S A I N T
LO U I S
& HOME AND HAPPENINGS
MARCH21
This special publication brought to you by SUSAN BREWER SERVICE FIRST REAL ESTATE
A note from the editor...
www.STLHandHMag .com
EDITOR IN CHIEF Wade Brewer
DESIGN Brian L Spurgeon
Spring is finally here! After a cold winter, there is nothing better than those first few days of spring when the warmer weather returns and the birds are chirping. Spring also typically means an active real estate market and this year is no different. Homes in our area are selling quickly and in many neighborhoods there are simply not enough homes for sale to meet the demand of buyers. Simply because we are in a sellers market, doesn’t mean that your home shouldn’t look its best before going actively for sale. In this issue we offer some ideas for updating your home - whether you are preparing to sell or simply want to love your home a little more. As always, we offer some delicious recipes for this time of year with some lighter options in Give Salads a Fresh Spin, some delicious spring options for brunch and even a recipe from celebrity chef Curtis Stone.
WEBSITE & FEEDBACK www.STLHandHMag.com
Editor@STLHandHMag.com
This time of year also means that we can get out and enjoy some of the activities that our area has to offer. Of course, I can’t help but mention Blooming Daisy Marketplace in Cottleville and their outdoor market that begin in April and are held the third Saturday of the month from 10:00-2:00 through November. We hope that you enjoy this issue and can’t wait to bring you the summer edition!
Wade Brewer Editor-in-chief
Self published by Susan Brewer Service First Real Estate. All material herein is copyrighted and all rights are reserved.
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CONTENTS
Renovating Your Home? How to Protect Your Investment page 10 - 11
4-5
DIY Ideas to Increase Your Home’s Value
6-7
Add a Dash of Spice and Style to Your Kitchen
8-9
5 Tips to Get Your Garage Organized – And Keep It That Way
10 - 11
Renovating Your Home? How to Protect Your Investment
12 - 13
4 Ways to Prepare Your Home for Bug Season
14 - 15
Seeing Your Doctor During the Pandemic
16 - 17
How to Plan for a Future Vacation
18 - 19
Purposeful Ways to Style a Multi-Purpose Room
20 - 21
5 Tips to Spring Clean Your Home Inside and Out
22 - 23
Chef Curtis Stone Shares 5 Tips for a Happier, More Efficient 2021 Kitchen
24 - 25
Make Snack Time Fun and Simple
26 - 27
Give Spring Salads a Fresh Spin
28 - 29
A Brunch Spread Fit for Spring
30
1798 BBQ - Eat Local
31
Blooming Daisy Marketplace Outdoor Market Spring Schedule
32 - 33
Home of the Month
34
Buying or Selling a Home
35
Best Real Estate Agency in St. Charles
36
We Can Help
37
Plank Road Pizza - Eat Local
38
Susan Brewer #1 Agent in St. Charles
39 - 41 42
St. Louis Happenings BEST Pizza in St. Charles H&H Magazine | www.STLHandHMag.com 3
DIY Ideas to Increase Your Home’s Value family features
Now as much as ever, your home may be a sanctuary for all kinds of expression, from thinking and dreaming to working and playing. Over the past year, homeowners began to consider the intersection of function and design in new ways. Weekend warriors are dedicating themselves to creating more organized living spaces and making their homes better places for learning, working and living. If you’re considering upgrades to your home, consider these DIY ideas from the experts at Royal Building Products that can increase beauty and resale value.
HOME OFFICE: Spending more time at home may
mean storage space is at a premium, especially if you’re relying on a makeshift home office. You can add a highimpact and functional element to your office with a built-in bookcase or workstation. Consider your materials
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carefully since they have a big impact on your final results. For example, a versatile alternative to wood is synthetic polyvinyl chloride (PVC) trim, which you don’t need to sand or prime before painting, ultimately saving time, energy and money. While PVC is slightly more expensive than some wood options, it also requires less maintenance long-term.
BATHROOM: By updating worn-out items, modernizing fixtures and creating a more functional space, you can expect to recoup up to 50% of a bathroom’s remodel cost, according to the National Association of the Remodeling Industry. If you’re considering an on-trend look like shiplap, a practical solution like Royal prefinished PVC Shiplap can help create a clean, comfortable space. It’s waterproof, mold resistant, flexible and works well in spaces with many slants and angles. Plus, it’s lightweight and easy to install.
Select a Trim Style to Match Your Home Style The right style of trim can transform a room into a whole new space. A good rule of thumb is to keep the style of trim consistent with your home style and from room to room.
CRAFTSMAN: The craftsman home style pairs well with simple, tailored and purposeful doors and minimally ornamented window casings while white, light beige and cream-colored crown moulding can create roomier spaces.
COLONIAL: This home style’s rustic simplicity and rich detail call for interior trim that lends a touch of stately courtliness. Choose multi-piece trim and wider baseboards, wainscoting and crown moulding to adorn family room floors, walls and ceilings.
CAPE COD: This practical and quaintly unassuming design can be accented by subtle interior trim such as transom windows and sidelights that surround multi-paneled entry doors, casings for double-hung windows, picture rails and frame walls.
ENTRYWAY: A home’s foyer offers the first impression of its interior, teasing the personality of architecture and decor found with each step deeper inside. Whether bold and dramatic, tranquil and serene, or something in-between, the entryway often sets the tone for a home’s ambience. Details like decorative molding and lattice trim can create a striking entryway for almost any home style. EXTERIOR: Whether you’re sprucing up an outdoor living space
or simply want to boost curb appeal, subtle enhance-ments can make a big impact. For exam-ple, board and batten shutters offer an attrac tive, low-fuss way to high light your home’s windows. Painting the front door is another low-cost way to freshen up your exterior. Or invite a touch of nature by adding flower boxes to your front porch or windows. Find more creative inspiration, tools, tips and practical steps for every level of DIY-er at buildroyaldiy.com.
MODERN: The clean expansiveness of this home style lends itself to unadorned window and door casings as well as baseboards. You can go minimalist and use trim merely to protect walls and floors. Alternatively, you could rely on trim to create an appealing contrast with the wall colors.
