-pleasing pastries combine sweet strawberries and blue­berries, fluffy biscuits and a dollop of ice cream. For more delicious dessert ideas, visit nestleusa.com/nestle-kitchens.

Mixed Berry Shortcakes Recipe courtesy of Nestlé

2 pounds fresh strawberries, sliced (about 6 cups total) 2 containers (6 ounces each) fresh blueberries (about 2 1/2 cups total) 7 tablespoons granulated sugar, divided nonstick cooking spray

2 cups all-purpose flour 1 tablespoon baking powder 1/2 teaspoon salt 1/4 cup cold unsalted butter, cut into pieces 2/3 cup lowfat milk 1/4 cup lowfat Greek yogurt or sour cream sparkling sugar (optional) 3 cups light Vanilla Dreyer’s or Edy’s Slow Churned Light Ice Cream In large bowl, combine strawberries, blueberries and 3 tablespoons granulated sugar; stir gently. Let stand, stirring occasionally, for 30 minutes. Heat oven to 425 F. Spray baking sheet with nonstick cooking spray. In large bowl, whisk flour, remaining granu­lated sugar, baking powder and salt; cut in butter with pastry blender or two knives until mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Add milk and yogurt; stir just until moist dough forms. Turn dough onto floured work surface. With floured hands, knead 6-8 times until dough is smooth. With rolling pin, roll dough into 9-by6-inch rectangle, or about 1/2-inch thick. Cut into six 2 1/2inch circles. Transfer to prepared baking sheet. Sprinkle with sparkling sugar. Bake 10-12 minutes, or just until golden.

Trans­fer biscuits to individual plates; split open. Top each with about 1 cup berry mixture and 1/2 cup vanilla ice cream.

H& Magazine | www.STLHandHMag.com 13

Roast Turkey with Gravy

1 whole uncooked turkey 2 tablespoons olive oil 3 teaspoons Angostura Aromatic Bitters, divided salt freshly ground pepper 1/2 yellow onion, cut into 4-5 pieces 2 large cloves garlic, peeled

3 tablespoons flour 2 teaspoons brandy 1 can (14.5 ounces) chicken broth

Heat oven to 400 F. Prepare turkey normally, removing giblets from cavity.

Combine olive oil with 2 teaspoons bitters; rub all over turkey. Sprinkle turkey generously with salt and pepper.

Add onion and garlic to bottom of roasting pan.

Place turkey on rack in pan. Cover and roast as directed for size of turkey.

Internal temperature when done should be 165 F. While turkey roasts, stir together flour, brandy and remaining bitters; stir until mixture is smooth and no longer lumpy.

Whisk in chicken broth and set aside.

When turkey is done, remove from pan to serving platter; cover with foil to keep warm. Remove onion and garlic from pan; discard. Tilt pan toward one end

F

and skim excess fat from top of pan juices. Place pan on stovetop over medium-high heat. With wire whisk, add broth mixture and stir constantly, scraping browned bits from bottom of pan. Continue to stir until gravy has thickened. Season with salt, to taste. Serve with sliced turkey.

Note: For thicker gravy, add 1 tablespoon flour to 1/4 cup water; stir until smooth.

Stir 1-2 tablespoons hot gravy into mix­ture then whisk into roasting pan. Con­tinue stirring until gravy thickens more.

or this year’s special holiday

Made with the same recipe since 1824,

elevated dishes and cocktails

flavor and aroma to a surprising

spread, impress guests with

worthy of the occasion. You

can make the ordinary extra­ordinary by

using a secret ingre­ dient to enhance familiar flavors and favorites.

The secret is an essential ingredient typi­

cally used for cocktails that can also boost

any number of dishes on your holiday menu. Bitters are the quintessential

ingredient in some of the world’s most famous and best-loved drinks, but their

versatility stretches beyond the bar.

14 H&H Magazine | www.STLHandHMag.com

Angostura Bitters lends its unmistakable

variety of beverages and dishes. Add sensational depth of flavor to holiday

dishes such as this Roast Turkey with

Gravy or Marsala Mush­room Casserole.

Or, for a sweet holiday treat, crunchy

toasted pecans and Angostura Orange

Bitters complement the tangy cran­ berries in this Cranberry-Orange Pecan Bread. Explore more delicious ways to elevate your holiday meals this year at Angostura.com.

