Home and Happenings April 2015 issue

APRIL 2015

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

www.STLHandHMag.com

EDITOR IN CHIEF Wade Brewer

DESIGN Josh West

FEATURES EDITOR Andrew Brewer

A note from the editor...

Spring has finally sprung and in this issue we offer some great information on living in our area this time of year. There is a great article on dealing with spring allergies which seem to be effecting a lot of people this year. To help you beautify your home inside and out, there is a great article on do-it-yourself projects as well as some great tips on home organization and spring cleaning.

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

After all the hard work you put in to making your home look great, we offer you an insight on outdoor entertaining in your own outdoor oasis. Of course, it wouldn’t be a spring edition without some great ideas to help to pamper mom this Mother’s Day. I hope you enjoy this issue, and look forward to preparing the next issue for you!

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 6

Thoughtful Mother’s Day Gift Ideas

8

Mentor Knows Best

10

Better Living Starts With You

12

DIY From the Inside - Out

14

Outdoor Oasis

16

Improve Your Spring Cleaning Routine

17

5 Tips For Seasonal Allergy Relief

18

Happenings

4

Secret to Mother’s Day Gift Giving H& Magazine | www.STLHandHMag.com 3

The Secret to Mother’s Day Gifting Success:

Give Time, Not Stuff She nursed you through countless cases of childhood sniffles, taught you to tie your shoes and make a mean omelet, and she’s still your go-to source for good advice and your favorite homebaked cookies. Are you really going to just give Mom a pair of socks and some flowers for Mother’s Day? You can do better than that.

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In the tradition of a current pop-culture meme, here’s a “give this, not that” list of Mother’s Day ideas: Give: Your time.

Last year, 44 percent of mothers surveyed by online deal site PriceGrabber said they wanted quality time with their family for Mother’s Day. Whether your family includes adult children who live and work far from their childhood home (and Mom) or a busy family

with young children, it can be hard to find time to spend with each other on a regular basis.

On Mother’s Day, make a point of devoting the day to Mom. Whatever you choose to do together - dine out, visit a botanical garden or just hang out at home - you’ll be giving her the gift she wants most: time with you.

Don’t give: Stuff.

There’s a difference between a thoughtful gift that has mean-

ing to the recipient, and something clearly bought out of desperation just so the giver has something to hand over on Mother’s Day. Moms know the difference. Things like cowboy boots, sunglasses and even designer purses were among the items mothers said they didn’t want in a survey by Ebates. Don’t wait until the last minute to buy something she may not want. Put some thought into the gift a week or two before the big day so you can be sure you’re giving her something she really wants, like a piece of unique jewelry, her favorite bath products, or an attractive scarf.

Give: A great meal out.

It’s easy to understand why dining out was on the list of most-wanted gifts for mothers in every geographic area surveyed by Ebates. What could make Mom happier than enjoying a great meal with her family? Not having to cook it herself or clean up afterward!

Taking Mom out for meal is a time-honored Mother’s Day tradition and restaurants can be busy on the first Sunday of May. In fact, Chris Ciavarra, senior vice president of marketing for Cracker Barrel Old Country Store, reports that Mother’s Day is one of the busiest days of the year for their restaurant locations across the country. When choosing a place to take Mom, look for a place that will please

her palate with familiar flavors, good food and the kind of warm, comforting ambience she creates in her own dining room or kitchen. Family-style restaurants like Cracker Barrel are a good choice for Mother’s Day because there’s something on the menu for everyone.

Plus, when Mom’s done with her meal, she can pick out the perfect gift from the store’s collection of nostalgic items.

Don’t give: Practical kitchen items.

No matter how much Mom says she wants a new electric can opener or how much she needs a new set of pots and pans, don’t give these items on Mother’s Day. Moms are more than just the sum of the time they spend in the kitchen. If she really needs and wants those things, why not give them to her at some other time of year, for no other reason than she’s a great mother? Or, if you must give something kitchen-related for Mother’s Day, consider something that’s pretty and fun, too, like decorative serve ware.

Buy from a store that offers free gift wrapping services - like Cracker Barrel - and it’s even easier to give a good-looking gift.

gift card is all you have to do.

Research to find just the right card for her, and then offer to accompany her on a shopping excursion to her favorite store.

That way, you’ll be giving her two things she wants most - a gift card and time spent with you.

Don’t give: Technology.

