St. Louis Home & Happening - Winter

S A I N T

LO U I S

& HOME AND HAPPENINGS

WINTER20

This special publication brought to you by SUSAN BREWER SERVICE FIRST REAL ESTATE

A note from the editor...

w w w. S T L H a n d H M a g . c o m

EDITOR IN CHIEF Wade Brewer

DESIGN Brian L Spurgeon

This time of year is a special time to live in our area. Visiting Main St. in St Charles, holiday lighting displays and shopping local are just a few of the activities that make this a great place to live.

While this has been a very difficult year for most of us we can all find something to be thankful for and something to celebrate. Many local businesses have struggled around town with stay at home orders, regulations and restrictions they have had to get creative in finding ways to stay afloat and be there for their community. In turn, many of us have tried to be there for them as well. Shopping and dining local has been a priority at gift giving time this year and our neighbors that own businesses truly appreciate the effort. As you are finishing up your shopping list and grabbing those last-minute gifts, purchasing from local area businesses is always a great idea.

In this issue we offer some outstanding gift-giving ideas to help you complete your shopping for everyone on your list. Everything from stocking stuffers to recognizing those in our community that have given our community so much this year. Even if you are simply hosting a holiday meal for those in “your circle” we have some great entertaining ideas and delicious recipes to make your season a little more special.

WEBSITE & FEEDBACK www.STLHandHMag.com

Editor@STLHandHMag.com

Starting your resolutions a little early for 2021? We have some great organization tips and ways to increase your productivity to help you reach your goals.

As always we also offer some events in our area to visit this year during the holidays that are sure to make memories and maybe some new holiday traditions in our Happenings section.

We hope that you have a great Holiday season and can’t wait to bring you the next issue in 2021!

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

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Wade Brewer Editor-in-chief

CONTENTS

Get Organized for an Envy-Worthy Garage

4-5

Screen-Free Holiday Gift Ideas That Inspire Kids

6-7

Boosting Holiday Cheer at Home During a Socially Distant Season

8-9

5 Ways to Show Your Pet You Care This Holiday Season

10 - 11

Get Organized for an Envy-Worthy Garage

12 - 13

7 Tips for Hosting a Virtual Holiday Cookie Exchange

14 - 15

Boost Your Spirits Through the Holidays and Beyaond

16 - 17

Skip the Holi-daze

18 - 19

4 Tips for a Productive 2021

20 - 21

Help Others During the Holidays

22

5 Tips to Get Organized

23

Scary Good

24 - 25

Stocking Stuffer for Everyone on Your List

26 - 27

Get Ready to Gift

28 - 29

Kid-Friendly Recipes for At-Home Learning

30 - 31

Make Small Holiday Celebrations Special witha Fresh Menu

32

Covid-19

33

BEST Pizza in St. Charles

34 - 35

page 10 - 11

Home of the Month

36

Buying or Selling a Home

37

Best Real Estate Agency in St. Charles

38

Susan Brewer #1 Agent in St. Charles

39 - 41

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‘ Screen-Free Holiday Gift Ideas That Inspire Kids state point

(StatePoint) Shopping for holiday gifts for kids? Looking for activities that don’t involve a screen? Consider toys and activities that will inspire them this holiday season and beyond. Here are four great gift ideas that will encourage kids to be creative and use their imaginations:

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ARTS AND CRAFTS: Craft kits give kids all the tools they need to take a project start to finish. Whether it’s beaded jewelry, scented soaps, or sand art, when projects are completed, kids will feel accomplished and inspired to take their crafting to the next level.

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Craft kits give kids all the tools they need to take a project start to finish. Whether it’s beaded jewelry, scented soaps, or sand art, when projects are completed, kids will feel accomplished and inspired to take their crafting to the next level.

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HORSE PLAY:

Create magnificent braids and let kids bring their own vision of horse beauty to life with a gift like Breyer Mane Beauty Styling Heads. Bringing a love of hair play and horses together, Mane Beauty Styling Heads are realistically sculpted and decorated with long, silky, no-tangle manes. Available in three styles -Blaze (black mane), Daybreak (white mane) and Sunset (blonde mane) -- each styling head includes all the tools kids need like a mane comb, mane clips and elastics. Recommended for ages 5+, this gift is available at Tractor Supply, in stores and online.

Visit breyerhorses.com to learn more.

SCREEN-FREE ADVENTURE: Getting lost in a good book is a rewarding adventure every kid should experience. No screens required! Reading inspires imagination and helps children explore worlds outside themselves. Give classic books that you loved as a child for a shared experience you both can enjoy. Traditional books are hugely popular again and are gifts that truly last.

OPEN-ENDED PLAYTIME: From kitchen playsets that foster interest in the culinary arts to workshop playsets that spark an interest in carpentry and mechanics, playing pretend offers open-ended fun and helps kids build confidence and social skills.

This holiday season, make a list and check it twice to be sure that it includes gifts that inspire.

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Boosting Holiday Cheer at Home During a Socially Distant Season state point

Unfortunately, many Americans will be unable to celebrate the holidays with their extended family and friends in person this year, making it all the more important to boost holiday cheer at home. Here are few festive ideas for getting into the holiday spirit during this socially distant season.

or big meals, but this shouldn’t be the year to skip out on the full-scale decorating you typically enjoy. Lights, trees, garlands, stockings and wreaths can evoke favorite memories of past seasons and invite hope for future ones all season long. You can even set up a video conference to enjoy the camaraderie of decorating with far-off loved ones.

DON’T SKIP OUT ON THE DECORATIONS:

DECK THE HALLS WITH MUSIC.

You may not be hosting any houseguests, gatherings

Add a digital piano to your holiday-scape to help elevate

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the mood with Christmas carols and other seasonal tunes.

Consider Casio’s line of PX-S console digital pianos, which have a striking design that fit any room, décor and mood. A glossy top panel and unibody case evoke a luxurious acoustic grand in a sleek case that’s barely larger than the keys themselves.

Integrated Bluetooth audio lets you connect your device wirelessly to the musical keyboard, so you can play all your favorite holiday music through its powerful stereo amplification system.

ADD FAVORITE AROMAS: Now that you have the sights and sounds of the season covered, don’t forget its delicious scents. Your nose will know the holidays have arrived when you bake that first batch of gingerbread cookies or light candles in scents like evergreen and peppermint. You can even try simmering a pot of water and add aromatic ingredients to it such as cloves, cinnamon sticks and rosemary.