Cranberry-Orange Pecan Bread

1 rounded cup fresh or frozen cranberries (about 4 1/2 ounces) 2 cups unbleached all-purpose

flour 1 cup sugar 1 teaspoon baking powder 1/2 teaspoon salt 1/4 teaspoon baking soda 3/4 cup toasted pecans or walnuts, coarsely chopped 1 large egg 2/3 cup low-fat buttermilk 6 tablespoons butter, melted

2 tablespoons orange zest 1/3 cup orange juice 2 teaspoons Angostura Orange Bitters 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

Marsala Mushroom Casserole 16 ounces cremini mushrooms

Heat oven to 350 F. Lightly grease 9-by-5-inch loaf pan.

If using frozen cranberries, spread berries out on cutting board and let rest for 10 minutes. Cut large cranberries in half.

In large bowl, combine flour with sugar, baking powder, salt, baking soda, nuts and egg; blend thoroughly with whisk. Stir in cranberries.

In small bowl, whisk together buttermilk, butter, orange zest, orange juice, bitters and vanilla extract. Add to dry ingredients and stir gently until fully moistened; do not over mix. Spoon batter into pan and smooth out top.

Bake 50 minutes, or until toothpick inserted in center comes out clean. Let rest in pan 10 minutes then turn out onto wire rack to cool completely for at least 1 hour before slicing.

Island Eggnog

6 eggs, beaten 2 teaspoons grated lime zest 2 cans (14 ounces) sweetened condensed milk 3 cups canned evaporated milk 2 cups Angostura 7 Year Rum 1 ounce Angostura Aromatic Bitters 1 pinch freshly grated nutmeg or cinnamon

2 tablespoons butter, divided 1/3 cup Holland House Marsala Cooking Wine 1 tablespoon soy sauce 1 teaspoon Angostura Aromatic Bitters 1/2 cup plain dry breadcrumbs 4 tablespoons shredded Parmesan cheese 1/2 teaspoon dried sage, thyme or marjoram Heat oven to 400 F. With damp paper towel, wipe mushroom tops. Remove bottoms of stems. In large bowl, slice mushrooms about 1/4-inch thick.

Melt 1 tablespoon butter. Combine cooking wine, soy sauce and bitters; stir in butter. Pour over mushrooms and let stand 10 minutes, stir­ring frequently.

In small bowl, stir together breadcrumbs, cheese and sage. Melt remaining butter and stir into breadcrumb mixture; set aside.

Pour mushrooms into shallow 8-inch baking dish. Bake 10 minutes. Remove from oven and spoon out 4-6 tablespoons juice.

Sprinkle mushrooms with breadcrumb mixture and bake 10 minutes more, or until crumbs are golden.

In large bowl, beat eggs and lime zest using electric mixer until light and fluffy.

Gradually pour in condensed milk while continuing to mix then pour in evaporated milk.

Stir in rum and bitters; sprinkle with nutmeg. Transfer to bottle and refrigerate at least 3 hours (preferably overnight). Serve in rocks glasses over crushed ice or in champagne flutes for entertaining. Garnish with freshly grated nutmeg or cinnamon.

H& Magazine | www.STLHandHMag.com 15

Pineapple Cherry Minis

3

Steps for a Snack

W

hen hunger strikes, it can be tempting to reach for the closest treat, even if it’s laden with fat and empty calories. Make it easier to enjoy betterfor-you snacks with these three simple steps that appeal to your taste and your waist.

1. Know that choosing more healthy snacks can still be quick and convenient. Learn to recognize your hunger patterns and keep foods on hand to fit your cravings. For example, if you tend to need a mid-afternoon pick-me-up at work, prepare snack-size por­ tions of finger foods that feel hearty without weighing you down.

2. Make flavor count in every bite.

Watching what you eat doesn’t have to be bland. In fact, an eating plan that cuts back on your calorie intake is the perfect reason to pay more attention to what you eat and thoroughly enjoy it, rather than wasting a portion of your daily con­sumption on foods that don’t taste great.

3. When your sweet tooth is screaming, answer it with the refreshing 16 H&H Magazine | www.STLHandHMag.com

With just three ingredients and three steps, it’s easy to choose and prepare a quick, healthy snack. All you need is celery, peanut butter and raisins.

1. Wash celery then cut stalks in half and trim to desired length.

2. Spread or pipe peanut butter into recessed side of stalks.

3. Sprinkle with raisins, as desired.

indulgence of a fruity dessert.