Do you really want to give Mom a smartphone that will be obsolete by next Mother’s Day? Or a tablet so complicated she’ll never figure out how to use it on her own?

If your mother’s digitally inclined, chances are she already has the tech she needs and wants. And if she doesn’t, trying to choose it for her can be like trying to pick a pet for someone else - never a good idea. Instead, keep gift items simple, personal and nostalgic.

For more Mother’s Day gift ideas, gift cards and to learn about special menus for Mother’s Day, visit www.crackerbarrel.com

Give: Gift cards.

A gift card to her favorite store was another popular selection of moms surveyed by Ebates.

But don’t think giving her a H& Magazine | www.STLHandHMag.com 5

(c) Mat Hayward - Fotolia.com

Thoughtful Mother’s Day Ideas

That Won’t Break the Bank

Spring is here and with it comes a great day to celebrate moms. If you’re watching your wallet, you may be in need of some great ideas for celebrating Mother’s Day. As it turns out, some of the most thoughtful gift and activity ideas are the most economical and easy to plan.

To help you plan your Mother’s Day celebration, the discount experts at Dollar General are offering some great ideas.

Breakfast in Bed Pamper mom with breakfast in bed, complete with delicious pancakes, a good book or magazine and hot coffee.

She’ll love the opportunity to relax and enjoy her morning without the hustle and bustle of everyday life.

Grow Something Together Sometimes the best gift is an afternoon spent together.

Pick out a planter Mom will love, along with seeds, soil and gardening tools. Spend the afternoon creating something that will grow all season long and remind Mom of her time spent with you.

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Bake and Make Mom might love her kitchen just the way it is, but you can add a splash of color and flair with some inexpensive additions from a discount retailer, such as Dollar General.

Update Mom’s kitchen with new accessories, like a kitchen towel or oven mitt, or even a new appliance like a coffee maker or mixer. Complete your kitchen additions with a baking mix for cookies or brownies, and spend time with Mom creating something yummy together.

Tell the Birds Does your mom love the outdoors? Pick out a unique birdhouse and bird seed for her, so she can enjoy the natural sounds of the season. You could even turn it into an art and crafts project and make a birdhouse together.

To save even more on Mother’s Day gifts, download digital coupons from DG.com, and look for everyday low prices at over 11,800 nationwide locations.

This Mother’s Day, show Mom how much you care, while making memories you can cherish for years to come.

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W

hether she’s your mom or a “like-amother” mentor, chances are you’ve got a lot to thank her for this Mother’s Day. It’s a time for celebrating your biggest supporters, number one fans and best friends.

In life, we’re lucky to form relationships with women we can learn from and grow with. Beth Somers, Elizabeth Nelson and Emily Tatak from the Wilton Test Kitchen consider themselves lucky.

Beth Somers, Director of Creative Content Development, owes her start to her former boss Milette Raz. Raz is trained in the Wilton Method of Cake DecoratingTM and taught Somers how to decorate. But Somers thinks of Raz as so much more — calling her a mentor, her second mother and her friend. Years after working together, the duo teamed up for Cupcake Wars on the Food Network, returning home as champions of season six with winning recipes like Tropical Getaway Cupcakes.

Elizabeth Nelson, Assistant Culinary Specialist, attributes her love of baking to her grandma Ann, learning the basics with her and picking up passed down recipes that she brought with her to college. She looks up to her mother, her grandmother and her great-grandmother, whom she’s told she also gets her competitive nature from. Nelson and her grandmother went through a lot of trial and error together to come up with what they believe is the perfect cinnamon roll recipe, very similar to this recipe for Cinnamon Rolls with Caramel Glaze.

For Emily Tatak, preserving family recipes and continuing the traditions around the holidays and in the kitchen led to her career at Wilton as an Assistant Culinary Specialist. She owes her inspiration to her mom, who taught her how to bake.

Together they iced cakes, decorated sugar cookies and even made a gingerbread house from scratch. Keeping with tradition, celebrating the holidays without grandma Irene’s Kolachy recipe just wouldn’t be the same.

For more recipe ideas to honor your mother or special mentor, such as Tropical Getaway Cupcakes, visit s.wilton.com/MentorKnowsBest.