RANCH: Open, informal and inviting, this style needs trim work that flows from room to room. Many styles work, from simple baseboards to more formal trimmed windows and cabinetry in the kitchen, fireplace mantels in the family room and passageway casings.
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Add a Dash of Spice and Style to Your Kitchen bpt
In today’s homes, kitchens serve a multitude of purposes beyond being a space to whip up a meal. They’re the heart of your home; the command center; the family gathering spot. So it’s no wonder why kitchens are where homeowners invest their renovation budget and why homebuyers pay a premium for an updated look. And savvy design professionals agree, spicing up your kitchen with stylish, timeless and natural materials - like cypress is a recipe for success.
LAYING IT OUT Planning a new or remodeled kitchen can be an exciting, yet overwhelming time. Designer Erika Powell from Urban
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Grace Interiors in Santa Rosa Beach, Florida, says making the process less stressful boils down to ensuring the layout meets your needs. “When starting a project, we first like to sit down with our clients in order to get to know them and how they will be using their kitchen,” she says. “If an architect is involved, we also like to work hand-in-hand with them so that any overarching architectural vision they may have is included in the interior design as well.” Nowadays, homeowners are mostly looking for open concept floorplans with kitchens that open up to living
gravitate toward light and natural materials - and products like real wood are just more beautiful. A wood like cypress is stable and durable with unique charm. It’s a fixture in many of our kitchen projects.”
DECIDING ON CABINETS When it comes to choosing cabinetry, architect Ben Patterson from Bossier City, Louisiana, says it doesn’t take long to notice the difference between cabinetry that’s built with solid wood and what you can find at the big box stores. “In my experience, homeowners value the natural character and quality of solid wood cabinets,” he says. “I’m a full-service architect and usually design custom cabinets for the projects I work on. And I like working with local materials, so my cabinet designs usually have a cypress face with a birch box.” Selecting a finish can be tricky, but Patterson says trends come and go. “Painted cabinets seem to be all the rage these days, but a natural wood finish is tasteful and timeless,” he adds. “And that’s another reason I love cypress. Whether new growth, old growth, sinker, or pecky, cypress is simply beautiful.”
TOPPING IT OFF If your kitchen feels a little bland, luxury homebuilder Matt Cain from Dallas-based Tatum Brown Custom Homes says what’s overhead is often overlooked.
and dining rooms. And because there’s less available wall space, there are fewer upper cabinets. To compensate, modern kitchen layouts feature expansive islands with seating and storage, a pantry for canned and dry goods, and a butler pantry to hide away less frequently used items. “Once we determine the layout, then we get to work on selecting building products and finishes,” Powell says. “While there is a wide range of products to choose from, our style focuses on fine materials and classic design elements. Being near the beach, our clients
“In kitchens, we typically install a wood plank ceiling treatment to add visual texture and aesthetic warmth,” he says. “There are a lot of materials to work with, but I prefer cypress - especially pecky cypress because it offers such a specific look and homeowners just fall in love with it. In fact, I’ve never painted a cypress ceiling; it’s too beautiful to cover up.” For more ideas on how to add some spice and style to your kitchen, visit CypressInfo.org.
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5 Tips to Get Your Garage Organized – And Keep It That Way
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Is your garage in disarray? While you dream of a perfectly organized workbench or garage, your reality probably looks more like a sea of random toys, boxes and exercise equipment.
Follow these five tips to tame the mess and get your garage back in shape:
Every do-it-yourselfer knows a clean, organized garage is the key to efficient project planning and repairs around the home. As we head into warmer months, set aside the time to take charge of the space and finally create a sense of tidiness that will last year-round.
bins. When it comes to organizing and storing the assortment of cords, car care items, paint supplies and kid’s toys littering your garage, nothing does the job better than clear storage bins. Not only can you categorize items by project or activity type, you can
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1 Invest in shelving that accommodates clear storage
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situation, only to realize it’s broken, damaged or dried out. As you organize, pay attention to textures, consistencies and expiration dates. Toss and replace any items that have seen better days. For broken tools that seem salvageable, like cracked hoses or broken handles, reach for a professional grade, heavy-duty duct tape like T-Rex Tape to tackle the repair.
3 Utilize ceiling and wall space with hanging storage. From
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bicycles and skis to rakes and shovels, some equipment is better off stored up and out of your way. Install hanging racks or shelving above the area where you park your vehicles to store larger, heavier equipment, and use a double-sided mounting tape to attach hooks along the sides of your garage for lighterweight items.
As we head into warmer months, set aside the time to take charge of the space and finally create a sense of tidiness that will last year-round.
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Stock up on the essentials so you can make repairs on the fly. While it’s great to have a wide assortment of tools and supplies, for many projects and repairs you really just need the basics – think max-strength waterproof tape, bungee cords, a hammer, nails and similar essentials. Use these items as the foundation of your garage workstation and stock up on extras to keep on-hand for emergencies, camping and other on-the-go uses.
5 Give everything a home. Aim to group supplies for similar
also easily stack them to save space without sacrificing the ability to easily find what you need, when you need it. Invest in taller, wider shelving for the perimeter of the garage to accommodate your chosen bins.
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Fix or dispose of anything broken or past its prime. There’s nothing worse than scrambling to find a specific tool or product in an urgent
activities, tasks and repairs together, giving each category a “home.” In addition to helping keep things organized in dedicated spaces, hanging frequently used tools and supplies on hooks or pegboard can make it easier to quickly scan the garage and find exactly what you need. Use your mounting tape to safely and securely create a space to store and display all your go-to items. Interested in more solutions for all your home and DIY needs? Visit www.trextape.com for a wide variety project and repair ideas. Whether you’re working on your car or tackling a weekend DIY project, having all your tools and supplies in order will make all the difference. H&H Magazine | www.STLHandHMag.com 9
Renovating Your Home? How to Protect Your Investment
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The increased time spent at home during the pandemic has resulted in many people deciding to tackle home renovation projects. From creating a new office space or virtual learning area, to larger projects like bathroom renovations, many homeowners are rolling up their sleeves to do the improvements themselves.