Fruit-based desserts are naturally sweet and deliver some of the key nutrients your body needs, so you can feel extra good about bypassing other options laden with unhealthy ingredients.

Fill Up with Fruit

Creating delicious desserts can often require a ton of time and a variety of complicated steps. Rather than wasting minutes making dessert instead of eating it, try Pineapple Cherry Minis made with Dole Canned Fruit, a convenient and easy ingredient to use in all of your dessert recipes. Pineapple Cherry Minis require just 20 minutes of preparation before chilling in the refrigerator, and the fruit makes them a healthier dessert option than most after-dinner sweets. For more quick and healthy dessert options, visit dolesunshine.com.

Prep time: 20 minutes Total time: 3 hours Servings: 12-14

1 can (20 ounces)

Dole Crushed Pineapple

2 cans (6 ounces) Dole

1 package (6 ounces) cherry

Pineapple Juice gelatin

1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg

1 cup frozen Dole Dark

Sweet Cherries

1/2 cup chopped pecans Drain pineapple, reserve juice. Bring reserved juice plus canned pineapple

juice to boil. Add gelatin; stir at least 2 minutes to completely dissolve. Chill until mixture thickens slightly. Fold in

pineapple, nutmeg, cherries and pecans.

Spoon into 12-14 foil-lined muffin cups, lightly sprayed with nonstick cooking spray. Chill until firm. Store leftover gelatin in refrigerator.

2/3 cup granola

1 cup vanilla flavored Greek yogurt

Measure 1 1/2 cups drained fruit and 6 table­spoons juice. In medium bowl, combine juice, maple syrup, cinnamon, granola and yogurt. Stir to blend well.

Place 2 peach slices in each frozen pop mold. Pour yogurt mixture into molds or small paper cups. Place on tray and freeze about 1 hour, or until partially set.

Insert frozen pop stick into center of each mold; freeze 2 hours longer, or until firm.

Healthy Hummus for a Happy Snack A Healthy, Frozen Treat Maintaining a healthy diet is key to staying fit, but that

When snack time rolls around, a quick, convenient bite to eat is often the way to go. With easy-to-make Hummus Pinwheels, your light, healthy snack can be a breeze. Because any of the

doesn’t mean you can’t have a sweet treat every now and

14 varieties of Sabra Hummus work for this simple recipe, your

as Dole Jarred Fruit, which contains five servings of high-

boost fiber intake and helps keep your calorie count low, you

in every jar. With a convenient, re-sealable lid, you can just

find more tips for light snacking, visit sabra.com.

then. Make smart snack choices that taste delicious, such

taste buds have the final call on flavor. Plus, since hummus can

quality, ready-to-eat fruit packed in 100 percent fruit juice

can count on it as a healthy alter­native to common snacks. To

scoop out what you need to top your favorite dish with

fruit or make quick and easy good-for-you treats, such as these Peach Crisp Pops. Find more healthy snack ideas at dolesunshine.com.

Hummus Pinwheels

Peach Crisp Pops

Prep time: 10 minutes Total time: 3 hours, 10 minutes Servings: 6 1 jar (23.5 ounces) Dole Sliced Peaches, divided 4 teaspoons maple syrup 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon

Prep time: 10 minutes Total time: 10 minutes Servings: 2

1 cup Sabra Hummus, any flavor 2 large soft tortillas 1/2 cup thinly sliced red pepper 1/2 cup thinly sliced cucumber 1/2 cup thinly sliced cantaloupe 4 leaves lettuce

Spread thin layer of hummus on both tortillas.

Divide red pepper, cucumber, cantaloupe and lettuce between tortillas. Roll tightly and secure with toothpicks.

Slice into pinwheels and serve.

H& Magazine | www.STLHandHMag.com 17

Best Foot Forward

T

emperatures may be dropping, but just because swimsuit season is over doesn’t mean it’s time to let your fitness regimen fall by the wayside. Keeping active and maintaining a healthy lifestyle is important year-around, so stay on track as the weather cools with these tips and tricks.

7 Healthy Habits for Fall Fitness •

•

With cooler temps comes the temptation to indulge in comfort foods. Remember that it’s OK to satisfy those cravings but keep portions in control.

From the start of school to the kickoff of new sporting seasons, fall is a time of fresh beginnings. Get your own start on a healthier lifestyle by kicking unhealthy habits such as smoking.