SEND SEASON’S GREETINGS: Set aside an afternoon to compose and send holiday cards. This end-of-year tradition allows you to reconnect with the people you care about most and can help lend the season a touch of normalcy.

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While you may not be making your usual visit to relatives or throwing your annual bash, there are many creative ways to make the most of the season and create happy memories for years to come.

Unfortunately, many Americans will be unable to celebrate the holidays with their extended family and friends in person this year, making it all the more important to boost holiday cheer at home.

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5 Ways to Show Your Pet You Care This Holiday Season state point

During the holidays, there are endless ways to show the humans around you how much you love them. Finding ways to extend the joy of the season to pets who are a part of the family takes a bit more creativity.

Here are five ideas for celebrating with furry friends this holiday season:

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1. SPEND QUALITY TIME TOGETHER: Between shopping, cooking and decorating, the hustle and bustle of the season can be distracting. However, no matter what’s going on, it’s important to spend quality time with your pet each day. So, go on some extra long walks with your dog, extend your cat’s playtime sessions and brush your pet’s coat. These activities may help alleviate situational anxiety brought on by shifting holiday routines.

they have calming and soothing properties, which may help ease your pet’s situational anxiety should travel or houseguests be part of your plans this season. Containing human-grade ingredients, no fillers and no chemical preservatives, these handmade chews come in flavors like Peanut Butter & Banana, Blueberry & Cranberry and even Pizza!

3. STUFF YOUR PET’S STOCKING: A whopping 72 percent of pet parents plan to give their pets a gift or stocking stuffer this holiday season, according to a recent Pet Releaf survey conducted by The Harris Poll. Not only is hanging a stocking for pets a fun way to include them in a family tradition, it’s also a great opportunity to give products a test run.

Look for pet products offered in trial or small sizes, such as CBDinfused Edibites Hemp Oils, Liposome Hemp Oils, or Hemp Oil Capsules.

4. DECORATE SAFELY: When selecting holiday décor, prioritize your pet’s safety above all. Steer clear of plants toxic to pets, like holly, poinsettias and mistletoe; and avoid stringy items such as tinsel, curling ribbons or other tree and gift trimmings that when ingested, can cause intestinal blockage.

5. OUTFIT YOUR PET: Taking a festive family portrait for this year’s greeting card? Just want your pet to be comfortable and stylish on all those winter walks in the months ahead? With several major retailers offering ugly holiday sweaters for pets in a variety of sizes and designs, it’s easy to get your pet in on the fun.

For more pet parent tips and insights, visit petreleaf.com/blog.

The holiday season is all about showing loved ones you care.

This year, make sure that also includes furry friends.

2. PAMPER YOUR PET: The holiday season can be tiring and stressful on every member of the family, including your dog. Gift your dog relaxation and better health with Pet Releaf CBD-infused Edibites.

Whether your dog is in incredible health or is experiencing discomfort, these chews offer a needed immune system turbo boost, making them a great daily supplement. Not only that,

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Get Organized for an Envy-Worthy Garage

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A garage may not be the focal point of your home, but it likely plays a significant role in your family’s everyday life.

Keeping the garage tidy can help you get the most out of the space, no matter how you use it.

Get your garage spruced up and ready to deliver the storage and workspace you need with these tips from the organization experts at ClosetMaid.

START BY SORTING. Garages tend to accumulate a lot of stuff, some of it useful and much of it not. Begin your garage clean-out by sorting your belongings into groups. The items you no longer need can be divided

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further into sell, donate and trash piles. For the things you’re keeping, try to create groups of like items, which can make it easier to organize later.

EMPTY AS MUCH AS YOU CAN. Cleaning out the garage is one of those jobs that typically gets messier before it gets cleaner. Removing as much of the contents of your garage as possible can make it easier to reach all the nooks and crannies for a more complete cleaning.

GIVE IT A POWER SCRUB. Clean every surface to

remove dust, dirt and debris. This means everything from sweeping floors and wiping down counters to brushing

away cobwebs from the ceiling. If possible, use a hose to clean the floor thoroughly and remove buildup tracked in from your vehicle tires. Be thorough and use a critical eye. Don’t overlook details like light switches or the wall behind the trash can.

MAKE STORAGE EASY. With a clean slate, it’s the perfect

time to rethink your organization and put things in place with storage units designed to stand up to the wear and tear of the environment. One option is the ProGarage line from ClosetMaid. This customizable collection of professional-quality garage and workspace storage is made of 24-gauge steel cabinetry for maximum durability. You can choose from a variety of cabinet sizes with floor mount and wall mount options, as well as worktable or tabletop. Each piece features full-length extruded aluminum handles for easy opening and closing, adjustable legs to keep cabinets level on sloped floors, caster wheels for portability and a lock and key for security.

PUT THINGS BACK IN PLACE. If you take the time to separate items as you sort and purge in the beginning, this last step will be quick and painless. Now that the space is clean and you have storage space ready to fill, it’s time to begin moving everything back into place. Put similar items together. Keep the things you use most often in easy reach and stash others on higher shelves.

Before you close the doors and call it a day, be sure to show everyone, including the kids, where things belong. Your garage may get dirty again quickly, but with some help from the family, you can at least keep it picked up and usable longer. Find more helpful tips for keeping every part of your home organized like a pro at ClosetMaid.com.

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7 Tips for Hosting a Virtual Holiday Cookie Exchange

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It may take a little extra time and creativity, but a holiday cookie exchange can be held virtually and it’s worth the effort according to experts.

“There’s a famous quote, ‘If you do what you love, you’ll never work a day in your life.’ It’s so true for me as I find great joy in developing easy, flavorful recipes,” says Cindy

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Gilbert, McCormick Test Kitchen chef. “My friends have come to me for years requesting tips and tricks, and over 20 years ago, they anointed me the annual holiday cookie exchange leader. This past year has been challenging, but I knew I wanted to keep the tradition alive while following social distancing guidelines.”

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Here are Gilbert’s top seven tips on hosting your own virtual cookie exchange, along with her favorite delicious McCormick cookie picks.

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Keep the virtual guest list small and local. Your family and friends’ safety is the most important thing, and no one wants to bake a ton of cookies. Aim for five to 10 people.