And the trend doesn’t seem to be slowing down. In fact, the Leading Indicator of Remodeling Activity (LIRA)
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projects the remodeling industry will be even stronger in 2021, up 3.8% compared to 2020. During the pandemic, homeowners have fixed up or added on decks, updated landscaping and installed new roofs, among other projects. According to HomeAdvisor’s latest annual State of Home Spending report, the number one completed project was interior painting – 35% of households painted in 2020, making a visual impact with a low investment.
saying they wish they had one. Kitchen renovations are typically on wish lists, and Houzz reported that demand for kitchen remodelers was up 40% in June 2020 compared to the year prior.
2 GRANITE COUNTERTOPS: 17.8% 3 KITCHEN ISLAND: 16.8% 4 TANKLESS WATER HEATER: 16.4% 5 FINISHED BASEMENT: 16.2% Regardless of the new features or upgrades you choose, it’s important to let your insurance agent know so you can make sure you have enough homeowners insurance coverage.
“We understand how important the home is; that’s why we provide coverage to suit every home and budget,” says Bob Buckel, vice president and product manager at Erie Insurance. “Our variety of optional endorsements helps you customize your policy without breaking the bank.”
Consider expanding your coverage beyond the standard homeowners policy with endorsements – like equipment breakdown to cover that new tankless water heater. They can also cover stolen or misplaced jewelry, sewer or drain backups, cyber-crimes, identity theft and underground service lines. Adding these extra coverages to your home policy can provide you with the comfort knowing all the extra work you put into sprucing up your home will be protected. To make sure you have what you need for your home and everything in it, talk to an insurance agent or visit ErieInsurance.com.
What’s on your to-do list? If you’re considering an upgrade but not sure where to start, check out the results of a national survey by Erie Insurance, conducted prior to the pandemic, which revealed what homeowners don’t have, but wish they did. Here are the top five:
Making home updates can be as big or small an endeavor as you like. If you do take the plunge, be sure you protect your investment.
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WALK-IN PANTRY: This topped the list with just under a third of respondents (30%)
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4 Ways to Prepare Your Home for Bug Season state point
Spring is the official start to bug season, making it important to prepare your home. Here are four steps you can take you keep bugs at bay:
1 DO A SPOT CHECK: Check window and door
screens for tears to prevent flying bugs from getting in the home and make repairs where necessary. Also, take a
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quick look around for areas with standing water and try to eliminate them. Standing water creates a breeding ground for mosquitos. Lastly, even the sturdiest garbage bags can’t entirely prevent leaks and spills, and over time, your trash bins can begin to accumulate residue inside and around the rim. Bugs, especially flies, love leftovers, so give your garbage cans a thorough rinse.
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2 BE READY: Put an effective pest control product in
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your shopping cart early in the season so you’re ready when you see the first sign of bugs in your home. If you see one cockroach, chances are there are more hiding in nooks and crannies. It’s hard to put a pin on how many, but an old saying is that for every one you do see, there are 10 more you don’t. Striking at the first sign of ants or roaches can help you avoid big problems down the line, as these insects can multiply very quickly. One solid choice is Zevo Instant Action Bug Killer Spray. Zevo’s BioSelective Technology targets and shuts down biological pathways found in bugs, not in people or pets. Easy to use, just spray on pests, then wipe up the dead bugs, as well as any excess product. Zevo is now available nationwide at The Home Depot and Target, and online at zevoinsect.com.
Put an effective pest control product in your shopping cart early in the season so you’re ready when you see the first sign of bugs in your home.
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3 PROTECT YOUR TREES: Prepare for the upcoming visit
of the 17-year cicadas. In many parts of the country, billions of cicadas will swarm and the females will scrape small twigs to lay their eggs under bark. Protect small and vulnerable trees (ones that are under 4 or 5 feet tall) with cheesecloth to spare them from attack.
4 KEEP AN EYE ON PETS. Pets are liable to gobble
up large helpings of dead cicadas. While not toxic, too many cicadas could cause some digestive issues for furry friends. Help keep them healthy by watching what they eat! During the spring season, it is necessary to take steps both to keep bugs out, and to be ready if they do invade.
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Seeing Your Doctor During the Pandemic family features
If you’ve been putting off a visit to your doctor during COVID-19, you’re not alone.
into the hospital if not necessary and believing they can hold off on care until the end of the pandemic.
Most adults (57%) agree the pandemic has changed how they feel about going to a health care provider’s office, according to a survey of 1,000 adults in October 2020 from a national alliance of health care experts working to stop medical distancing, which was commissioned and sponsored by AbbVie.
Keeping up with regular appointments is an important part of effective ongoing health care, especially for those managing chronic conditions. Continuous, clear and open communication with your health care providers is essential to getting the care you need.
The survey showed that in adults with chronic diseases, cancellations of their visits to the doctor amounted to 61%. Of those that had canceled appointments, 18% did not reschedule them. Some of the reasons included concerns about contracting COVID-19, not wanting to go
Most important to know during this time are the measures your health care providers are taking, such as wearing personal protective equipment, practicing physical distancing and increasing cleaning and sanitization procedures. Find out what precautions health care
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SEE YOUR DOCTOR
providers are taking in your area. Also, see if your health care team offers tele health appointments as an alternative. Virtual visits put you face-to-face with your doctor from the comfort and safety of your own home. “It’s generally wise to limit in-person interactions to safeguard against contracting COVID-19, but forgoing care for an ongoing health con dition, especially a chronic illness, may put patients at unnecessary risk,” said Dr. Oren Cohen, chief medical officer, Labcorp Drug Development. “Our goal in health care is to keep patients safe and healthy. Health care providers have established robust protocols to minimize the risk of COVID19 transmission. Calling ahead to understand the process for an office visit or test is a good idea. In some circumstances, telehealth visits may be a good option as well.”
KEEP UP WITH YOUR MEDICINES
In addition to seeing your doctor, it’s also important to take your medications as prescribed. Stay in touch with your pharmacy and health care provider team to ensure prescriptions stay current. Also avoid waiting until the last minute to request a refill so you don’t encounter delays or potentially miss doses. Seeing your doctor and taking your medications are very important to your ongoing care. It’s also a time to talk with your health care provider for more advice on how to get the care you need during the pandemic and beyond.