18 H&H Magazine | www.STLHandHMag.com

Keeping in shape requires keeping your feet in motion, but without proper footwear you can find your energy sagging and muscles strain­ ing. This is especially true for runners, whose feet take a real pounding. Look for a shoe that fits well in both the heel and instep, fitting snugly but not restrictive.

Remember that feet swell during a run, so be sure you have ample room in width and length. Also be sure the shoe off­ers enough flexibility to give without •

•

•

Make the most of these last few months to enjoy sea­sonal fruits and vegetables. Try new recipes featuring options such as apples, pears, pumpkin and squash to enjoy the natural goodness of fresh produce and add some variety to your typical diet.

Colder weather may bring relief from the heat, but it also brings cold and flu season fast on its heels.

Practice good hygiene and wash your hands often to minimize your exposure to germs and illness.

Commit to a workout routine. Whether that means investing in the proper home workout equipment to have at home or securing a gym membership (or a combination of the two), pledge to make

causing blisters or rubbing uncom­ fortably while you’re running.

•

•

time for a workout most, if not all, days of the week.

Set a good example for the youngest members of your family by finding ways to get the whole crew involved. Take a walk or bike ride, or organize a game of backyard ball to get those feel-good endorphins going.

Poor sleep not only drags you down, it can raise your risk for numerous medical problems. Set a bedtime that allows you plenty of rest and stick to it. Also eliminate as many factors as possible that can disrupt your sleep, such as the TV, music and lights.

A Sporting Way to Get More Cardio Keeping sports equipment handy makes it easy to incorporate more exercise into your daily routine. Assemble a variety of sporting goods to create some variety in your workout, and be sure to include options you can enjoy solo, with a partner or with a group of friends. An assortment of balls for games such as basketball, football, soccer and softball are simple ways to get in an extra cardio workout. Jump ropes, resistance bands and free weights are also handy to have around the house when inspiration to mix up your workout routine is necessary.

Performance Training for a Healthy Lifestyle Building healthy habits, strength and endurance is possible with the T618 Nautilus Performance Series Treadmill, which is perfect for home workouts. With a full suite of training pro­ grams, including interval training, weight management and other customized workouts, this powerful machine features an exclusive cushioning system, a gym-quality running path and an easy-folding deck. Bluetooth connectivity allows users to share data with the free Nautilus Trainer app, which automatically syncs with popular fitness apps. Learn more at nautilus.com.

Electrolytes for Fitness During a workout, you lose more than just water when you sweat – you also lose electrolytes. If you don’t replace what you lose, you can become dehydrated, decreasing strength, reducing endurance and delaying muscle response. Water alone doesn’t contain electrolytes, so you need a beverage enhanced with electrolytes like Propel Electrolyte Water. With 9 available zero-calorie flavors, it’s the only national water brand with enough electrolytes to replace what you lose in sweat. Learn more at propelwater.com.

H& Magazine | www.STLHandHMag.com 19

C

onsumers today increasingly rely on con­ nected devices to research products and services before making purchases – so it’s no secret that small businesses need to focus more of their marketing resources than ever before on online strategies.

As the journey from consumer query to purchase becomes more complex – incorporating multiple devices, websites, apps and offline activities – so too do the options for tracking consumer behavior and leveraging online media for targeted advertising.

There are companies today specializing in almost every aspect of online marketing, leaving business owners with a dizzying array of options. For many the question is not the value of online marketing, but rather where to start and how much they need to do to accomplish their marketing objectives. Fortunately, there are some foundational activities that are effective, manageable and comprise an impor­tant starting point for leveraging digital media to grow your business. Here are four basics you can focus on right now to 20 H&H Magazine | www.STLHandHMag.com

promote your business and grow your customer base online:

Mobile mindset

Mobile is quickly becoming the device of choice for consumers to search the web. According to research by International Data Corporation on behalf of YP, nearly one in three consumers uses two or more devices when looking for information about products and services; and in 2015, Google announced that it receives more searches from smartphones and tablets than from computers. Yet many businesses are slow to adapt.

If your website is difficult to navigate from a mobile device, you can lose business to your competitors – especially since mobile searches are often about more than finding information.

Con­sumers are using their mobile phones to take action after visiting a site, including calling a business, checking store hours and mapping directions. Make sure your site is mobile-friendly and easy to use from a variety of devices so you don’t miss out on potential customers.