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Gingerbread Men Cookies – No winter holiday is complete without gingerbread men. They’re cute and can be decorated with raisins, cinnamon red-hot candies or royal icing.

Holiday Meringue Cookies – These deliciously airy, light, and low-fat meringue cookies are the perfect confection for any holiday celebration. Add your favorite food coloring for a festive twist.

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Request the recipes. Ask guests to provide a recipe card in their individual packages, or as the host, you can compile the recipes and share through email.

Double Ginger Gingersnaps – A personal favorite of Gilbert’s, these are a ginger lover’s dream! Ground ginger and crystallized ginger make the flavor pop on these cookies, which are crispy on the outside and chewy inside.

My friends have come to me for years requesting tips and tricks, and over 20 years ago, they anointed me the annual holiday cookie exchange leader. This past year has been challenging, but I knew I wanted to keep the tradition alive while following social distancing guidelines.

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Invite cookie enthusiasts. Invite people who enjoy being in the kitchen and welcome sharing their recipe secrets! Tell them they’re going to be sharing the story behind their choice.

Share stories via video conference. Many guests like to tell the stories behind their cookies. By scheduling time to connect, you’ll likely hear some heartwarming or hilarious anecdotes and maybe even some helpful tidbits.

Red Velvet Crinkle Cookies – This tasty recipe crinkles from the confectioners’ sugar, and the deep chocolate red color and taste add up to a cookie you’ll be proud to share.

Sugar Cookie Thumbprints with Spiced Jam – Inspired by a bakery treat, this holiday twist on a classic uses cinnamon or ginger-spiced jam.

3 Package cookies in separate portions. Ask participants 7 Have fun. Take time to ask how everyone has been to package each serving in individual containers or and give them a chance to share what other traditions resealable bags of six cookies per serving.

Easy Lemon Cookie Truffles – This is a perfect no-bake option. Lemon extract adds a bright citrus flavor to this easy four-ingredient treat that starts with store-bought sugar cookies.

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Arrange the exchange. About an hour before the virtual get-together, set up a table outside, in a cul-de-sac or school parking lot. Everyone can take turns grabbing their cookies quickly and safely. Or, arrange no contact porch drop-offs during a set time.

they’re planning this year. While the party is about cookies, it’s also about connecting, having fun and picking up a few new recipes to try.

Pecan Cookie Balls – These buttery melt-in-your-mouth cookies, also known as Mexican Wedding Cakes, make a great addition to any holiday cookie exchange.

Find these recipes and more by visiting McCormick.com/ CookieExchange.

With a little creativity and the perfect cookie recipe, you can reinvent your favorite baking traditions for a safe and festive holiday season.

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Boost Your Spirits Through the Holidays and Beyond

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Stress and anxiety are all too familiar to many Americans, this year especially, and the added pressure of the holiday season may provide a new set of challenges. Practicing self-care and nurturing your mental health can help you navigate these potentially isolating times, especially if you’re tackling this season single.

With so many other demands in life, taking care of yourself, including your emotional and mental well-being, may not always be at the top of your list. However, putting more emphasis on yourself and your needs can be achieved in small, measurable ways and may not only help boost your spirits but can affect your approach to dating, too.

“We believe happy and healthy relationships start with happy and healthy individuals,” said Stefan Harvalias, head of global marketing for Plenty of Fish, one of the largest global online dating companies.

Harvalias points out there are a number of ways you can alleviate stress and anxiety. While there’s no one magic formula that fits all, many people find coping easier with activities like these.

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Listen to music. Numerous studies have demonstrated the benefits of music in managing mental health. Slow, mellow music can help the mind shift into a lower gear and has even been shown to influence the body’s physical state such as reducing blood pressure, pulse and heart rates. For someone with anxiety, music can be a welcome distraction from the troublesome thoughts occupying the mind. For others, music is simply a way to escape from reality and focus on something enjoyable.

Talk with friends and family. Although COVID-19 may be creating physical distance, there’s one way it can bring people together: by acknowledging your shared stress to one another. While the impacts of the pandemic vary greatly, everyone has been navigating uncertainty and change that comes with such a widespread event.

A weekly check-in call or video chat with friends and family members can help you feel less alone with your feelings and experiences. Topics like mental health and mindfulness have risen to the surface of everyday discussions, removing a lot of the stigma they once had.

Seek out tools to help you unwind. If you’ve never given much thought to managing your mental health, you may

not know where to begin practicing better self-care, and that’s OK. That’s where you can benefit from resources like those available through Plenty of Fish. Knowing the toll the pandemic is taking on singles, the dating app partnered with Shine, a leading self-care app, to create two free dating-related meditations developed to help singles better manage anxiety and improve mental health and wellness.

you never fully shift out of work mode. However, it’s easy to become addicted to refreshing your newsfeed, allowing your devices to cut into time you could spend more productively. Limit your screen time to force yourself to focus on the present and activities that bring you pleasure while allowing your brain to rest, like spending time with loved ones or enjoying a good book or movie.

Navigating dating, work and your personal life can feel like an intense juggling act. To help find balance and feel less pressure, consider listening to the “Balance Dating While Busy” guided meditation and reflect on your energy and priorities so you can make space for dating in your life.

Although dating may look and feel different right now, it’s still doable. Shift your mindset and reflect on ways to adapt with an option like the “Navigate Dating During COVID” guided meditation.

Recognize the role of physical wellness. The mind and body are intrinsically connected, and how you take care of your body can have an impact on your mental state. This includes eating well to ensure you’re getting proper nutrition, which can positively impact your mood. Additionally, exercise releases feel-good hormones, so a quick walk around the block or a 10-minute exercise video can benefit you both physically and mentally.

Give yourself permission to disconnect.

When life feels uncertain, being closely tied to an information source like your smartphone can give you a sense of security, but it can also add to your everyday stress.

If you’re working from home, you may find

KEEP COVID FROM CRUSHING YOUR DATING GAME As if single life and dating didn’t bring enough uncertainty on their own, a global health crisis has only heightened the anxiety many singles feel. Dating pressures and anxiety tied to COVID-19 were the subjects of a study by Plenty of Fish, which showed just how challenging dating has been for singles this year.