TAKE CONTROL OF YOUR HEALTH CARE DURING COVID-19 Health care providers are taking extra precautions and implementing additional protocols to conduct in-person visits in the safest way possible. Here’s what you can do to take care of your health: • •
• • • •
Reschedule any canceled appointments. If you decide to see the doctor in-person, be sure to call your doctor and ask what health precautions are being taken. Consider a telehealth visit as an alternative to going to an in-person visit. Take your medications as prescribed. Check the expirations of your medications and ask for refills with plenty of time to have them filled. Ask your health care provider for additional ways to protect your health during this pandemic.
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How to Plan for a Future Vacation
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After a long year stuck at home, many people are dreaming about when they can travel once again. While counting down the days may feel like torture, planning and booking a vacation for later this year can give you something to look forward to. Now may be the perfect time to start thinking about your next adventure. Consider these tips for planning a future trip - even if you’re not certain exactly when you’ll take it.
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RESEARCH TRAVEL RESTRICTIONS For any kind of travel, it’s important to make sure you’re up to date on any restrictions your potential destinations may have in place. Though the vaccine may help lessen restrictions in some places, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention maintain updated guidance and travel warnings based on the risk level of certain areas, which can help you make decisions. Once you’ve booked travel plans, it is prudent to check in frequently as your trip approaches and prepare a backup plan.
still available for July, which is a more than 25% increase in demand year-over-year. To better your odds of securing your desired travel dates, accommodations and activities, booking earlier can help off-set the increased demand. “In years past, we’ve recommended families book their summer vacations by late April to stay ahead of the curve, but this year there are several reasons why families are eager and ready to book,” Vrbo President Jeff Hurst said. “These signs are telling us families should start looking for the perfect vacation home now before options become more limited.”
TAKE ADVANTAGE OF DEALS WITH LONGER STAYS Many sectors of the travel industry offer special deals for reserving trips in advance, and some of the best deals can be found by bundling airfare and lodging or booking extended week- or month-long stays. These longer vacations can lead to fewer available dates to choose from, but some travel companies offer search filters that help travelers find discounts for staying longer periods of time.
OPT FOR FLEXIBLE BOOKING If you’re eager to plan a vacation right away, be sure to review and understand cancellation policies for your preferred accommodations, airline and activities. Many have changed their policies due to the pandemic, so be sure to know how long you have to cancel or change dates without incurring additional fees or penalties. For example, when booking a vacation rental through Vrbo, where hosts set their cancellation terms, you can use the “free cancellation” filter to search for properties with flexible policies, some of which allow cancellations up to 14 days before check-in for a full refund.
START SAVING NOW
ACCOUNT FOR HIGH DEMAND Many hotels, vacation rentals and resorts may already be booked for summer in popular locations due to optimism around the vaccine, increased demand for domestic travel and families planning multiple trips this year. In fact, travelers are locking in private Vrbo vacation homes at top summer destinations earlier in 2021. Less than half of vacation homes in some locations are
While it may not be practical for everyone to save money amid uncertain times, setting even a small amount aside for your vacation can be worthwhile. Consider setting up a dedicated travel savings account or directing the change from each transaction made with your debit card to a separate account. Being able to periodically check the balance of the account can also help increase excitement for your upcoming adventure. Find more tips and start planning your next getaway at Vrbo.com.
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Purposeful Ways to Style a MultiPurpose Room
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Whether you call it a laundry room, mudroom or something else entirely, that multi-purpose space is likely a hub of activity in your home. For homeowners creating this utility space from scratch, the sky is the limit, but even if you’re updating an existing room, there are plenty of ways to add purposeful style and function. Homeowners are often looking for ways to use the rooms in their homes in multiple ways. With some thoughtful planning and the right materials, even a modest utility area can become a multi-functional space for the entire family.
TAKE A UTILITARIAN APPROACH. When planning your space, put function front and center. There are plenty of clever ways to enhance the aesthetics, so focus first on how you want to use the space. It may be hard to conceive at first, but it’s possible to create a space that serves not only your basic laundry essentials, but also provides space for you to care for four-legged friends or enjoy a hobby. For example, you might add pet washing and grooming features, along with an oversized sink that doubles as a gardening and potting area. In a multi-use room, it’s also important to be conscious of details like lighting and cabinetry inserts that can help bring organization and order to the space. Puck lighting and LED strips illuminate select areas while dividers, sliding shelves and custom pull-out cabinets ensure your items are stored out of sight but within easy reach.
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BE COLOR CONSCIOUS. In a hightraffic space that sees a fair share of dirt and grime, color is an attractive way to cleverly disguise what lurks in between cleanings. Gray tones are at the core of many contemporary interior schemes, and a mid-tone gray color palette is ideal to hide dirt and hair while providing a crisp and clean foundation for a cohesive look. For example, Wellborn Cabinet’s Shaker-style Hanover door offers clean, fuss-free lines ideal for a utilitarian space. Choose maple and finish the cabinetry with Ash stain, a trending mid-tone gray that emphasizes the detail of the wood grain. You can also bring additional character and personality to the space with accent color. For example, earthy green walls and tiling that com-plements the paint and cabinetry offer a subtle blend of colors that enhance the overarching contemporary feel.
FOCUS ON ERGONOMICS. A utility room is a place for working, so you’ll want to make accommodations to make those moments more enjoyable. For example, a raised large basin tile sink offers a spinefriendly alternative to bending over or squatting while wash-ing a pet or potting plants. For a larger dog you can’t heft into a sink, you might consider a washing station with tiled steps, a frameless glass enclosure and low-mounted, hand-held showerhead. Find more ideas an inspiration for creating a multi-purpose room that fits your lifestyle at wellborn.com.
PAMPERED PETS With a pet-friendly multi-purpose room, you can make the less glamorous tasks of pet ownership more enjoyable while you shower your pooch with special attention.
BUILT-IN KENNEL: Using cabinetry, along with sturdy chicken wire mesh in place of panels on the door frames, you can build a stylish kennel right into the room. A simple drip tray protects the wood surface and makes cleanup easy.