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Cinnamon Rolls with Caramel Glaze

Servings: 1 dozen rolls Rolls: 1 1/3 cups warm milk (105°F)

2 packages (1/4-ounce each) active dry yeast 1/4 cup granulated sugar, divided 1/2 cup (1 stick) butter, softened

2 egg yolks

1 teaspoon Wilton Pure Vanilla Extract 3/4 teaspoon salt

4 cups bread flour, plus more for dusting Filling: 1/2 cup (1 stick) butter, softened 1/3 cup granulated sugar

2 tablespoons bread flour

2 tablespoons ground cinnamon Glaze: 1/4 cup (1/2 stick) butter 1/2 cup lightly-packed light brown sugar 1/2 cup heavy whipping cream

1 teaspoon Wilton Pure Vanilla Extract 1/4 teaspoon salt

1 cup confectioners’ sugar (about 1/4 pound) For rolls, stir together warm milk, yeast and 1 tablespoon sugar in large bowl. Let stand 5–10 minutes or until foamy. Add butter, remaining 3 tablespoons sugar, egg yolks, vanilla and salt. Mix with electric mixer using dough hook on medium speed until combined. Gradually add flour, 1 cup at a time, and mix on medium speed until smooth, elastic dough forms, about 5 minutes.

with plastic wrap and let rise 25–30 minutes or until doubled in size.

Meanwhile, heat oven to 350°F. Remove plastic wrap from rolls and bake 25–29 minutes or until golden brown. Cool in pan on wire rack while preparing glaze.

In large bowl, beat cream cheese and butter with electric mixer on medium speed until well com­bined. Add flour, vanilla and salt; beat until just combined. Divide dough into 2 disks.

Wrap with plastic wrap and chill at least 12 hours.

For glaze, melt butter in saucepan over medium heat. Add brown sugar and cream. Cook over medium-high heat until mixture reaches a simmer; cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly.

Heat oven to 375°F.

Remove from heat and stir in vanilla and salt. Whisk in confectioners’ sugar until smooth. Pour glaze over warm rolls. Serve warm.

Grandma’s Kolachy Cookies

Servings: 6 1/2 dozen cookies

1 package (8 ounces) cream cheese, softened

1 cup (2 sticks) butter, softened

2 cups all-purpose flour

1 teaspoon Wilton Pure Vanilla Extract 1/2 teaspoon salt Poppy seed, apricot and

strawberry pastry filling Confectioners’ sugar, for dusting

Working with 1 disk at a time, roll each to 1/8-inch thickness on generously floured surface. Cut cookies using 2-inch round cutter.

Place on cookie sheet and make indentation in dough with thumb.

Spoon 1/2 teaspoon pastry filling into each indentation.

Bake 16–18 minutes or until edges are lightly browned. Cool cookies on pan on cooling grid 5 minutes.

Remove from pan; cool completely on grid. Dust with confectioners’ sugar before serving.

Spray large bowl with vegetable pan spray. Form dough into ball, place into bowl and cover with plastic wrap. Let stand in warm place for 45 minutes or until doubled in size.

For filling, stir together butter, sugar, flour and cinnamon in medium bowl until well-combined.

Prepare 13-by-9-inch pan with vegetable pan spray.

Punch dough down and roll out to 18-by-14-inch rectangle on floured surface. Spread filling onto dough and roll up from long end, like a jelly roll.

Pinch seam to seal, trim ends and cut into 12 equally-sized pieces.

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There isn’t a one-size-fits-all approach to living a better life, but most people agree — feeling your best is aligned with making healthier choices.

The road to well-being starts with making informed decisions that will help you to shop, cook, eat and feel better.

From career-driven singles to busy moms and dads, making healthy decisions on a daily basis is a challenge for most Americans. In fact, a 2014 study published for Food Marketing Institute by Prevention magazine and Rodale Inc. found that two out of three shoppers agree that what you eat affects wellness, but a hectic lifestyle can disrupt even the healthiest of intentions.

A tool for smarter shopping

With so much noise about food, diet fads, packaging claims and labeling, the information can be hard to sort through. The same study also found that people who wish to make better food choices plan to do so by consuming fewer unhealthy foods, preparing more healthy dishes on their own and eating out less often. One tool that supports this common approach for healthy eating is the NuVal® Nutritional Scoring System, which helps savvy shoppers identify and compare foods on their nutritional value, just as one would compare price.