According to the survey of singles: • 60% have experienced feelings of anxiety before going on a date • 29% have canceled a date due to anxiety • 44% are anxious about their date not wearing a mask

When it comes to the benefits of self-care, a majority of surveyed singles reported: • 66% practice self-care regularly • 87% said self-care activities reduce stress • 78% said they feel less stressed after a self-care routine • 50% meditate • Alone time, exercise and pampering were listed as the top self-care activities “Prioritizing your mental health matters more than ever,” Harvalias said. “Self-care and wellness mean something different to everyone – all that matters is that you find an outlet to disconnect and do what makes you happy.”

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Skip the Holi-daze How to Spend Added Time Making Memories family geatures

Making time to reconnect with loved ones is a wish topping many lists this holiday season, so set aside the chaos and commit to doing more this year. More of what you truly enjoy, that is.

These time-saving holiday hacks from the Chinet® brand can help curb your time commitments so you can focus on personal connections and celebrating good cheer with loved ones instead

SPREAD OUT PREP TIME. If you’re busy putting the

final touches on a meal as guests begin to arrive, you’ll miss out on the excitement as the party begins. Rely on tricks to spread your meal preparation out over the days before your

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event, such as making sides and casseroles ahead of time and freezing them so all you have to do on the big day is pop them in the oven. Mashed potatoes are a notorious lastminute time suck, so make them early in the day and keep them warm in a slow cooker. Just add a bit of cream and stir periodically to keep them soft and fluffy

SIMPLIFY CLEANUP. After enjoying a meal surrounded by loved ones, there’s no reason to halt the conversation while you slip away to bring order back to the kitchen.

Cover dishes and put perishables away then return to your guests for the quality time you deserve. If you use disposable tableware, there’s even less to worry about later.

For example, Chinet Classic White products make cleanup

easy so you can spend more time with friends, family and guests. The plates and bowls are strong enough to serve the heaviest, messiest meals with style then you can simply toss them when you’re done.

SHOP LOCAL FOR SHORTCUTS. Local businesses

are feeling the crunch of 2020 in a big way, but you can give them a boost while doing yourself a time-saving favor. Pick up a pie or specialty dessert from a local bakery.

Inquire about family-size sides from the family restaurants in your community. Also remember to check with school-age children you know, as many seasonal fundraisers offer premade holiday desserts and other treats you can share with guests with minimal effort.

GET OUT OF THE HOUSE. If you’ve spent too much time this year looking at your own surroundings, getting away from it all may lift your spirits while saving the hours you’d pour into getting your home ready for entertaining.

Community groups with their own facilities often have space available to rent, and these spaces are typically large enough to maintain social distancing requirements and are

subject to rigorous cleaning protocols. Alternately, if you’re keeping the guest list small, renting a vacation home offers the opportunity to turn the seasonal celebra­tion into a short road trip for added memories and joy. With some simple decorations, you can create a fun atmo­sphere for your holiday event and skip the headaches of hosting at home.

GO SHORT AND SWEET. If the idea of a full-fledged dinner event is stretching you too thin, look for festive ways to scale back. For example, a dessert-only party lets you gather with loved ones and keep the focus on the company rather than the food. Plan themed stations with different styles of desserts and consider asking family members to help stock each station with their own favorite treats. Add a touch of style by placing a stack of Chinet Cut Crystal dessert plates at each station so guests can sample all their favorites while they mingle. The collection also includes cups and stemless wine glasses ideal for a beverage table or single servings of desserts like mousse or parfaits.

Find more ways to manage your time this holiday season at MyChinet.com.

CELEBRATE LIKE IT’S 2020 After a whirlwind of a year, this holiday season promises to be a little different than those of years past. Instead of lamenting what won’t be the same, treat this year as an opportunity to deck the halls in a whole new way.

Invite technology to the party. With group gatherings and travel restrictions likely to continue in many parts of the country through the holiday season, there’s a good chance you may not be able to gather with everyone you’d like. However, the pandemic has shown how simple it can be to use technology to stay connected. Go ahead and schedule a virtual party or make time to jump on a video chat during your celebration to include those who can’t be there in person. To help add a touch of normalcy to the festivities, consider packaging and sending small boxes of party essentials in advance to each person who’ll join the virtual party.

Make giving a group effort. Helping those in need is a tradition many people honor around the holidays, but this year your giving is likely to be especially impactful. When you join efforts with family or friends, your contributions can go even further, and it’s a way to bond over your shared experience. Consider volunteering as a group at a food pantry, adopting a family or two together or finding another local cause that could use some extra help and count your blessings while you enjoy the extra time together.

Simplify gift-giving. As families grow, the gift lists get longer.

However, especially in a year like this, not many wallets have expanded to keep up with the pace. Forgo the time and money required to buy for everyone in the family and start a new tradition by drawing names and instead of buying smaller items for a lot of people, put a little more toward a single item your recipient truly wants or needs.

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4 Tips for a Productive 2021

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This year has taught many workers a thing or two about being productive when offices and homes blend into one.

As the calendar turns to 2021, consider these key products and processes to stay productive next year.

space to house all your work items – a drawer, cabinet or box – and keep work items organized by type (pens, papers, computer gear, etc.) At the end of each day, transitioning to “offline hours” can be easier when you have a place to stow your work items.

FIND A SYSTEM (AND STICK TO IT): Creating an

START YOUR DAY CLEAN: Studies have shown

organizing system is an easy way to ensure your at-home workspace is ready for optimal productivity. Designate

cleanliness has a direct impact on productivity. Yet, many people struggle to find the time and energy to clean,

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especially at the end of a busy day at home. An option like The DEEBOT T8 from Ecovacs provides a hands-free cleaning experience, complete with the time-saving benefits of an allin-one robot vacuum and floor mop, along with TrueDetect technology to avoid tangling in small objects. Easily controlled via an app, just set it to clean before bed and wake up to a tidy workspace.

BREAK UP YOUR DAY: With so many hours at home in front of a computer, workdays can get a little monotonous.

Break up the day to make working from home feel as “normal” as possible – shower in the morning, take a walk or drive to coffee then make time for at least two breaks throughout the day. Some people have found success with the Pomodoro Technique, which is breaking your day up into 25-minute chunks of work, with 5-minute rest periods. If you continue to work until you feel like taking a break, odds are you’ll overwork yourself until it’s too late to take the “big break” you had in mind.