Simple search

Search marketing is a powerful tool to drive quality leads. At minimum, you need to optimize your web presence to make sure people who are looking for the types of products and services you sell can find you through the major search engines. After that, you can supplement your organic search engine traffic with paid search ads during peak seasons, special promotions or when you have budget to invest. In any case, the first step is to form a clear vision of your target consumers and the key­ words that drive searches in your industry. For additional ideas, consult others, such as customers, relatives, competitor websites and industry news.

The time and money you invest in search market­ ing can be undermined if you neglect the basics such as making sure your company contact informa­ tion is accurate, consistent and easy to find on your website, in online directories and anywhere else your business appears on the web. Think about what makes your life easier when you’re searching for a product or service that you need and then strive to provide that same experience on your own website.

Social graces

Social media is a great platform to connect and engage with potential customers.

The key to making it work for your business is to listen first. Look for social media groups related to your industry, the services or products you provide, or the interests of your target consumers, and observe conversations to find out what’s important to the people you need to reach. Avoid promoting your business in these settings, but look for opportunities to add value and expertise to the discussion. In time, this will help to build a community of followers. Keep in mind that each social

Summit fuels growth

media channel has its own rules and user base, and not all may be a fit for your business.

Find the channel(s) that makes the most sense for you and your business, and be sure to incorporate social links in all of your marketing efforts to further grow your network.

Content and character

In the age of information, every small business needs to be a content publisher. Good content serves many purposes, from attracting higher search engine rankings to helping prospects choose your products or services, and reinforcing your brand. A good start is to look for opportunities to educate and share your expertise. How-to videos, FAQs or links to informative resources about your industry are great ways to add value and encourage people to come back to your website. Other content, such as seasonal greeting videos or stories about work you’re doing in the community, may serve to humanize your brand and build authentic connections with your customers.

For business owners looking to grow their businesses, the Local Breakthrough Summit organized by YP may deliver the knowledge and tools they need. The series of nationwide events brings together leaders in digital marketing, including Bing, Google, Verve and Yahoo, while also giving small business owners the opportunity to share best practices and gain insights about their communities. For more information on YP’s Local Breakthrough Summit, visit adsolutions.yp.com/breakthroughsummit.

Does a local business really need a website?

When your business is primarily focused on local clients and you don’t sell products online, you may won­ d er whether your business even needs a website. The answer is unequi­vocally yes.

Websites are how local businesses get found via directories and search engines. It’s the “home base” for pertinent inform­ ation about your business, including hours, loca­ tion, pro­ducts, services and more.

Remember that keeping your website information current and correct is extremely important Inaccurate information can get picked up by other sites and directories, which, in turn, makes it harder for your potential cus­ tomers to find and engage with your business.

H& Magazine | www.STLHandHMag.com 21

SAINT LOUIS

HAPPENINGS 2016

WINTER

Phone: 877-892-7785 www.holidaysatunionstation.com

Electronics Recycling

November 18 Time: 12pm - 6pm Cost: Free (Fees for some items may apply) Event Categories: Community, Electronic Recycling The Family Arena Phone: 636-896-4200 2002 Arena Parkway St. Charles, 63303 United States Website: www.witsinc.org Details: If you’re still wondering what to do with that defunct snow blower collecting dust in the garage, or what about the behemoth computer in the basement? Then, hey, it’s time to make a move and recycle! The city of St. Charles in sponsorship with WITS, Inc., will once again host a free monthly Electronic Recycling Event available to all area businesses and residents in St. Charles, Warren and Lincoln Counties.

Santa Express & Holidays at Union Station

November 18 - December 31, 2016 St. Louis Union Station 1820 Market St. Louis, MO Rail Hospitality and Entertainment 22 H&H Magazine | www.STLHandHMag.com

Details: The happiest season of the year is going to be bigger and better than ever at St. Louis Union Station in 2016. This year, 14 new attractions and experiences will make Holidays at Union Station the biggest holiday hot spot in the Midwest. The Santa Express Train Ride is the centerpiece of this expanded holiday event. Real trains pull out of St. Louis Union Station — the 1894 National Historic Landmark terminal — beginning November 18 and continuing through December 30, 2016. Trains will leave the station at 4:45, 6:15, 7:30 and 8:30 p.m. Wednesdays through Sundays. Hotel ticket packages and individual tickets for The Santa Express and Holidays at Union Station activities are now on sale. Tickets may be purchased online and the full calendar of train rides and ticketed activities are available at www.