“If you can count to 100, you can use NuVal,” said Mike Nugent, NuVal general manager. “As consumers shop in stores that use the system, they’ll find the score on the shelf tag. Ranked from 1 to 100, foods with higher scores provide more nutrition. These scores allow you to make quick decisions while you shop. If two food products are similarly priced, but one has a higher score, simply choose the one with more nutrition.”

Based on science and endorsed by doctors, these scores were developed by an independent team of nutrition and medical experts. Created to empower consumers to get the most nutritional bang for their buck, the scores also track with the Department of Agriculture’s dietary guidelines and recommendations from the ChooseMyPlate.gov program.

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Balanced living

Beyond helping you shop with a customized food plan, these scores can also help you in the kitchen with easy meal makeovers, power up your fitness regime with proper food choices and easily identify smarter food options that match your lifestyle. It all starts in the store with food choices that fuel your journey towards good nutrition, health and wellness.

With your unique needs in mind, make sure the next shopping experience helps to guide better eating habits, cooking styles and fitness plans for a better you. Visit nuval.com for shopping and nutrition tips or to find food stores that use the scoring system.

Eat well while on-the-go No matter where you eat — whether it’s in the car, at the office, or caught at the airport — you can make better eating decisions with a little preparation. Keep these tips in mind at your next grocery store visit and you’ll be ready for healthier on-the-go snacking: Commuter’s plan. Store healthy, non-perishable snacks in computer bags, purses or cars. Portable possibilities include apples; whole grain crackers with almond butter; and whole-grain cereal with raw nuts and seeds.

Desk-side dining. Pack high nutrition meals days you know you won’t get away from your desk. Roll a whole-grain pita around vegetables and lean protein meat or poultry; mix chunks of fresh fruit with lowfat yogurt; dunk raw vegetables into non-fat dressing or Greek yogurt. For mid-afternoon snacks, munch on 1 cup of air-popped popcorn; or 1 cup of wholegrain cereal mixed with a tablespoon of raw nuts and seeds for a protein punch.

Swap your way through the day Consider these healthy ideas for meals and snacks to fuel your busy day.

Breakfast: Ditch the donuts with healthier hot breakfast ideas such as poached, boiled or baked eggs (NuVal 56); whole grain cooked, hot oatmeal (NuVal 93); or a baked apple (NuVal 100) with cinnamon and raw walnuts (NuVal 84).

Lunch: Forget the fast food and plan ahead with a salad of baby spinach (NuVal 100), one pound of sea scallops (NuVal 67) sauteed in canola oil (NuVal 32), two segmented oranges (NuVal 100) and 1 tablespoon minced shallots (NuVal 100).

Dinner: Prepare a hearthealthy feast of fish such as king salmon (NuVal 93) or farm-raised coho salmon (NuVal 93) served alongside a baked sweet potato (NuVal 100).

Snacks: Pack a piece of citrus fruit to reenergize your day.

Fruits such as oranges, grapefruit, strawberries and papaya all have a NuVal score of 100. For a kidfriendly snack, top strips of celery, cucumbers or carrot sticks (NuVal 100) with a smear of almond butter (NuVal 84) and natural raisins (NuVal 88).

4 steps to a better you The NuVal Nutritional Scoring System was devel­oped to help shoppers make more informed decisions each time they shop.

Here are the four easy-to-use steps to make more nutritious decisions at the store: 1. Find it. Scores are on shelf tags so you can compare price and nutritional value at the same time.

2. Score it. The 1 to 100 score guides you to better food choices — higher scores mean better nutrition.

3. Compare it. Compare nutrition like price. No more scouring food labels. Use scores to choose between brands or switch to more nutritious products.

4. Bag it. Make the best food choices to meet your lifestyle, tastes and budget.

Salad bar basics: Visit your local grocery store salad bar and hand craft several different small salads right in store for dinners or take-towork meals. Avoid mayonnaisebased items and high-fat toppings. Consider high-fiber red, black and white beans as one protein choice.

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For many homeowners, the weekend is their chance to get their house in order, tackling that seemingly endless list of projects that take a little more time. After all, the key to improved function, value and comfort at home requires a plan, some elbow grease and a few simple tips to help you do it yourself. Use these projects as inspiration and make your favorite dwelling spaces shine from the inside out.

Indoor appeal

Enjoying the charm and style of your home should be easy, but everyday life has its way of bringing clutter to every nook and cranny. From the room where you dress and sleep to the special areas where guests stay, here are some ideas for keeping your dwelling spaces organized and tidy.