BOOKEND YOUR DAYS WITH MINDFULNESS: At the beginning and end of each workday, do a 3-5-minute mindfulness meditation. Before signing on to work for the day, allow your mind to fully focus on the day’s tasks at-hand. Signoff by doing another mediation to end the day and let go of any worries or stresses you might have. Incorporating this tactic into your daily routine can help create a natural boundary from work and home while also restoring peace of mind.

Find more solutions to help maintain productivity at Ecovacs.com.

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Help Others During the Holidays

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Giving during the holiday season can mean more than gifts.

It’s the time of year when giving back to your community can make an even bigger impact – especially this This holiday season, do your part to help deliver smiles to loved ones and people in need. Reap the feel-good rewards of helping others with these ideas on how to make a difference.

GIVE TIME. One of the greatest donations an organization can receive is your time. Volunteer roles can vary significantly depending on the organization you choose but can leave you feeling like you’ve contributed 20 H&H Magazine | www.STLHandHMag.com

in a real and meaningful way. From sorting donated items, preparing and distributing warm meals or wrapping gifts, organizations can almost always use an extra set of hands during the holidays.

MAKE YOUR SHOPPING COUNT. To help make the season even brighter, Amazon is donating millions of items to more than 1,000 charities worldwide through product and monetary donations and is making it easy for you to give back as well. When shopping for holiday supplies or gifts for family and friends, you can give back and donate to your favorite charitable organizations. Simply activate AmazonSmile in the mobile app or on your web browser

to get the same online shopping experience you’re accustomed to with the added benefit of donating a portion of eligible purchases to a charity of your choice.

SPREAD INFORMATION. People are more willing to

contribute to a cause when they understand how they can help.

Align with an organization or cause you care about and share details about how the community can help. That might include talking about the group’s mission and needs to your friends and family or simply sharing info about its cause on your social media feeds. Let the organization know you’re eager to generate awareness for its needs, and it can typically find a way to put your skills to use.

SHOP FOR A CAUSE. One thing nonprofits often hear is people want to give, but they don’t know what items will be most useful. You can remove the guesswork with a resource like AmazonSmile Charity Lists, which offer a convenient way to donate to your favorite causes. Just search for your favorite organization and find its list of most-needed items, purchase and have the donation delivered directly to the charity’s door. You can also make a donation to the organization of your choice through your Alexa-enabled device by saying, “Alexa, I want to make a donation.”

DONATE GENTLY USED ITEMS. This holiday season,

you’ll probably add new clothes to your closet and new toys to the playroom, but others may not have presents to unwrap. As you receive gifts this holiday, see what gently used toys, clothes and household items could be donated to help others.

Find more information and resources at smile.amazon.com, and share how you’re giving back by using #DeliveringSmiles on social media.

DELIVERING SMILES TO CHARITABLE ORGANIZATIONS IN NEED Charitable organizations often maintain a wish list of items necessary to deliver on their missions.

This holiday season, you can help fulfill AmazonSmile Charity Lists of nonprofit organizations supporting causes including homelessness, hunger and disaster relief, among others.

Donations including food and pantry items, blankets, sheets, toys, educational items for kids, socks, outerwear and other apparel items, as well as monetary donations to put toward the purchase of these items, can help provide organizations with essential items they need and products they want.

Among the charities benefiting from this program are:

• •

• •

Heifer International – You can help small-scale farmers transform their communities by donating essential tools.

St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital –Toys and game dona tions can help deliver countless smiles to children battling cancer and other life-threatening diseases this holiday season. St. Jude is leading the way the world understands, treats and defeats childhood cancer and other life-threatening diseases.

Best Friends Animal Society – Essential pet supplies can be donated to help provide nutrition and enrich-ment to dogs and cats while they await foster or adoptive homes.

Operation Nightwatch – Help protect homeless communities by giving nec essary food and clothing.

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Make the Most of Holiday Gatherings This Year The holiday season may look different this year, but family, friends, gratitude and good food never go out of style.

This year, you can make the most of your intimate holiday gatherings with new traditions, cooking shortcuts and creative ways to keep friends and family close, no matter how far apart you are.

For more information and ideas to spice up your holiday meal this season, visit BobEvans.com.

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5TIPS TO GET ORGANIZED

family features

Getting organized and making the most of your home’s storage space can be a daunting task. To help keep clutter at bay and streamline organization throughout the house, consider these tips for revamping your closets and designated storage areas from the experts at ClosetMaid.

Find closet systems and other organization hacks at ClosetMaid.com.

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Stocking Stuffer for Everyone on Your List Before you can hang the stockings by the chimney with care, you have to figure out how you’re going to stuff them. Nearly every family has a different approach, but practical presents that match the personality of the recipient is almost always a winning strategy for filling out your loved ones’ stockings.

For example, Zebra Pen’s wide variety of writing instruments offers useful, stylish and creative stocking stuffers for anyone on your shopping list. Consider these thoughtful and fun ideas for filling stockings and get a head start on your holiday shopping at zebrapen.com.

FOR LITTLE LEARNERS Easy for smaller hands to hold and control with triangular barrels, Zensations Mechanical Colored Pencils provide smooth, rich, vibrant color. Available in 24 blend-able, non-toxic colors, the durable lead is built for beginning writers and never needs sharpening. Ideal for coloring books, journals, notebooks and other paper surfaces, they’re made to last as long as your youngsters’ love of coloring and doodling.

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FOR BULLET JOURNAL HOBBYISTS Whether your recipient is organized or could use some help in that department, an option like the Mildliner Double Ended Highlighter and Creative Tool can help organize bullet journals, planners or notes in a unique way.

With 25 pastel shades, the Japanese-inspired highlighter’s broad and fine point tips aid in hand lettering and allow for multiple line thicknesses.

FOR FASHIONISTAS Ideal for those looking for a fashionable pen that makes a statement, the Sarasa Grand Retractable Gel Pen features a sophisticated barrel that can be coordinated to match other office essentials. Available in six barrel colors – navy, gold, rose gold, black, white and turquoise – with Rapid Dry Ink Technology, this refillable writing product doesn’t smear or smudge, leaving hands and paper free from blemishes.

FOR TEENS Perfect for journaling, note-taking and studying, the Sarasa Clip Retractable Gel Pen can help the students on your list stay organized. Available in a wide variety of colors and finishes, including milky and shimmering metallic options, the non-smearing, gel ink is water-resistant to make a long-lasting impression.

Plus, an alligator clip makes it easy to attach to notebooks, clipboards or artwork.