TOE-KICK FEEDER: Maximize every inch of space with clever solutions like a feeder that hides away under the cabinets. With built-in wells for food and water dishes, this convenient unit appears with a gentle nudge then easily slides back under the cabinet to make the space clean and neat again. PET FEEDING CENTER: Organizing your pet supplies keeps the area extra tidy, so make use of hidden storage with a pullout cabinet that holds pet food and other accessories out of sight.
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5 Tips to Spring Clean Your Home Inside and Out family features
Spring cleaning isn’t just about purging dirt and grime. It’s also the perfect opportunity to take inventory of items around your home. As you tackle this season’s cleaning, look for ways to improve your overall living space, from getting rid of things you no longer need to adding items that can work harder for you. Consider these five ways to tackle your home inside and out this spring.
MAKE ORGANIZING EASIER. As you clean each
space, look for easy ways to reduce unsightly messes and improve organization. If your entry-way always becomes a jumbled pile of shoes and coats, consider adding a storage bench and hooks to bring some order to the area. If the kids’ toys always accumulate in the living room, add
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a storage chest or large baskets to store them when not in use. If tools and equipment make the garage unusable, install shelving units to keep everything in place.
ELIMINATE THE EXCESS. Spring cleaning is also an
opportunity to declutter and make way for something new, either by donating or selling unused things. Whether it’s last season’s fashion and accessories or unused tech and fitness gear, that item you never used – or haven’t used in a while – may be exactly what someone else is looking for. Online platforms can make the process easy and be a way to earn extra cash or help fund other home upgrades. Look for marketplaces that help you maximize your return; eBay, for example, is giving sellers 200 free listings every month, meaning you only pay after your items sell.
SHOP SMARTER Considering refurbished products for your shopping list can expand your options and make it easier to purchase top-of-the-line brands without going over budget. From tech and small kitchen appliances to outdoor power equipment, you can discover a breadth of items often in like-new condition.
SHOP FOR MULTI-PURPOSE ITEMS: When upgrading your arsenal of gadgets, tools and small appliances, look for items that can serve multiple purposes. For example, many vacuums can transform into steamers or include mop attachments and some pressure cookers can also be used as air fryers.
FEEL CONFIDENT IN YOUR PURCHASE: Sometimes upgrading means investing in a premium product you can count on to last longer than entry-level models. With eBay’s Certified Refurbished program, you can find popular, professionally inspected name brands at up to 50% off, all of which are backed by industryleading twoyear warranties for peace of mind. KEEP SUSTAINABILITY IN MIND: Keeping functionality in mind and buying like-new items not only saves you money now and in the future but can also help protect the planet by extending the life of products and reducing unnecessary waste. Learn more about buying refurbished at eBay.com/CertifiedRefurbishedHub.
REIMAGINE YOUR LIVING SPACE. If one area is
becoming too crowded or doesn’t serve your family’s needs, consider items you can repurpose for another part of the home. For example, move an unused chair in your living room into a bedroom to create a reading nook. Keep your focus on function as you make changes that accommodate your lifestyle.
MAKE SMART ADDITIONS. Once you’ve cleared
your space, and sold things you no longer need, you can convert that extra cash into reliable home appliances and tech. For example, purchase or upgrade items like vacuums, lawn mowers, power washers, drills and more to help take your spring cleaning to the next level. You can make your money go further by choosing certified
refurbished products; some marketplaces like eBay offer inventory that has been professionally inspected by the manufacturer, or a manufacturer-approved vendor, to look, feel and work like new.
COMMIT TO REVISITING REGULARLY. It’s easy to
let clutter and disorganization slide when you get busy with life’s demands. Once your spring cleaning and reorganizing is complete, commit to reassessing your home on a monthly or quarterly basis so you can make small adjustments along the way, rather than face a major project every year.
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Chef Curtis Stone Shares 5 Tips for a Happier, More Efficient 2021 Kitchen
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The kitchen has long been the heart of the home, and now more than ever is central to our lifestyles. With 60% of Americans discovering a greater appreciation for cooking throughout the pandemic and planning to upgrade their kitchens as a result, Michelin-starred Chef Curtis Stone is sharing his favorite appliances, features and tips that have allowed his family to better savor more time at home. “As a chef, restaurant owner and father of two, I’m a strong believer in making your kitchen work harder for you. Whether you prioritize keeping your food fresher longer or find yourself experimenting with new cooking techniques and recipes, here are a few of my latest ‘musthaves’ for maximizing efficiency in the kitchen of 2021.”
1 PUT QUALITY FIRST.
If you ask me, there are two keys to making good food: great ingredients and quality appliances. That’s right, Michelin star not required! Restaurant-quality results are easy to achieve when you use fresh ingredients - always shop in season - and the right tools. I’m a big fan of appliances that combine power, quality performance and high efficiency. The new Bosch industrial-style ranges and
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rangetops are a great example - sure to turn heads in any kitchen and also keep up with all that extra cooking!
2 PRIORITIZE HEALTH AND WELLNESS.
From the ingredients we’re putting into our bodies to managing busy schedules, health and wellness are an important part of happiness and energy. I recently learned that hydration plays a big role in our overall well-being. A recent study found that those who drink six or more glasses of water a day tend to be happier, wake up feeling more refreshed and are most likely to describe themselves as successful. Over half of Americans are also ‘ice obsessed’ and drink less water if it is not cold or iced. This could not be more true in our home - my boys are always in and out of the refrigerator for iced beverages which is why a refrigerator that can both keep up with our fresh ingredient storage and ice and water habits is key. The latest QuickIcePro System refrigerators from Bosch produce a lot of ice quickly, thanks to one of the fastest ice makers available so you won’t be running out of ice anytime soon.
3
STREAMLINE YOUR KITCHEN SPACE WITH VERSATILE EQUIPMENT. We’re all cooking more than ever, with 85% of Americans trying at least one new recipe a month, but that is no reason to overcrowd your kitchen space. Opt for equipment that has multiple uses - from utensils to appliances to the ingredients you use. For example, the latest wall ovens have become so versatile, they double as pizza ovens, turkey roasters and dough proofers, monitor the internal temperature of your dishes and even sear the perfect steak, all in one.