HolidaysAtUnionStation.com. For tickets by phone, dial 877-TWAS-STL (877892-7785). For a recorded message with additional information, dial 844-4 INFO 25 (844-446-3625).

Sentimental Journey Holiday Concert

November 19, 2016 Times: From: 7pm to 11pm Location: Foundry Art Centre Address: 520 N. Main Center, Saint Charles, MO 63301 Phone:636-255-0270 Details: Come join in the holiday spirit with the Sentimental Journey Dance Band at the Foundry Art Centre. Known as one of the best big bands in the Midwest, the Sentimental Journey Dance Band is sure to get you in the dancing mood with their wide range of classic music “from the 40’s to the Present,” along with a number of your holiday favorites. With over 30 years of experience, they are sure to put on a performance you do not want to miss.Assigned seating with table purchase only (tables of 10), otherwise general admission. Please purchase tickets in advance for guaranteed seating.

Christmas Traditions

November 25, 2016 Times: From: 1am-9pm Location: Historic Main Street Address: 230 S. Main St., Saint Charles, MO 63301 Contact: Karen Godfrey Phone: 636-946-7776 www.historicstcharles.com/things-to-do/christmas-traditions Details: The 2016 season begins with the arrival of Santa and Mrs. Claus by horse-drawn carriage escorted by the Lewis & Clark Fife and Drum Corps and all of your favorite Christmas Legends as they hang the ceremonial last piece of greenery, marking the official start to the holiday season.

O’Fallon’s Celebration of Lights November 25, 2016 to December 24, 2016 Location: Fort Zumwalt Park Address: 1000 Jessup Lane, O’Fallon, MO 63366 Phone: 636-379-5606 http://www.ofallon.mo.us/celebration-of-lights

Details: Bundle up your family for a tour of O’Fallon’s Celebration of Lights, and see Fort Zumwalt Park magically transformed by twinkling lights, holiday scenes and surprises around every corner. You can cruise through the park in your vehicle (except on Mondays, or during the Old-Fashioned Holiday Stroll on December 12 & 13).

Or, book a train ride, or sleigh hayride in advance. No reservations are needed for the drive-through.

Christmas Traditions

From: November 26, 2016 - December 23, 2016 (Every Sunday, Wednesday, Friday, Saturday) Times: Wednesday 6:30PM-9:00PM, Friday 6:30PM-9:00pm, Saturday 11:00AM-9:00PM, Sunday 12:00PM-5:00PM Location: Historic Main Street Address: 230 S. Main St., Saint Charles, MO 63301 Contact: Karen Godfrey Phone: 636-946-7776 www.historicstcharles.com/includes/events/ChristmasTraditions/926/ Details: The celebration is staged in a charming village on the Missouri River know as Saint Charles. Close your eyes and listen to the sound of horses’ hooves on the brick street, and the sweet holiday music of the fife.

Capture in your mind the essence, that time in America when life was simpler, and Christmas was elegant and magical. Regardless of the evening or weekend you choose to visit Christmas Traditions, we promise you will find the genuine, warm tradition of a Saint Charles welcome.

Moscow Ballet’s Great Russian Nutcracker in Saint Louis November 30, 2016 Time: 7pm Fabulous Fox Theatre 527 N Grand Boulevard Saint Louis, Missouri 63103 www.vividseats.com/theatre/nutcracker-tickets.html

Details: The annual hit of the holiday season will once again be coming to a theater near you. With a purchase of The Nutcracker tickets, you’ll be on your way to experiencing the acclaimed timeless ballet, featuring the ever-popular “Dance of the Sugar Plum Fairy” and “Waltz of the Flowers.”

H& Magazine | www.STLHandHMag.com 23

7 pm Fabulous Fox Theatre 527 N Grand Boulevard Saint Louis, Missouri 63103 www.vividseats.com/theatre/nutcracker-tickets.html Details: The annual hit of the holiday season will once again be coming to a theater near you. With a purchase of The Nutcracker tickets, you’ll be on your way to experiencing the acclaimed timeless ballet, featuring the ever-popular “Dance of the Sugar Plum Fairy” and “Waltz of the Flowers.”

Polar Express Movie Night

November 30, 2016 Venue: Foundry Art Centre Times: Crafts & Artists Hour begins at 6:00PM, Movie begins at 7 pm Location: Foundry Art Centre Address: 520 N. Main Center, Saint Charles, MO 63301 Admission: Free Phone: 636-255-0270 www.foundryartcentre.org/film-series/ Details: Join us for a great evening of crafts, hot chocolate, and viewing of one of our favorite films, “The Polar Express”. Bring the whole family and don’t forget to wear your favorite holiday pajamas.