FOR HARD WORKERS

FOR ADVENTURERS

Featuring a designer stainless steel tip, barrel and clip with a textured metal grip, the Steel F-701 Ballpoint Retractable Pen offers a premium writing experience. Designed for the serious communicator looking to embody personal style in his or her writing instrument, this premium, refillable black ink writing product lets the recipient write with confidence.

With a pressurized stainless steel barrel and the ability to write at extreme angles, the Steel X-701 Ballpoint Retractable Pen is made for those who need something sturdier than everyday plastic pens. Built to withstand temperatures ranging from -30 F to 250 F, this lightweight, matte black writing product is also an attractive option as a go-to daily writing utensil.

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Get Ready to Gift

Holiday presents for every person(and pet) on your holiday list A TASTEFUL HOLIDAY GIFT Give the gift of flavor this holiday season with a full spread of Omaha Steaks favorites in one collection.

Loaded with double-trimmed, famously fork-tender Butcher’s Cut filet mignons, tender and crispy bacon-wrapped filet mignons, flavor-packed burgers, classic boneless pork chops, juicy boneless chicken breasts, gourmet jumbo franks, all-beef meatballs, a savory side and dessert, it’s a memorable and delicious gift everyone can enjoy. Find more flavorful holiday gift ideas at omahasteaks.com.

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THE NO. 1 GIFT PICK Give the sports fan in your life an authentic piece of collectible memorabilia to showcase his or her team spirit, such as this Patrick Mahomes Super Bowl LIV MVP Dynasty Banner from Winning Streak Sports – The #1 Premium Licensed Product in Sports. Created to commemorate some of the greatest teams, schools and players, these limited-edition high stich count banners, which are available framed or unframed, are made from 100% wool blend felt with iron-safe backing and include a hanging cord for easy display. Find more upscale, gift-worthy sports memorabilia at winningstreaksports.com.

A RIVETING READ Provide the bookworm in your life with a true thriller like “Pilate’s Cross” by J. Alexander Greenwood, a murder mystery based on a true story. A sleepy college town in the middle of nowhere is just the fresh start John Pilate needs, but he didn’t count on uncovering a deadly conspiracy. In over his head, Pilate risks it all to get to the truth in this tale exploding with action, crisp dialogue and quirky twists. Visit amazon.com to find the book.

COUNT DOWN TO THE HOLIDAYS WITH YOUR PET Add more happiness to your pet’s holiday season with an option like this Merry & Bright Holiday Deck The Howls with Cookies Advent Calendar Dog Treat, which is available at PetSmart. Your dog has been good all year, so don’t forget to include him or her in the holiday countdown with an advent calendar of his or her own. Find more holiday gift ideas for your pets at petsmart.com.

GIVE THE GIFT OF TIME Gifting your family a vacuum-and-mopin-one like the DEEBOT T8 allows you to enjoy the holidays and leave the cleaning to the robot. It provides hands-free cleaning and removes 99.26% of bacteria with its patented OZMO Mopping System.

With no pre-cleaning needed and a runtime of more than three hours, it also detects obstacles with accuracy to avoid collisions and getting stuck. Learn more at ecovacs.com/us.

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Kid-Friendly Recipes for At-Home Learning With so many traditions and ways to celebrate the holiday season, the options are nearly endless for families looking to spend special moments together. One of the tastiest and most enjoyable activities you can engage in with family and friends is to team up and create sweet eats in the kitchen.

Whether you’re a chocolate lover or prefer traditional seasonal flavors like peppermint and gingerbread, these tasty, dairy-inspired treats from Milk Means More provide heartwarming ways to tingle your taste buds while bringing everyone together.

Cranberry Orange Bread Pudding provides a sweet, fruity, hearty dessert while Peppermint Cheesecake Brownies combine chocolatey goodness with creamy cheesecake and peppermint. Or, for a classic holiday combination, you can turn to Gingerbread Cupcakes with Whipped Vanilla Buttercream.

Find more ways to celebrate the season with sweet eats at milkmeansmore.org.

family features

PEPPERMINT CHEESECAKE BROWNIES Recipe courtesy of Sarah Bates of “The Chef Next Door” on behalf of Milk Means More Prep time: 10 minutes Servings: 16

Cook time: 30 minutes

Nonstick cooking spray

Cheesecake Batter: 8 ounces low-fat cream cheese, at room temperature 1/3 cup granulated sugar 1/2 teaspoon peppermint extract 2 eggs 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour Brownie Batter: 1 cup all-purpose flour 1/2 cup cocoa powder 1/2 teaspoon salt 1 cup granulated sugar 1/4 cup vegetable oil 1/4 cup milk 2 eggs 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract

Topping: 1/2 cup peppermint baking pieces

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Preheat oven to 350 F. Coat 8-inch square baking pan with nonstick cooking spray; set aside.

To make cheesecake batter: Place cream cheese in bowl of stand mixer. Beat on medium speed until smooth and creamy. Add sugar and peppermint extract; beat well. Add eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition. Add flour and beat mixture until blended.

To make brownie batter: In medium bowl, whisk flour, cocoa powder and salt until combined. In separate bowl, whisk sugar, oil, milk, eggs and vanilla until well combined. Add wet ingredients to dry ingredients and mix until blended.

Pour brownie batter evenly into prepared pan. Carefully pour cheesecake batter over top, spreading evenly. Carefully swirl layers together using knife tip. Bake 20 minutes.

Sprinkle top of brownies with peppermint baking pieces and bake 10 minutes until brownies are set. Cool brownies completely in pan on wire rack before cutting into 16 squares.

CRANBERRY ORANGE BREAD PUDDING Recipe courtesy of Kirsten Kubert of “Comfortably Domestic” on behalf of Milk Means More Prep time: 20 minutes

Cook time: 65 minutes

Servings: 12

Pudding: 1 loaf Texas toast or day-old bread 1-2 tablespoons softened butter 1 1/2 cups fresh cranberries 6 eggs 3/4 cup granulated sugar 3 1/2 cups 2% milk 1 teaspoon freshly grated orange zest 1/4 cup fresh orange juice 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted and slightly cooled 1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract 1/8 teaspoon ground cinnamon 1 1/2 tablespoons coarse granulated sugar (optional) Orange Custard Sauce: 3 egg yolks 1/4 cup granulated sugar 1 cup half-and-half 1/2 teaspoon freshly grated orange zest

To make pudding: Cut bread into bite-sized cubes. If bread is soft and fresh, place cubes on half sheet pan and let stand at room temperature overnight to dry out.