4 LET TECHNOLOGY DO THE WORK
FOR YOU.
Sometimes it feels like we never slow down. Thankfully, certain technologies are designed to create efficiency, convenience and peace of mind, so we can spend less time on chores and more on what matters most. Picture this: your wall hood automatically turns on when you start cooking, a simple slide of a pan changes its temperature, your oven shuts off and notifies you when dinner is ready, and you can skip drying dishes post-dishwasher cycle. It’s all possible in the Bosch kitchen of 2021.
5
PLAN, ORGANIZE AND STORE FOR FEWER TRIPS TO THE MARKET.
CAULIFLOWER & BROCCOLI WHITE CHEDDAR PASTA BAKE Serves: 4 Prep Time: 10 minutes Cook Time: 30 minutes Ingredients 1 1 1 1/2 3 1 1 1 2 1 1 1/4 1 1/2
Kitchen organization and fewer grocery runs start with a good list. Opt for versatile ingredients, plan for meals that stretch across multiple days and again prioritize quality when it comes to storage. My family chose a refrigerator that offers precise temperature and humidity control for maximum freshness. I also recommend organizational features that bring items into view, such as flexible, multi-layered shelving and wide storage bins so nothing gets buried.
Steps
One of my favorite healthy new recipes, this veggie-packed pasta bake, can not only be made ahead, it also makes for delicious leftovers that can be quickly reheated in the oven for an easy weeknight meal. Check out the full recipe below, and cheers to a happier, more efficient 2021 kitchen!
head cauliflower, cored, cut into large bite-size florets pound broccoli florets Kosher salt, freshly ground black pepper cups dried penne tablespoon olive oil small yellow onion, finely chopped tablespoon fresh thyme, finely chopped tablespoon all-purpose flour cups whole milk cup heavy cream cups shredded white cheddar cheese cup very coarse fresh breadcrumbs (made in a food processor or blender from 2 slices bread) cup grated parmesan
•
Preheat oven on broil mode. Lightly oil a 2-quart baking dish or 4 individual crocks.
•
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add cauliflower and broccoli. Cook for 2 minutes or until broccoli turns bright green. Using strainer, remove vegetables from boiling water and submerge in a large bowl of ice water. Drain and set aside vegetables when cool.
•
Return salted water to a boil. Add penne, stirring often for 7 minutes, or until tender but still firm to bite. Drain penne.
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Heat a large pot over medium heat. Add 2 tablespoons olive oil, onions and thyme. Cook, stirring occasionally, for 2 minutes, or until onions are tender and slightly browned. Sprinkle flour over onion mixture, then stir and cook for 1 minute, or until pale golden brown.
•
Gradually stir in milk and cream. Increase heat to medium-high and bring to a simmer. Reduce heat to medium-low and simmer, stirring often for 4 minutes, or until sauce is lightly thickened and has no raw flour taste. Reduce heat to low, add cheddar cheese, and stir until melted. Season with salt and pepper.
•
Add vegetables and penne to cheese sauce and fold together. Spread evenly in baking dish.
•
In small bowl, toss breadcrumbs, parmesan and remaining 1 tablespoon olive oil to coat, then sprinkle over pasta mixture.
•
Broil for about 4 minutes, or until crumbs are golden. Let cool for 5 minutes before serving.
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Make Snack Time Fun and Simple
family features
Long days of learning and adven ture often lead to hunger for little ones, but many snacks don’t fit the bill or require already busy parents to spend precious time in the kit-chen. Instead, make snack time simple – yet still fun and delicious – with a treat that’s ready to eat. For example, a single-serve snack pack is perfect for kids to enjoy while crunching the numbers on their homework or taking a mid-afternoon break from playtime. Dippable options like Sabra Kids Snack Kits are snack duos made with plant-based ingredients in flavors kids crave to satisfy hunger while making it easy on mom and dad. This line of plant-based snacks made without genetically engineered ingredients are ideal for families looking to feel good about foods their kids enjoy. Visit Sabra.com to find more snack time solutions.
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A SWEET BROWNIE BITE Perfect as an afternoon snack to reward kids for a job well done at school or for helping around the house, the Brownie Batter Dip and Graham Cracker Sticks variety pairs smooth, chocolatey dip with crispy, crunchy graham cracker sticks for decadent dip-ping fun. Or you can save it for dessert after your little ones have finished dinner.
TACO TIME MEETS EASY-TO-SERVE SNACKING When tacos aren’t on the menu, turn to this tasty snack. With the Taco Dip and Rolled Tortilla Chips variety, snack time can have the excitement of Taco Tuesday any day of the week. When snack time comes calling, this smooth taco-flavored dip paired with crunchy tortilla chips is perfect for satisfying cravings in a pinch.
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Give Spring Salads a Fresh Spin
COBB SALAD Total time: 20 minutes 3-4 1/4 1 1 1 1/4 1/4
Servings: 4
eggs pound bacon bag Fresh Express Sweet Butter Lettuce pound grilled chicken cup NatureSweet Cherubs Tomatoes, halved 1 ripe avocado, sliced cup blue cheese cup Litehouse Homestyle Ranch Dressing
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Bring pot of water to boil. Use slotted spoon to place eggs in water. Boil 10 minutes then transfer to ice bath to stop cooking process. Peel eggs and slice. Heat skillet over medium heat. Dice bacon and add to pan. Saute until bacon is crispy and fat is rendered, about 7 minutes. Remove from pan with slotted spoon. To assemble salad, start with bed of lettuce. Top with hard-boiled eggs, grilled chicken, tomatoes, avocado, bacon and blue cheese; toss in ranch dressing.