Master bedroom

Your master bedroom, where you start and end each day, is an extension of you and your lifestyle. Make sure your master closet is equally outfitted to reflect your personal style. Beauty meets function with ClosetMaid’s SuiteSympony line, a DIY laminate product, now available in a contemporary Natural Gray finish. This product is an ideal upgrade for your closet, and can typically be completed in one weekend. Optional accessories include drawers, door fronts, shoe shelves 12 H&H Magazine | www.STLHandHMag.com

and expandable hang rods. You spent time giving the room character and style — boost the functionality of your closet and free yourself from the mess.

Guest rooms

Especially in a smaller guest space, room to store extra belongings may be at a premium. Whether your goal is to make guests feel more at home or to create overflow storage for your own items, make the most of your closet space. ClosetMaid’s ShelfTrack organizer kit comes with everything you need — wire shelves, hang track, brackets, hardware and hang rods — all in one box. This affordable storage solution works on an adjustable mounting system, which makes it easy to reconfigure shelf space or the entire closet design as your needs change.

With the right organizer in place, you and guests will have ample room to stow clothing, suitcases and more.For more ideas for keeping your rooms organized, visit www.ClosetMaid.com.

Tools for a tidy lawn Make your yard the envy of your neighbors. The LawnMaster 40V Max Lithium-Ion Starter Kit offers everything you need, including a 12-inch Cordless Grass Trimmer and a 22-inch Cordless Hedge Trimmer. To complete the set with incredible power, a 40V Max Lithium-Ion 2.0 Ah Battery and Quick Charger are included, so you can get the job done quickly. Affordably priced at $235.97, visit www.lawnmaster. com/40VMax for more details.

Simple Space Saving Tips From the garage to the living room, every area of the home is suscep­tible to clutter. Use your weekend, along with some of these clutter-free solutions, and breathe new life into your spaces.

Be a successful sorter. Since tidying up a space requires time and patience, sorting your items can make the task at hand a bit easier. Use large laundry hampers or storage bins and label them as “keep,” “trash,” or “donate/sell.” Ask yourself the last time you used the item in question. If the item hasn’t been touched in years, it may be time to let it go.

Start small. The task of organizing an entire room can be daunting, so take baby steps. Direct your atten­tion to sorting one shelf, cabinet or wall at a time, being careful not to move to another area until the first section is complete. When you feel like giving up, look at the space you’ve spruced up to reenergize and refocus on your next tidying task.

Keep it up. After you’ve tackled a weekend cleaning session, revisit these once-cluttered areas at least once a month.

Spending just 15 minutes to keep areas neat and orderly can save you big time later on.

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C

reating a perfect outdoor oasis — the first step toward a summer filled with carefree entertaining — requires careful planning for the entire space. While the arrival of spring is the perfect time to start thinking about landscape ele­ments, don’t overlook the finer details, such as the furniture and accessories, that truly bring an outdoor space to life.

Whether you’re looking to create a family-friendly space for entertaining, a serene poolside retreat or a secret garden that showcases your green thumb, begin by defining your vision. Having a clear idea of how your finished space will look and feel will help you make the best decisions as you begin designing the retreat of your dreams.

Furniture that fits Although tastes and trends may change from one season to the next, selecting the right furniture pieces from the start will let you bring fresh new looks to your outdoor space in other ways.

Sectional seating is an attractive option because it allows you to redefine your space in minutes. Hosting a party?

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Strategically placed sectional seating can open up your space and encourage an evening of mingling. Prefer a more intimate arrangement for poolside conversations or a datenight in? The sectional can be rearranged into a closer configuration.

Look for a versatile collection in neutral colors, such as Pier 1 Imports’ Echo Beach collection. This sectional can be arranged in more than 20 different ways, allowing you to arrange and rearrange to your heart’s content.

To round out your furniture, consider the highly functional but often underrated garden stool. Place one in a quiet corner for meditative moments, pair them to create a one-of-a-kind coffee table, or pull one up when you need an extra seat. As an added bonus, when cooler weather returns, you can pull your garden stool indoors for a sweet reminder of summer.

Investing in the right pieces will save you time and money in the long run. When you’re ready for a new look, you can easily change the feel of your patio with acces­sories or a new brightly colored accent piece, such as a tiled bistro table or outdoor Papasan chair.