Annie in Saint Louis

December 2, 2016 Friday 7:30 pm (on various days) Fabulous Fox Theatre 527 N Grand Boulevard Saint Louis, Missouri 63103 www.fabulousfox.com/events/detail/annie

Moscow Ballet’s Great Russian Nutcracker in Saint Louis November 30, 2016

24 H&H Magazine | www.STLHandHMag.com

Details: Leapin’ Lizards! The world’s best-loved musical returns in time-honored form. Directed by original lyricist and director Martin Charnin and choreographed

by Liza Gennaro, this production of ANNIE will be a brand new incarnation of the iconic original. Featuring book and score by Tony Award®-winners Thomas Meehan, Charles Strouse and Martin Charnin, ANNIE includes such unforgettable songs as “It’s the Hard Knock Life,” “Easy Street,” “I Don’t Need Anything But You,” plus the eternal anthem of optimism, “Tomorrow.”

H& Magazine | www.STLHandHMag.com 25

Details: The Greatest Show on Earth has truly stood the test of time as audiences continue to buy Ringling Brothers tickets to fill witness the oneof-a-kind event all over the world. With acts you have to see to believe, book your seats now for this timeless experience!

CLAUS AND PAWS

December 3, 2016 Saturday 1 - 3 pm Instructor: Santa The Lodge Des Peres 1050 Des Peres Road, Des Peres, Missouri Cost: FREE PHONE 314-835-6150 EMAIL: jlundstrom@desperesmo.org Details: Bring your favorite familyfriendly pet for a picture with Santa outside in front of The Lodge. This event is free and registration is not required! Thank you to our sponsor, Three Dog Bakery, for providing dog treats! Bring your own camera. Pets must be on a leash.

Cirque Musica Holiday Spectacular December 15 Time: 7:30 pm - 10:30 pm Cost: $28 - $88 The Family Arena Phone: 636-896-4200 2002 Arena Parkway St. Charles, 63303 United States www.familyarena.com

Details: The Family Arena is thrilled to announce that the CIRQUE MUSICA HOLIDAY SPECTACULAR is coming Thursday, December 15 at 7:30pm. The show will be performed with a The St. Louis Symphony Orchestra.

CIRQUE MUSICA HOLIDAY SPECTACULAR is a fun filled family holiday event featuring the cast of Cirque Musica together with all-time favorite holiday songs performed by a live orchestra. Cirque Musica is a concert and visual experience where audiences journey into a world of high-flying adventure with amazing acrobats, aerialists, hilarious hijinks and holiday cheer, too!

Raja’s Birthday in Saint Louis

Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus in Saint Louis December 8, 2016 Thursday 7 pm (on various days) Scottrade Center 1401 Clark Avenue Saint Louis, Missouri 63103 www.ringling.com 26 H&H Magazine | www.STLHandHMag.com

December 27, 2016 Tuesday 11am The Saint Louis Zoo 1 Government Drive Saint Louis, Missouri 63110 314-781-0900 www.stlzoo.org

Details: Raja the bull elephant turns 24. Join us for a celebration! A great zoo, with the mission to conserve animals and their habitats through outstanding educational and recreational experiences, research and animal management.

a t n Sa

h t i w m a e r Ice C

Sunday Dec. 18th 2-3:30

5525 Oak St. Cottleville, MO 63304 Bring your camera and get a photo with Santa and enjoy a kiddie cone of peppermint ice cream.

H& Magazine | www.STLHandHMag.com 27

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. $4,800,000

7 Upper Whitmoor Dr

Gorgeous custom built 1.5 story home.

7 baths & 4 well sized bedrms. 2 story great rm.Portico to oversized heated garage.$1,600,000

4018 Austin Dr

220 Northlind Dr

Private Gorgeous Lot, 5 Bedroom, Walk out Finished LL, Elegant updated cherry wide planked flooring. 3 Car Oversized Garage. $699,900

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

1228 Leighton Estates Ct

Beautiful custom home situated on a one street enclave of homes featuring a gourmet kitchen, large master suite, and finished lower level. $575,000 Russ Schmidt

Call 636.634.6558

12 Wynnbrook Manor Dr

Open Floorplan Ranch in a private enclave. Finished walk-out LL includes 9’ ceilings. 3 car oversized garage. $500,000

45 Muirfield Point Lane

Quiet culdesac. Beautiful Ranch. Gorgeous wood floors. 3 Bedroom, 2 Bathroom.