CHIMICHURRI CHICKPEA SALAD Total time: 15 minutes
1 2/3 2 2 1/4 2/3 1/2 1/2 1 1 1 4
Servings: 4
cup fresh cilantro cup fresh parsley tablespoons dried oregano garlic cloves, minced cup red wine vinegar cup olive oil teaspoon salt teaspoon pepper can (14 1/2 ounces) chickpeas, drained 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes bag Fresh Express Baby Kale Mix cup NatureSweet Cherubs Tomatoes, diced 1 medium avocado, diced tablespoons Litehouse Avocado
RANCH DRESSING In food processor, combine cilantro, parsley, oregano, garlic, red wine vinegar, olive oil, salt and pepper. Pulse until sauce is smooth. Place chimichurri sauce in small bowl with chick-peas and crushed red pepper flakes; toss to coat. Cover and refrigerate overnight, if possible. Divide kale, tomatoes and avocado between four bowls. Top each bowl evenly with marinated chickpeas. Drizzle with avocado ranch dressing and serve.
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A Brunch Spread Fit for Spring family features
From tasty small bites to a filling feast and even dessert for breakfast, brunch options are nearly endless. Take your spring brunch to the next level with recipes that appease appetites of all kinds. First, start with portioned pastry cups perfect for appetizers. Bring out the protein-packed breakfast burritos for the main course then, for a final touch of sweet deliciousness, offer up lemony doughnuts to cap off the feast. Find more brunch recipes at Culinary.net. BITE-SIZED BREAKFAST Appetizer-sized portions and small bites of all sorts are ideal for breakfast spreads, and these Pastry Brunch Cups are perfect for starting a morning meal with loved ones. Or, if a busy schedule looms, try baking a batch and separating into appropriate serving sizes for a simple way to meal prep heading into a new week. 28 H&H Magazine | www.STLHandHMag.com
PASTRY BRUNCH CUPS Servings: 18 2 tablespoons butter 2 tablespoons flour 1 1/2 cups milk 1 cup shredded Swiss cheese 2 sheets puff pastry 18 eggs 2 cups diced ham chopped fresh green onions Heat oven 375 F. In small saucepan, melt butter. Whisk flour with butter. Gradually pour in milk, whisking each time. Bring to simmer, whisking until mixture starts to thicken. Remove from heat; stir in Swiss cheese. Set aside. Use rolling pin to thin out puff pastries. Cut each into nine squares. Line pastry squares in muffin cups, pressing bottoms down firmly and moving pastries up sides for edges to come up just over muffin tins. Fill each cup with 1 teaspoon cheese sauce. Crack one egg into each cup and sprinkle each with diced ham. Bake 10-15 minutes until eggs set. Sprinkle with chopped green onions.
POWER BRUNCH WITH A PROTEIN-PACKED BURRITO
A well-rounded brunch calls for a multitude of dishes and beverages, but it wouldn’t be complete without a protein-packed recipe to get the day started. This delicious Breakfast Burrito is loaded with colorful veggies and Silver Fern Farms 100% grass-fed strip steak. Hailing from New Zealand, home to some of the world’s most natural tasting beef and lamb, this premium cut of beef is aged 21 days and minimally processed with no added growth hormones or antibiotics. The animals are grass-fed year-round and allowed to roam and graze freely, so the beef offers a lean, flavorful texture that tastes just as nature intended. Visit silverfernfarms.com to find more at-home brunch inspiration.
BREAKFAST BURRITO
1 Silver Fern Farms New Zealand 100% Grass-Fed New York Strip Steak (10 ounces) oil, salt, to taste pepper, to taste 1/2 onion, finely chopped 1 red bell pepper, sliced lengthwise 4 large mushrooms, sliced 1 teaspoon cumin 1 teaspoon paprika 1/2-1 teaspoon chili powder
1 tomato, finely chopped 8 eggs 1/2 cup milk 4 large tortillas 1 cup spinach 1 1/2 ounces feta cheese, crumbled 1/4 cup cilantro 1 avocado lime wedges (optional) hot sauce (optional)
Remove steak from packaging and set aside 10 minutes. Once steak reaches room temperature, heat pan over medium-high heat. Rub steak with oil and season with salt and pepper, to taste. Cook until medium-rare, approximately 3-4 minutes each side. Remove from pan and cover loosely with tinfoil to rest 5 minutes. Reduce heat to medium and add splash of oil. Add onion; cook 1 minute. Add red bell pepper and mushrooms; cook 1 minute. Add cumin, paprika and chili powder; stir through. When veggies are tender (about 2 minutes), add tomato and cook until soft. Season with salt and pepper, to taste. In large bowl, whisk eggs, milk and salt and pepper, to taste. Heat pan to medium heat and add splash of oil. Pour egg mixture into pan and cook, lifting and folding eggs until thickened and no visible liquid egg remains. Do not stir constantly. Lay tortillas on flat surface or plate. In center of tortilla, add cooked veggies and top with thinly sliced beef. Add handful of spinach, scrambled eggs, crumbled feta, cilantro and avocado. Fold bottom of tortilla and roll. Serve with lime wedges and hot sauce, if desired.
DINE ON DELICIOUSLY SWEET DOUGHNUTS Brunch is never complete without something sweet to cap off the morning feast, and doughnuts are often the perfect complement to an array of main courses. These Lemon Ricotta Doughnuts pair the bite-sized morsels with lemon curd (if that suits your style) for a sweet-tart combination. They’re made using Domino Golden Sugar, which is made from pure cane sugar and is less processed than white granulated sugar, as one you can always trust in your favorite recipes. It works cup-for-cup just like white sugar but with a golden color and distinct hint of molasses flavor. Visit dominosugar.com to find recipes perfect for entertaining and celebrating throughout the year.
LEMON RICOTTA DOUGHNUTS
To make doughnuts: In large saucepan, preheat oil to 350 F. Prepare cookie sheet with paper towel to drain doughnuts once out of hot oil. In bowl, mix flour, 3/4 cup sugar, baking powder and salt. Add lemon zest, eggs, ricotta cheese and vanilla extract; mix until well combined. Use ice cream scoop to scoop small amounts dough into oil, 4-5 pieces at a time. Fry each batch until golden brown, about 7 minutes. Keep oil at or near 350 F; if oil is too hot, doughnuts will turn golden brown but centers may still be raw. Remove from oil and drain in paper towel. Repeat with remaining dough. While still hot, toss doughnuts with remaining sugar. To make lemon curd, if desired: In large bowl of stand mixer, cream butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Add eggs and egg yolks, one at a time. Add lemon zest, lemon juice and salt.Transfer mixture to saucepan and cook at low-medium heat until thick and creamy, stirring constantly. Remove from heat and let cool before serving with doughnuts.