Preheat oven to 375 F. Grease 13-by-9-by-2-inch baking dish with softened butter. Place bread cubes in prepared baking pan. Scatter cranberries over bread.

Beat eggs with sugar, milk, orange zest, orange juice, melted butter, vanilla and cinnamon until well blended. Pour evenly over bread and cranberries to coat. Sprinkle with coarse sugar, if desired. Bake 60-65 minutes, or until custard is set and edges of bread are browned.

To make orange custard sauce: In small saucepan, whisk egg yolks with sugar until lightened to pale yellow color, about 2 minutes.

Stir half-and-half into mixture until combined. Cook over low heat, stirring constantly, 15-20 minutes, or until sauce thickens enough to coat spoon. Stir orange zest into custard sauce.

Serve bread pudding with warm custard sauce over top.

GINGERBREAD CUPCAKES WITH WHIPPED VANILLA BUTTERCREAM Recipe courtesy of Megan Gundy of “What Megan’s Making” on behalf of Milk Means More Prep time: 10 minutes

Cook time: 25 minutes

Cupcakes: 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour 1 1/2 tablespoons ground ginger 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg 1/2 teaspoon salt 1 1/2 cups unsalted butter, at room temperature 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar 3 tablespoons molasses 4 large eggs 2 teaspoons vanilla extract

Servings: 20

Whipped Vanilla Buttercream: 1 cup (2 sticks) butter, softened 2 teaspoons vanilla extract 4 cups powdered sugar 2-4 tablespoons heavy whipping cream 1 pinch salt cinnamon, for topping

Adjust oven rack to lower-middle position and preheat oven to 350 F. Line muffin pan with cupcake liners. Set aside.

To make cupcakes: In medium bowl, whisk flour, ginger, cinnamon, cloves, nutmeg and salt.

In large bowl of stand mixer, cream butter and sugar until light and fluffy, about 3 minutes. Add molasses and beat until incorporated.

Beat in eggs, one at a time, then beat in vanilla. Add flour mixture and mix on low speed until just combined.

Divide batter evenly among muffin cups, filling each about 3/4 full. Bake 30 minutes, or until toothpick inserted in center cupcake comes out clean or with moist crumbs. Let cupcakes cool 10 minutes then transfer to wire rack to cool completely.

To make whipped vanilla buttercream: In large bowl of stand mixer, beat butter on medium-high speed until light and fluffy, about 3 minutes. Add vanilla and, with mixer on low, slowly add in powdered sugar, cream and salt, scraping down sides of bowl as needed. Once incorporated, whip frosting at least 3 minutes on medium-high or high speed. If frosting is too thick, gradually beat in additional cream. Pipe on top of cooled cupcakes and sprinkle with cinnamon.

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CREATE THE PERFECT APPETIZER PLATE Delight your guests with individual appetizer plates this season by considering color, texture and presentation. Remember, this is the prelude to the meal, so small portions are perfectly fine. Consider this starter list:

Make Small Holiday Celebrations Special with a Fresh Menu family features

Holiday festivities with immediate family members or just a few friends rather than larger gatherings may feel different than normal, but you can make the most of the situation with these tips to add intimacy and special meaning to celebratory moments: •

•

•

Use special dishes, glassware and linens to convey the tone of the celebration. Go ahead and use your best dishes or enhance your everyday plates with the use of cloth napkins or a festive tablecloth. Bring out the fancy glasses to savor every sip.

Arrange visually appealing, individual mini-snack platters for each person. Combine grapes with a special cheese, crackers, olives and nuts for an easy way to curb appetites before the main course.

Set a festive table with a simple but creative centerpiece. For instance, you can combine candles, flowers and draped bunches of colorful grapes. Place votive candles on mirrors for added shimmer and sparkle. Tie a gold or silver wire ribbon bow around the napkins at each place setting. Handwritten place cards with guests’ names can add a surprising and special touch.

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• • • • • • • • • • • • • • •

Cheese Nuts Fresh grapes Olives Hummus Marinated artichoke hearts Salami slices Spinach or other dips Dolmades (stuffed grape leaves) Roasted red peppers Crackers Pita triangles Thin breadsticks Pretzels Jam or honey

•

Stay healthy to enjoy the holidays. Choose healthy foods like fruits and vegetables that help support the immune system. Maintain your exercise schedule as much as possible and ensure you are getting enough sleep.

•

Opt for homemade over processed foods for signature dishes then reinforce with prepared items to fill out the menu, if needed. Let your guests bring part of the meal or something to contribute to the festivities.

Adding a sweet touch to the menu can help keep guests coming back for more. For example, fresh California grapes are available into January and are perfect for the holiday season. Enjoy them as a fresh, healthy snack or side dish, or as an ingredient to add taste and visual appeal to recipes to make the season feel special.

Start the meal with a simple but beautiful salad such as Grape and Spinach Salad with Raspberry Balsamic Dressing, where the grapes provide festive color and pleasing texture.

Pair your chosen entree with Warm Farro Salad with Grapes and Delicata Squash for a hearty side dish that can also be served on its own. Finally, cap off the celebration with homemade Grape and Apple Sheet Pan Pie. Visit grapesfromcalifornia.com/recipe to find more holidayworthy dishes from appetizers and entrees to sides, snacks and desserts.

GRAPE AND SPINACH SALAD WITH RASPBERRY BALSAMIC DRESSING Prep time: 20 minutes 8 cups fresh baby spinach, washed 4 1/2 cups California grapes 1 1/4 cups mandarin orange segments, drained if using canned 1/3 cup thinly sliced red onion

Servings: 8 3/4 cup bottled light balsamic vinegar and oil dressing 1/4 cup orange juice 3 tablespoons raspberry jam 3/4 cup crunchy chow mein noodles

In large salad bowl, combine spinach with grapes, oranges and onion.

Whisk together dressing, orange juice and jam. Pour over salad and toss until greens are coated with dressing. Divide among eight plates and top with crunchy noodles.