Accent your style Once your furniture is in place, you’ve got a blank slate to play with and most importantly, to accessorize!

Accessorizing is where the decorating happens and your personal style shines through.

Add pillows, cushions, umbrellas, outdoor rugs and even outdoor curtains to your space, and what started as a dull patio will begin to transform into an extension of your home. To mix patterns like a pro, choose pillows and rugs in the same color family, vary the scale of your patterns and introduce textures to ensure that they don’t compete with each other.

Be sure to layer in treasures that are uniquely you — lanterns, wall decor, statues and windchimes — to establish a space bursting with personality.

Remember, small changes can make a big impact. Refresh last year’s patterns with the new trends, or simply add a few new accessories into your existing decor for a budget-friendly way to satisfy your urge to update.

Find more tips to transform your boring backyard into a refreshing retreat at www.pier1.com.

Summer Entertaining

Once your beautiful outdoor space is complete, you’ll undoubtedly be eager to showcase your hard work.

Make enter­taining a breeze with these tips from the experts at Pier 1 Imports:

Highlight your party’s main attraction — the food.

If you’re hosting the whole family for a cookout, make memories during a sit-down meal around your outdoor dining table.

Freshen up the meal with dinnerware that’s as eyecatching as it is durable.

Easy-care melamine and fresh-hued acrylic stemware pieces let your guests enjoy without fear of shat­tering glasses or the festive mood.

A less conventional approach that is perfect for drinks and small bites — serving carts. They bring action to the party, whether that’s on the patio, in the garden or poolside.

Create a one-of-a-kind tablescape.

Combine your favorite accessories, such as handcrafted trays, detailed lanterns and a colorful bouquet, to create a cheerful centerpiece that instantly feels like summer.

Give your party buffet a personal touch with an eclectic mix of your favorite serving dishes. Think multi-use beverage tubs, cheery cake stands and bold chip and dip trays.

Think about the light, both day and night.

For a daytime pool party, protect guests from sunburn and the heat by investing in colorful umbrellas to provide a little shade — and the perfect place to sip a cold drink.

When the sun sets, opt for a more romantic glow that lights up the night.

Strategically placed lanterns in a variety of styles, shapes and colors will be the light of your party.

For mood lighting at the touch of a button, Pier 1 Imports’ outdoor LED candles resemble their melted wax counter­parts but offer a bit of added magic. They’re compatible with a remote control (sold separately) that allows you to set a timer with automatic shut-off.

Gifts of Summer

If summer finds you doing more party-going than party-throwing, show your gratitude by bringing along a little something that recognizes all the work that goes into hosting a perfect party.

Think about items that can be used at the party, such as wine charms or a citronella candle with a lantern for a practical, yet fun gift.

Everyone loves a good party game. Pier 1 Imports’ Horseshoe Game or Ladder Ball & Bean Bag Game are great hostess gift options.

If you’re attending a potluck, bring your famous dessert on a serving dish that you know the host will love and leave it behind so it can be enjoyed for parties to come.

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Improve Your Spring-Cleaning Routine and Create a Healthier Home

Spring is cleaning season. You’ve opened the curtains to let in the sunshine and every cleaning product you have in the house is primed and ready for action.

The whole family has been enlisted to help. The youngest is in charge of wiping all the cobwebs off the floorboards. You have the older children giving the windows a good scrubbing, and your partner is assigned to hit all the hard-to-reach spots with a duster and vacuum hose. No room, piece of furniture or square inch of the house will be spared!

The idea behind spring cleaning is to make your home healthier. You’re removing the dirt, dander and dust particles that have accumulated over the winter months, as well as organizing everything for a more efficient lifestyle. But it can be easy to forget that cleaning the air is just as important as the rest of the house. Indoor air is two to five times more polluted than outdoor air, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) reports. And did you know

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that many of the cleaning supplies that will make your floors, windows and furniture sparkle in the spring sunlight can actually pollute your indoor air?

or disinfect. These chemicals might be good for industrial cleaning, but unfortunately, they often aren’t so great for indoor air quality at home.

Air quality is very important for homeowners. In fact, 34 percent of Americans are concerned about the air quality in their homes, according to a 2014 study by the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America (AAFA).

Additionally, some moms have to worry about health issues like asthma and allergies within the family. Clean indoor air is very important for helping to prevent exposure to triggers like irritants and allergens for children and adults who suffer from these conditions. For those families without these health concerns, clean indoor air should still be a part of the campaign to help your family live as healthily as possible. The study found that more than half of Americans put a least a moderate effort into improving the quality of their indoor air.