Prep time: 20 minutes Cook time: 7 minutes Doughnuts: Vegetable oil, for frying 2 cups all-purpose flour 1 3/4 cups Domino Golden Sugar, divided 2 tablespoons baking powder 1/4 teaspoon salt 2 tablespoons lemon zest 5 large eggs 1 3/4 cups ricotta cheese
1 tablespoon pure vanilla extract Lemon Curd (optional): 1 stick unsalted butter, softened 1 1/2 cups Domino Golden Sugar 2 large eggs 2 egg yolks 4 lemons, zest and juice only 1/8 teaspoon salt H&H Magazine | www.STLHandHMag.com 29
EAT LOCAL in historic
cottleville
Slow smoked BBQ in the heart of Historic Cottleville 5210 HIGHWAY N | COTTLEVILLE, MISSOURI 63304 | 1798bbq.com 30 H&H Magazine | www.STLHandHMag.com
Blooming Daisy Marketplace Outdoor Market SATURDAY
April 17h May 15th June 19th 10AM-2PM LOCATED IN
Historic Cottleville 5541 Chestnut Street
BLOOMING
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HOME MONTH OF THE
1 Upper Whitmoor Drive 5 BEDROOM | 8 BATHROOM | 6 CAR GARAGE
The commanding presence of this quality built home offers over 25,000 sq ft of elegant finishes on 7 acres with incredible views of the Missouri River Valley. Beautiful blend of exceptional quality, regal details and magnificent finishes. The estate is situated on a private gated street. The artfully designed home creates a unique opportunity to showcase fine cars, boats or RVs. Upon entering the grand foyer, you will be greeted by a sweeping staircase featuring a 4,200+ crystal chandelier. Neff designed kitchen features custom inlaid wood cabinets, granite counter tops, walk-in butler’s pantry, china & silver detailing room adjoining breakfast room and hearth room. The master bedroom suite offers enviable views, luxurious bathroom & exquisite custom dressing room. Secondary bedrooms with private baths. Apartment for guest/nanny. The lower level offers a court for racquetball & basketball, gym & sauna. Commercial 15 person Otis elevator. Geothermal & Smart Home System.
DEN
KITCHEN
MASTER BEDROOM
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MASTER BATH
HEARTH ROOM
DINING ROOM
GUEST APARTMENT ROOM
MOROT COURT GATES
TROPHY ROOM
FOYER
VERANDAE
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MEET OUR TEAM OF DEDICATED AGENTS Susan Brewer 314.540.0734
Susan@SusanBrewer.com
Wade Brewer 314.605.5205
Wade@Service1stHomes.com
Andrew Brewer 636.936.8600
Andrew@Service1stHomes.com
Mike Lampe 636.751.4442
Mike@Service1stHomes.com
Our team of Independent Realtors is ready to help you achieve your Real Estate dreams!
Lori Pisani 636.578.7781
Lori@Service1stHomes.com
Brittany Hale 636.399.6419
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John Castille 636.229.1329
Ryan@Service1stHomes.com
john.castille@Service1stHomes.com
Erica Dudenhoeffer 636.357.7197
Wendy Halamicek 636.634.1152
Steve Savory 314.604.3999
Tom Bayer 314.262.9311
Julie Steinbruegge 314.378.5146
Erica@Service1stHomes.com
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!
Ryan Sebacher 636.233.4327
Brittany@Service1stHomes.com
Wendy@Service1stHomes.com Steve.Savory@Service1stHomes.com
Tom.Bayer@Service1stHomes.com
Susan Brewer Service First Real Estate
Julie@Service1stHomes.com
BEST REAL ESTATE AGENCY
IN ST.CHARLES
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Is working from home too much work?
We can help
Are Zoom meetings, conference calls and finding a quiet place to work all becoming harder and harder in your current home? Let us help you find a house that not only is ideal for living, but is perfect for working too. Let’s work together to take advantage of the current real estate market to reach all of your goals. 36 H&H Magazine | www.STLHandHMag.com
EAT LOCAL
in historic
cottleville
Artisan pizza in Historic Cottleville Voted Best Pizza and Patio in St. Charles
5212 HIGHWAY N | COTTLEVILLE, MISSOURI 63304 | PlankRoadPizza.com H&H Magazine | www.STLHandHMag.com 37
Susan Brewer #1
AGENT IN ST. CHARLES
Visit www.SusanBrewer.Tv for weekly episodes that give advice on all things real estate. Everything from “How to get your house ready to sell” to a visit with the Mayor of St. Peters to discuss all of the things the city has to offer. Subscribe to be notified when a new episode is available.
SusanBrewer.tv where binge watching is allowed and be careful - you just might learn something.
Susan Brewer Service First Real Estate
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SAINT LOUIS
HAPPENINGS
SPRING 2021
Celebrate your Spring Break at St. Louis Union Station!
APRIL 10 - 30, 10:00 AM - 10:00 PM | RECURRING EVENT | DOWNTOWN ST. LOUIS
mohistory.org
Mummies of the World The Exhibition
APRIL 10, 9:30 AM TO 3:30 PM | RECURRING EVENT | ST. L SCIENCE CENTER | $15 – $20 H&H Magazine | www.STLHandHMag.com 39
St. Louis
Riverfront Cruise
APRIL 10, 12 PM to 1:30 PM | RECURRING EVENT | GATEWAY ARCH RIVERBOATS | $11 – $21
mohistory.org APRIL 10, 10 AM | RECURRING EVENT | DOWNTOWN ST. LOUIS | $10 – $15 40 H&H Magazine | www.STLHandHMag.com
St. Louis Auto Show APRIL 8 - APRIL 11 | AMERICA’S CENTER & THE DOME | $12
APRIL 9 - APRIL 11 | ST. CHARLES CONVENTION CENTER | FREE H&H Magazine | www.STLHandHMag.com 41
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