WARM FARRO SALAD WITH GRAPES AND DELICATA SQUASH Prep time: 20 minutes Cook time: 30 minutes Servings: 8 3 pounds delicata squash, cut lengthwise, seeded and cut into 1/2-inch slices 3 1/2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil, divided 1 teaspoon coarse salt, divided 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper, divided 1 pinch cayenne pepper 1 1/2 cups farro 2 cups water 3 1/2 tablespoons lemon juice 1 teaspoon lemon zest 1 1/2 cups halved California grapes 1/2 cup chopped parsley Heat oven to 425 F. On sheet pan, toss squash with 2 tablespoons olive oil, 1/2 teaspoon salt, 1/4 teaspoon pepper and cayenne pepper. Spread into single layer and roast 10-15 minutes, or until bottoms are browned. Turn squash and roast 10-15 minutes, or until browned and tender.

While squash is cooking, combine farro, water and remaining salt. Bring to boil, reduce to simmer, cover and cook until farro is tender, 25-30 minutes. Drain leftover water and transfer to large bowl. Add squash, remaining olive oil, remaining pepper, lemon juice, lemon zest, grapes and parsley; toss.

Note: Acorn or butternut squash may be substituted for delicata squash.

GRAPE AND APPLE SHEET PAN PIE Prep time: 1 hour Cook time: 50 minutes Servings: 16

Dough: 4 cups all-purpose flour 1 1/2 tablespoons sugar 2 teaspoons kosher salt 3 1/2 sticks cold unsalted butter, cut into 1/2-inch cubes 1 cup ice water, plus additional if needed

Filling: 3 pounds Granny Smith or other tart apples, peeled and thinly sliced (about 9 cups) 4 cups black California grapes 3/4 cup sugar 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour 2 tablespoons lemon juice 1 pinch salt 1 egg 1 tablespoon water demerara sugar, for garnish To make dough: In large bowl, whisk flour, sugar and salt. Add butter and toss with flour mixture. Smash each butter cube flat then use fork to stir in cold water. Knead lightly until dough comes

together in ball. Transfer to floured work surface and use well-floured rolling pin to roll into 10-by-15-inch sheet. Fold each short side into middle and close like a book. Fold once more to make thick block and cut in half. Wrap each piece in plastic and chill at least 30 minutes or overnight.

To make filling: In large bowl, combine apples, grapes, sugar, flour, lemon juice and salt; set aside.

To assemble pie: Heat oven to 375 F. Roll one half of dough out to 18-by-13inch rectangle. Transfer to 10-by-15-inch heavy baking sheet; place in refrigerator to chill while rolling out top sheet. Roll out remaining dough to 18-by-13-inch rectangle and use pastry cutter to cut into 1 1/2-inch wide strips.

Transfer filling into chilled pastry and spread evenly. Lay dough strips on top of filling in lattice pattern and crimp sides together. Mix egg with water and brush top of pie. Sprinkle with demerara sugar and bake until filling is bubbling, and crust is nicely browned, about 45-50 minutes.

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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

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MASTER BEDROOM

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MASTER BATH

HEARTH ROOM

DINING ROOM

GUEST APARTMENT ROOM

MOROT COURT GATES

TROPHY ROOM

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VERANDAE

H&H Magazine | www.STLHandHMag.com 35

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

Lori Pisani 636.578.7781

Lori@Service1stHomes.com

Brittany Hale 636.399.6419

Brittany@Service1stHomes.com

Our team of Independent Realtors is ready to help you achieve your Real Estate dreams!

Ryan Sebacher 636.233.4327

John Castille 636.229.1329

Ryan@Service1stHomes.com

john.castille@Service1stHomes.com

Wendy Halamicek 636.634.1152

Steve Savory 314.604.3999

Tom Bayer 314.262.9311

Julie Steinbruegge 314.378.5146

Wendy@Service1stHomes.com Steve.Savory@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!

36 H&H Magazine | www.STLHandHMag.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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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 2020

WINTER

11 Must-See Holiday Light Displays in St. Louis ANHEUSER-BUSCH BREWERY LIGHTS | Through January 3 | budweisertours.com GARDEN GLOW | Through January 4 | glow.missouribotanicalgarden.org FESTIVAL OF LIGHTS | Through December 26 | christmasinstlouis.com/festival-of-lights WINTER WONDERLAND AT TILLES PARK | Through January 2 | winterwonderlandstl.com HOLIDAY FUN AT GRANT’S FARM | Through December 31 | grantsfarm.com WAY OF LIGHTS | Through December 31 | snows.org/wayoflights U.S. BANK WILD LIGHTS | Through December 30 | stlzoo.org WONDERLIGHTS AT WORLD WIDE TECHNOLOGY RACEWAY | Through January 3 | wwtraceway.com HOLIDAY IN THE PARK | Through January 1 | sixflags.com SANTA’S MAGICAL KINGDOM | Through January 2 | santasmagicalkingdom.com LOT OF LIGHTS | Through January 2 | lotoflights.com H&H Magazine | www.STLHandHMag.com 39

CHRISTMAS CANDLELIGHT CONCERT DEC 23, 2020 7:00 PM to 8:00 PM BACHSOCIETY.ORG/CHRISTMAS LOCATION: Virtual Anywhere -Virtual AnywhereVirtual, St Louis, Missouri Any

LOCATION: Online St Louis, Missouri DATE & TIME: Dec 19, 2020 12:00 PM to 2:00 PM + CIRCUSHARMONY.ORG PHONE: 314.436.7676 EMAIL: circusday@circusharmony.org What: Circus Harmony and Circus Circuli present Sister City Circus Video in celebration of the 60th Anniversary of St. Louis and Suttgart being sister cities.

45th Annual

Soulard Holiday Parlour Tour

DEC 5, 2020 to JAN 4, 2021

SOULARDPARLOURTOUR.ORG

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LOCATION: Online

St Louis, Missouri

EL MONSTERO: THE WARM THRILL OF CONFUSION DEC 17, 2020 to DEC 31, 2020

THEPAGEANT.COM

LOCATION: The Pageant 6161 Delmar Boulevard, St Louis, Missouri 63112

NEW YEAR’S EVE CRUISE TICKETS.GATEWAYARCH.COM

PHONE:

LOCATION: The Riverboats at the Gateway Arch

DEC 31, 2020 9:30 PM to 12:30 AM 877.982.1410

EMAIL: info@gatewayarch.com

50 S. Leonor K. Sullivan Blvd., St Louis, Missouri 63102 H&H Magazine | www.STLHandHMag.com 41