AAFA reviews and certifies household cleaning products like vacuums and cleaning solutions that are more suitable for people with asthma and allergies, as well as anyone wanting to promote healthy and clean indoor air in their home. For families with a loved one suffering from asthma or allergies, this is very important because poor indoor air can trigger asthma attacks or allergy flair-ups. The asthma & allergy friendly(TM) Certification Mark is only awarded to cleaning products that meet AAFA’s tough Certification Standards.

Yet many cleaning products are loaded with chemicals to help them sanitize

New products are consistently certified and added to www.aafa.org/certified.

So as you plan your household springcleaning campaign, be sure to consider Certified asthma & allergy friendly products that will clean your house, and help keep your indoor air clean as well.

NOTHING TO SNEEZE AT

5 tips for seasonal allergy relief

Spring is upon us, and if you have seasonal allergies, you may be less excited about that than most. After all, what fun is finally freeing your face from that scarf if you’re just going to bury it in a tissue? It’s no fun at all, but allergies don’t have to make you miserable.

“The key to surviving spring allergies is knowing what triggers your symptoms,” said allergist James Sublett, MD, president of the American College of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology (ACAAI). “Because there can be millions of pollen particles in the air, finding allergy relief can seem nearly impossible for some. But by knowing what triggers your allergy symptoms, and how to avoid these allergens, you can be on your way to a sneeze-free season.

Here are tips from ACAAI to help you find relief and enjoy spring. * The feel of cotton. For allergy suffers, not all clothing materials are created equal.

Research shows that when synthetic fabrics rub against one another, they create an electrical charge that attracts pollen, which, as it turns out, is also electrically charged.

Natural fibers such as cotton also breathe better, so they stay drier and less hospitable to moisture-loving mold.

* Adjust your workout routine. After months indoors, you can’t wait to exercise outside.

However, exercising causes you to breathe more deeply and inhale the pollen that affects your allergy symptoms. If you’re planning a vigorous workout, try to stay indoors and if you’re planning on taking a casual walk, take a nondrowsy antihistamine before you go. Exercise outdoors when pollen counts are at their lowest - before dawn and in the late afternoon or early evening. * Garden smart. Think your spring allergies are going to force you to quit gardening?

Think again. Taking an antihistamine about half an hour before you head outside will help. You should also wear gloves and a NIOSH-rated 95 filter mask if your tasks including digging in the dirt, which can stir up pollen. Avoid touching your eyes, and be sure to wash your hands, hair and clothing once you go back indoors. * Take something a little stronger. Over the counter intranasal steroids (nasal sprays) as well as non-drowsy antihistamines and decongestants can be beneficial for those suffering from mild allergies. However, people suffering from more severe allergies will benefit from seeing an allergist.

“An allergist will help you develop an

action plan with ways to avoid allergy triggers and determine what treatment is best for your individual needs,” says Dr. Sublett. Many severe allergy sufferers find relief in immunotherapy - allergy shots that help the body build resistance to the effects of the allergen. While there is no cure for the more than 50 million Americans suffering from allergies, immunotherapy is known to modify and prevent disease progression. * Eliminate uninvited guests. You can make your spring allergies more bearable by limiting your exposure to indoor allergens.

Vacuum your furniture, leave your shoes by the door, shower frequently, cover your floors with washable throw rugs and use a dehumidifier to limit your mold exposure.

All of these steps will help, and look for a good air purifier with a HEPA filter.

Spring allergies are a fact of life but you don’t have to let them dictate yours. Employ the tips above, and you’ll be able to enjoy the warmer weather without constantly reaching for a tissue. To learn more about how to relieve your seasonal allergy symptoms, visit AllergyandAsthmaRelief.org

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SAINT LOUIS

HAPPENINGS April 2015

20th Annual St. Louis Microfest Beer Festival May 1-2

Upper Muny Parking LotForest Park stlmicrofest.org

Gateway Arch Riverboat Sightseeing Cruise Now through November 30

This beer tasting festival offers the chance to sample international and craft beers at three different session times over two days. The festival also includes live music, silent auction, live brewer and chef demonstrations. Profits from the festival go to Lift For Life Gym.