Wood burning fireplace, Custom blinds.

3 Car Garage. $329,900

429 Snipes Dr

Custom Atrium Ranch situated on 2 acre lot. 5 Fireplaces, 4 Bedroom, 5 Baths.

Stunning vaulted ceilings. 3 car oversized garage. $479,900

742 Blairbeth Dr

5460 Old Gutermuth Rd

227 Abington Dr

Fantastic 4 BR home with HUGE 3 Car Oversized Garage. Backs to woods & trees almost 1/2 acre lot. GORGEOUS family rm w/wood floor.$329,900

2 story with brick & vinyl sided elevation.

Large level yard w/irrigation system. This home is in a fantastic location for an easy commute. $239,900

Ashley Bahr

Tammie Meyer

Call 636.373.0194

Beautiful Large Lot, Detached Garage and Work Shop. 3 Bedroom, 2 Bathroom Home. Walk out finished LL.Updated kitchen. $185,900

3621 Forest Edge Dr

Beautiful setting, 3+ acre lot mature trees, Brick & Vinyl sided home, 3 car side entry garage, insulated, Master suite w/large walk in. $435,000

12432 Marine Ave

1 Muirfield Ct South

Outstanding 3050 sq foot fully remodeled 4 Bedroom Home. Exquisite kitchen with custom 42" cabinets. 3 Car Oversized Garage. $410,000

601 Lazy River Ct

100 Quail Run Dr

Beautiful 3 Bedroom 2.5 Bath Ranch.

Open concept, formal Dining Room, and Living Room with Gas Fireplace.

Under 3 Acres. $360,000

1120 Oakley Lane

Almost-new open floorpan ranch featuring vaulted ceilings, 3 br, 2 bath, large 3+ car garage, great yard - Subdivision lake and playground. $209,000

Open floorplan.4BR 2 Full Bath Home in a great location - Freshly painted, Hardwood floors, Loft area. 2 Car Garage. $199,375

1342 Caulks Hill Rd

640 Meadowgrass Dr

Call 636.578.4399

2504 Mayer Dr

Three Bdrm Two Bath Ranch home in the 4 Bedroom, Multi-level Home in Great Dawn Valley Subdivision.Two car garage.

Location. Beautiful brick fireplace.Huge Partially finished lower level features Family Garage, plenty of room for storage. Fenced Rm, storage area/laundry. $179,000 Yard. $159,000

This property is residential but could be an opportunity for a commercial business. 4 Bedroom, 2 Bathroom. 2 Car Garage. $157,000

4 Bedroom Ranch Home.

Beautiful wood floors. 2 car garage and full basement. Level yard, fenced, vinyl siding. $126,500

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

www.Service1stHomes.com

MEET OUR TEAM OF DEDICATED AGENTS Susan Brewer 314.540.0734

Susan@SusanBrewer.com

Mike Lampe 636.751.4442

Mike@Service1stHomes.com

Ashley Bahr 636.373.0194

Ashley@Service1stHomes.com

Julie Alsup 314.378.5146

Julie@Service1stHomes.com

Tammie Meyer 636.578.4399

Lori Pisani 636.578.7781

Andi Stopke 636.284.1019

Tom Budde 636.734.4414

Tammie@Service1stHomes.com

Lori@Service1stHomes.com

Andi@Service1stHomes.com

Tom@Service1stHomes.com

Heather Harris 636.284.1337

Stacy Iffrig 636.734.1364

Fred Figura 314.277.1925

Wendy Halamicek 636.634.1152

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@Service1stHomes.com

Stacy@Service1stHomes.com

Fred@Service1stHomes.com

Wendy@Service1stHomes.com

Brittany Hale 636.399.6419

Russ Schmidt 636.634.6558

Stacy Sutterer 314-308-6991

Kelly Jackson 314.369.9392

Brittany@Service1stHomes.com

Russ@Service1stHomes.com

Kimberly Barton 314.369.8965

Steve Savory 314.604.3999

Stacy.S@Service1stHomes.com Kelly@Service1stHomes.com

Heather Patten 402.350.7490

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

Kimberly@Service1stHomes.com Steve.Savory@Service1stHomes.com Geather.Patten@Service1stHomes.com