Gateway Arch Riverboats www.gatewayarch.com

Cinco de Mayo on Cherokee Street

Cruise down the Mississippi on this scenic one-hour sightseeing cruise and learn about the Mississppi River, the Gateway Arch, and the landmarks, architecture and rich history of St. Louis. The captain narrates the cruise aboard the Tom Sawyer and Becky Thatcher riverboats. Cruises are subject to cancellation due to flooding. Reservations required. Cruise times vary.

Save up to $3 on your sightseeing cruise when you purchase the Captain’s Combo! (One-Hour Sightseeing Cruise and “Journey to the Top” of the Gateway Arch).

2720 Cherokee Street www.cincodemayostl.com

26th Annual St. Louis Earth Day Festival April 26

The Muny Grounds in Forest Park www.stlouisearthday.org Learn about sustainable products and services offered by local businesses and organizations; meet area nonprofits that share Earth Day values; catch local musical acts and performance art; participate in a number of hands-on educational activities; and enjoy diverse cuisine featuring local, organic, vegetarian and vegan options.

18 H&H Magazine | www.STLHandHMag.com

May 2

The festival features authentic food, drinks, music, entertainment, art and merchandise. The People’s Joy Parade presented by Community Arts and Movement Project will begin at its traditional time of 1:11 p.m.

Wild Bacon Wine Trail May 2 & 3

Hermann, MO visithermann.com Sample creative bacon and wine pairings at seven stops on the scenic Hermann Wine Trail.

Advance tickets required.

St. Louis Renaissance Faire

19th Annual Chinese Culture Day

Wentzville Rotary Park www.stlrenfest.com

Missouri Botanical Garden www.mobot.org

May 16-June 14

Travel back in time as you step into the beautifully wooded, 16th century village called Petit Lyon! Immerse yourself in the costumes and mannerisms of the era. Thrill to the exploits of Jousting Knights on thundering steeds. Roam the village shops for unique crafts and goods as artisans demonstrate period skills. Delight in comedy, music and feats of derringdo. Feast on delicious food and drink while strolling minstrels entertain. Interact with the colorful villagers, nobles, peasants and personalities of ages past.

7th Annual Taste of Maplewood Street Festival May 16

Manchester and Sutton maplewood-chamber.com Vendors battle for bragging rights to have their vittles and libations hailed the “Best of” by celebrity judges. Categories include Best Sweet Tooth, Best Unexpected Flavor, Best Cocktail and Best Overall Taste of Maplewood. There will also be live entertainment on two stages.

May 16-17

A 70-foot dragon and lion dancers open this springtime celebration that includes a Grand Parade and acrobatics, theater, martial arts, Chinese calligraphy, painting and authentic regional cuisine. Enjoy t’ai chi and tea tasting in the Grigg Nanjing Friendship Garden, where special tours focus on the symbolism of many plant species and architectural details.

St. Louis Children’s Hospital Make Tracks for the Zoo May 17

St. Louis Zoo www.stlzoo.org A 5k run/walk or 1-mile race through Forest Park to benefit the Saint Louis Zoo. Runners and walkers of all ages can participate. Kids ages 7-12 can participate in a half-mile kids’ run, and kids ages 6 and under can participate in a quarter-mile kids’ run. 7:30 a.m.

Missouri River Irish Fest May 22-24

Lewis and Clark Heritage Days May 16-17

Frontier Park www.lewisandclarkheritagedays.com Lewis and Clark Heritage Days in St. Charles commemorates the arrival of Captain Clark and the Corps of Discovery to St. Charles. The reenactment includes a grand parade, military encampment, fife and drum corps muster, musket and cannon demonstrations, a skillet throw, and period music, food and wares. Each day begins with the raising of colors and the day ends with retreat and the lowering of colors.

Frontier Park www.moriverisrishfest.com St. Charles celebrates its Irish heritage and all things Irish a few months after St. Patrick’s Day. This annual event is held each year over the Memorial Day weekend. The Missouri River Irish Fest features storytelling, athletics, food, traditional crafts. The Children’s Area has face painting, Irish crafts, a fairy tea party and demonstrations by the Clarkson School of Irish Dance.

A marketplace is held where visitors can buy a wide variety of Irish items. There are plenty of food booths for a cold Irish beer and a hot bite to eat. One of the big draws during the festival is the full lineup of Irish entertainers and musicians that are featured all day long at the main stage in the middle of the park.

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